In a shocking and unprecedented move, Turki Alalshikh, the influential Saudi Arabian sports figure and chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, has sent shockwaves through the boxing world by announcing a $35 million bounty to anyone who can defeat the undisputed king of the ring, Canelo Alvarez. The bold proclamation has sparked conversations among fans, pundits and fighters alike, with top-level boxers such as Terence Crawford and David Benavidez adding fuel to the fire with their reactions.
Turki Alalshikh’s announcement came with fiery passion as he publicly declared his frustration with the current state of the boxing hierarchy. Known for his enthusiasm for sports and entertainment, Alalshikh has become a powerful player on the global boxing scene, hosting major fights in Saudi Arabia and investing heavily in the future of the sport. But his latest challenge took things to a new level.
“Enough is enough!” Alalshikh exclaimed, expressing his desire to see Canelo’s dominance in the ring challenged like never before. He promised a staggering $35 million bounty to any fighter who could successfully defeat Canelo, one of the sport’s most celebrated and feared champions. This massive bounty has the boxing world excited as it’s not just about the money, it’s about who has the guts and skill to rise to the ultimate challenge.
Four-division world champion Canelo Alvarez has long been regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in boxing. His exceptional skill set, power, and defensive prowess have left many opponents battered or unwilling to face him. Over the years, Canelo has built an empire in the boxing world, silencing critics and cementing his place in history. However, with greatness comes scrutiny, and Alalshikh’s frustration seems to stem from the belief that no one has been able to truly test Canelo’s limits in recent times.
“Canelo is untouchable at this point,” said a source. “The Alalshikh bounty is meant to turn things around, to make someone, anyone, hungry enough to take the risk and challenge the king.”
The explosive announcement quickly caught the attention of two of boxing’s biggest names: Terence “Bud” Crawford and David Benavidez, both of whom have long been rumored as potential opponents for Canelo. And neither of them wasted any time in responding to Alalshikh’s bold proposal.
Terence Crawford, fresh off of dominating Errol Spence Jr. and now holding an undefeated record, hinted at his interest. In a social media post, Crawford said: “Is there a lot of money on the line for anyone who can beat Canelo? Sounds tempting. But money isn’t what motivates me, it’s legacy. We’ll see what the future holds.”
Many see Crawford’s comment as a calculated move, reminding the world that he’s ready for the right challenge. With his impeccable boxing IQ and fearless attitude, Crawford could be the one to step into the ring with Canelo. Given his emphasis on legacy, though, it’s clear that Crawford wants more than just a payday – he wants to cement his place in history.
David Benavidez, often dubbed as one of the few men capable of dethroning Canelo, was more direct. “I’ve been ready for Canelo. This just adds more motivation. “They know who the real rival is,” Benavidez stated during an interview. The undefeated “Mexican Monster” has been campaigning for a showdown with Canelo for years, and many believe this bounty could finally make that fight a reality.
While Crawford and Benavidez have been vocal about their opinions, the boxing community at large has been enthusiastic about Alalshikh’s offer. Some see it as a positive move, designed to inject new life into the sport by pushing top-level athletes to seek out the most dangerous matchups. Others argue that the challenge, while financially attractive, won’t change much unless the right fighters are truly willing to put it all on the line.
Renowned boxing analyst Max Kellerman commented on the situation: “This is more than a cash incentive – it’s a power play. It’s a call to fighters who claim to want greatness to actually pursue it. If someone can beat Canelo, they will not only become a millionaire overnight, but they will also be immortalized in boxing history.”
The real question at the heart of this debate is whether Canelo is even beatable. His recent performances have shown his versatility, whether controlling the pace of the fight or delivering devastating knockouts. His experience, combined with his tireless training regimen, makes him an almost unbeatable opponent.
However, with the stakes now higher than ever, some believe Alalshikh’s bounty could be the spark needed to inspire an underdog to take up the challenge. “Canelo has been at the top of the list of the strongest in history but he hasn’t been able to beat anyone for a long time, but every king has his day,” said one boxing trainer. “That $35 million is not just about the money, it’s about the legacy. Whoever beats him will be remembered forever.”
As the boxing world digests this monumental offer, all eyes are now on Canelo and his potential challengers. Will Terence Crawford or David Benavidez take the bait and target the bounty? Or will another dark horse emerge to challenge the champion? One thing is certain: this bold move by Turki Alalshikh has set the stage for one of the most anticipated potential showdowns in modern boxing.
Until then, fans can only wait and wonder: who, if anyone, will be brave enough to take on Canelo and claim that $35 million prize?
