Canelo Alvarez, boxing’s global star, has recently made a series of high-profile moves that are reshaping his career. After signing a last-minute, multi-fight deal with influential advisor Turki Alalshikh, he parted ways with Premier Boxing Champions and potential clash with YouTube star Jake Paul.
This shift has positioned him for a reported blockbuster fight on Netflix. The unified super middleweight champion is set to make his Saudi Arabia debut on May 3, facing undefeated IBF titleholder William Scull in an undisputed 168-pound clash as part of Riyadh Season.
However, the buzz surrounding Alvarez extends beyond his upcoming fight following the recent announcement of UFC’s Dana White and WWE’s Nick Khan leading TKO’s new boxing promotion, backed by Alalshikh and Saudi Arabia.
It has fueled speculation about Alvarez’s future. With the promotion’s anticipated debut in September, rumors are swirling that Canelo could headline against pound-for-pound boxing luminary Terence Crawford.
This potential super-fight underscores the significant impact of the new promotion and the high-caliber matchups it aims to deliver.
“There’s always an opportunity for me to fight in September in Las Vegas, those are my dates [along with Cinco de Mayo weekend in May] and everyone knows that,” Alvarez told CBS Sports HQ on Thursday. “We need to take care of the May fight first but there is an opportunity to fight in Vegas in September and be the first event for [TKO] as a promoter.”
When questioned about the potential impact of Dana White and TKO’s foray into boxing, Canelo expressed optimism.
“I think if it’s the best for the fighters out there, I’m fine with that,” Alvarez said. “I think [TKO] is going to do the best for the fighters, I’m pretty sure about that. I’m glad someone takes good care of the fighters because there are a lot of promoters that don’t take seriously the fighters. I think this is good for boxing and for the fighters, especially.”
