The announcement of a new four-fight deal involving Canelo Alvarez and Riyadh Season, spearheaded by Turki Al-Sheikh, has generated significant buzz in the boxing community. Among these bouts, Terence Crawford is slated to be Canelo’s opponent in September, with the other three dates yet to be filled. This arrangement raises questions not only about the opponents and venues but also about the strategic direction of Canelo’s career amid shifting dynamics in weight classes and fan expectations.
Canelo’s choice of opponents is a critical aspect of his future success and legacy. While Crawford is an accomplished boxer, the notion of him stepping up two weight classes to face Canelo could appear risky to fans. The reality is that pairing him with top fighters like David Benavidez might result in an unbalanced contest, especially if Crawford isn’t at his peak performance. It would be wiser for Al-Sheikh to consider emerging talents within or just above Canelo’s weight class rather than relying on established fighters whose prime years may have long since passed.
With only one confirmed fight against Crawford and three uncertain bouts, Canelo’s schedule could lead to dissatisfaction among fans if the matchups fail to live up to expectations. Fight enthusiasts crave excitement and unpredictability, and merely reuniting fighters past their prime does not fulfill that demand.
One of the most pressing points of speculation among fans is the potential inclusion of Dmitry Bivol in these matchups. After Bivol’s previous victory over Canelo in 2023, there is palpable anticipation about a rematch, especially if Bivol secures a win against Artur Beterbiev. With both fighters’ careers intersecting once again, a showdown could serve as an incredible redemption arc for Canelo and an essential continuance of Bivol’s rising star.
Given the high stakes involved, should Bivol seize the undisputed championship, it’s likely that he would gain a spot in Canelo’s line-up, setting the stage for high-octane matches that boxing fans crave.
What remains a point of contention among pundits is Al-Sheikh’s comment about a fight in May being “the biggest fight in the history of boxing.” Such sweeping statements warrant scrutiny, as they tend to overlook the elements that make a fight truly monumental. If this claim pertains to the upcoming Canelo-Crawford bout, many fans would likely disagree, perceiving it more as a financial maneuver rather than an epic clash of titans. The idea of Crawford moving up two weight classes is not just controversial; it seems to mirror the growing trend of money-centric fights overshadowing competitive spirit.
Crawford’s historical performance has drawn criticism for its lack of excitement, leading many to fear that this upcoming bout may similarly disappoint in terms of entertainment value. If he cannot prove his mettle against formidable contenders like David Benavidez or Diego Pacheco beforehand, the matchup risks becoming a missed opportunity, reducing what could be a landmark event into a poorly attended spectacle reminiscent of a sideshow rather than a true sporting affair.
While the intrigue of the upcoming lineup is undeniable, the choices and strategies employed by Al-Sheikh and Canelo will ultimately dictate whether fans are left thrilled or disenchanted. Boxing thrives on competition and storytelling, and future matchups must prioritize those aspects above all else.
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