Hearn: “Canelo versus Crawford only works for me in the United States!”

The talk of the town is this possible fight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, after the pair met with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh in London. Now, on paper, this fight is the stuff of dreams: two legends, many belts between them and the kind of clash that makes fans weak in the knees. But here’s the problem: where is it going to happen?

Saudi Arabia has been trying to crown itself the “wrestling capital of the world,” like it’s the new Vegas or something. But let’s face it: spending money on a sport doesn’t mean getting its soul. Riyadh may have bathed everything in gold, but where’s the atmosphere? The passion? The die-hard fans screaming from the cheap seats? Eddie Hearn also doesn’t agree with the idea. he said DAZN News“Canelo versus Crawford only works for me in the United States. “I’m not sure Canelo-Crawford will happen in Saudi Arabia, if I’m honest, or at all.”

And honestly, you’re right. Fights like this aren’t just about two guys beating each other up: they’re about legacy. It’s about the crowd roaring at Madison Square Garden or T-Mobile Arena. You’re not going to get the same vibe with VIPs sipping mocktails in Riyadh, pretending to know who’s in the ring.

Now, let’s talk about the fighters. Crawford? The man is a machine. He became a four-weight world champion in 2024 after dismantling Israil Madrimov. He is at the peak of his powers. And then there’s Canelo, who has done very well with wins over Jaime Munguía and Edgar Berlanga. But as Hearn bluntly put it: “I don’t see many options for Canelo right now.” Translation? This fight could be huge, but it’s also kind of a last roll of the dice for both of them.

If this fight takes place, and that’s still a big if, it has to be somewhere that understands boxing. Somewhere with history, with proper fans, not just people there for Instagram photos. Vegas, MSG, Wembley or even Tottenham: take your pick. Anywhere but a soulless public relations exercise in the desert.

So, let’s keep our fingers crossed that this fight gets made and gets the stage it deserves. Because boxing is about more than just money: it’s about the roar of the crowd, history in the air, and two legends giving everything they’ve got. And no amount of Saudi money can buy that.

‼️ Turki Alalshikh meeting with Terence Crawford, just one day after meeting with Canelo…

Alalshikh has exclusively told The Ring: “The Ring is the Bible of boxing, and we are close to seeing the white smoke on the horizon… 2025 is going to be a crazy year for boxing and I mean it.” pic.twitter.com/YusEW7pvdN

– Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) January 13, 2025