As the boxing world buzzes in anticipation of the September showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, a massive payday is looming for Crawford, with some experts predicting his purse could soar to an astounding $100 million.
The Saudis’ growing influence in the sport, particularly through the Riyadh Season events spearheaded by Turki Alalshikh, has revolutionized the financial landscape of boxing.
Saudi Arabia is changing boxing
What was once a sport struggling to maintain its prominence has now become a cash cow, drawing some of the biggest names in boxing to the Middle East for record-breaking events.
Former four-division champion Mikey Garcia weighed in on the bout, highlighting that for fighters like Crawford and Alvarez, the upcoming clash is a monumental financial opportunity, regardless of the outcome.
Garcia, speaking with FightHype, suggested that both fighters are already winners due to the massive amounts of money on the table.
He went so far as to say that if Crawford is offered $100 million for a future fight against the likes of unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, he would be wise to take it, even if the bout seems unlikely.
The allure of such astronomical figures is undeniable.
With no fight deemed impossible by the Saudis, the potential for even bigger matchups is becoming more tangible, especially as boxers like Crawford look at their future with this level of wealth in sight.
However, Garcia also raised concerns about Crawford’s ability to adapt when moving up two weight divisions to face Canelo at 168 lbs.
While Garcia has always praised Crawford’s skills, he noted that the jump in weight could significantly affect his speed and power, particularly when facing a fighter as dangerous as Canelo.
The fight promises to be a fascinating clash of styles, with many wondering whether Crawford can overcome the size difference and hold his own against the Mexican superstar.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the fight’s outcome, Garcia remains enthusiastic about the spectacle itself.
“It’s entertainment,” he said, reminding fans that regardless of who wins, the September event is bound to be one of the most exciting moments in recent boxing history.
With the stakes so high, all eyes will be on this epic encounter, which has the potential to set a new precedent for big-money boxing matches in the years to come.
Read the full article here
