In the midst of the pre-fight atmosphere between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Terence Crawford, the name of Ilia Topuria, the mixed martial arts fighter in the UFC, stands out as a candidate to face the Mexican boxer; this in the midst of the situation that the Spanish-Georgian after being called a “coward”.
The fight between Canelo and Crawford is one of the most anticipated of the year. This bout promises a lot because of the quality that both boxers have shown over the last decade and not only will the undisputed 168-pound championship be at stake, but also their respective legacies.
Turki Alalshikh must give the green light to ‘Canelo’ Alvarez vs. Ilia Topuria
Topuria has expressed his admiration for Saul Alvarez on several occasions. He also asked Turki Alalshikh, president of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, for an opportunity to face the Mexican fighter. Alalshikh is a promoter and in charge of macro boxing events at an international level.
“Who will win between Crawford and Canelo? Canelo, obviously. He is a reference for me. I want my chance against him. I feel I can beat him. If I get the chance to fight him, why not? Come on, Turki, give me the chance for the title,” said the Spanish fighter of Georgian parents.
Ilia Topuria branded a ‘coward’ after avoiding Arman Tsarukyan
The tension between Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan continues to rise after the Spaniard’s refusal to defend the belt against the Armenian. “I will never give him the opportunity to fight for the title,” said Topuria. Tsarukyan is doing everything he can to get a fight against Ilia Topuria for the lightweight belt
Social media has become his main tool to publicly pressure the Spanish-Georgian and keep the controversy alive. His first reaction after Topuria’s refusal was on X, where he responded to a post accusing the champion of looking for excuses not to defend the title.
Read the full article here
