After the surprising defeat of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez against Terence Crawford last Saturday in Las Vegas, Turki Alalshikh shared a message that could define the future of the Mexican boxer. Through his X account, the Saudi executive revealed that he visited Canelo at his home and made him a direct proposal: to extend their collaboration until his definitive retirement from boxing.
He will soon start his holiday with his family. He has two fights left with Riyadh Season on the 26th. We offered him to work with us until he retired.
In addition, the president of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority thanked the Mexican for giving him the gloves he used in his fight at Allegiant Stadium, further strengthening the growing bond between Saudi Arabia and the world’s great sporting figures.
What does Canelo Alvarez’s contract with Saudi Arabia say?
Canelo’s current and valid contract with Riyadh Season includes four fights, two of which have already taken place, one in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) and one in the United States (Las Vegas). The deal is worth $400 million, making it one of the best deals in boxing history.
According to data revealed by Ring Magazine and confirmed by specialized journalists, Canelo will receive $80 million for each fight, with his schedule as follows:
- May 2025 – Riyadh – Victory against William Scull
- September 2025 – Las Vegas – Loss to Terence Crawford
- February 2026 – Riyadh – No rival defined
- October 2026 – Riyadh – No rival defined
Although the Mexican has not yet publicly responded to the proposal to extend his relationship with Riyadh Season, Turki Al-Sheikh’s intention is clear, he wants the Mexican to retire under his seal.
What’s next for Canelo Alvarez after defeat to Crawford?
The defeat to Terence Crawford not only cost Canelo his undisputed 168-pound championship belts, but also opened up a number of questions about his immediate future. Crawford made history by becoming the first fighter to be undisputed champion in three different divisions.
Although there is talk of a possible rematch between the two, Turki Al-Sheikh seems to have other ideas, shortly after the fight he posted on his social networks what he has in mind: “Can David Benavidez still make 168 pounds?”, leaving the door open to a hypothetical fight.
Turki Al-Sheikh’s proposal to accompany Canelo Alvarez until his retirement could mark the beginning of a golden era for boxing in the Middle East. If the contract extension goes through, the Mexican could close his career with events of high international impact.
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