Boxing icon Canelo Alvarez and UFC CEO Dana White will go head-to-head in a rare scheduling conflict between marquee boxing and MMA events. The clash is set to be on September 16th in Las Vegas. Turki Alalshikh who is also prominent in the combat sport industry, backed the UFC CEO to fulfill his dream project. In doing so, he also gave a remark on the big PPV clash on the same date.
Mexico’s Alvarez, boxing’s top star, will go against Edgar Berlanga at the T-Mobile Arena, a property of MGM. Meanwhile, just two miles away, UFC will hold the first live sporting event at the groundbreaking ‘Sphere’ venue. Canelo is adamant about upsetting White’s dream project.
We will eat him
Turki Alalshikh via ESPN
Interestingly, the Saudi Delegate, Alalshikh seemed inclined more toward UFC to become a success, as he has funded Dana White’s dream project at the Sphere. In a recent interview with ESPN, the Saudi Delegate was asked how he felt about the clash of UFC and Canelo’s boxing bout.
Alalshikh was quick with his reply and backed White’s UFC Noche event. The UFC CEO often regarded this as his dream project and to make it a success he has spent an ample amount of money. Previously, UFC has staged four pay-per-view events at T-Mobile Arena each of the past two years. Interestingly, ESPN asked the UFC boss the same question as Alashikh. White seemingly showed a lot of frustration at MGM.
Haymon snatched that date right away from me. The guys at MGM have done nothing but f***ing disrespect me and the UFC for 20 years. It is what it is. Here we go
Dana White via ESPN
Turki Alalshikh spoke about competing with Canelo’s event on September 14th:
“We will eat him.” 😳
Dana White also went in on MGM for disrespecting the UFC over the years:
“[Al] Haymon snatched that date right away from me. The guys at MGM have done nothing but f***ing… pic.twitter.com/iZ8PAy96aL
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 29, 2024
This is not the first that these titans of combat sports clashed against each other. White beat Canelo to the punch last year and staged the first iteration of Noche UFC after the MMA promotion reserved the date. Alvarez instead fought two weeks later at T-Mobile Arena and secured a victory over Jermell Charlo. However, the way Turki Alalshikh made the vocal comment on Canelo. It will be interesting to see how their relationship works in the future.
Turki Alalshikh wants Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford next
Saudi Delegate, Turki Alalshikh remains quite active around the boxing buzz. He often supports boxers and keeps everyone on their toes with his wish to make exciting boxing clashes. Moreover, he is quite adamant about materializing a bout between Mexican boxing star Canelo Alvarez and the undefeated American boxer, Terence Crawford.
Turki Alalshikh wants a boxing bout between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford (via Instagram)Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford are two of the most decorated active boxers in the world now. In an interview with ESPN reporter, Mike Coppinger, Alalshikh has confirmed that he will soon propose an offer for Canelo. Whereas, the American boxer is already motivated to clash with the Mexican.
I will give Canelo what I think is a fair price. If he accepts it he deals directly with me to finish the deal… I guranteed Crawford a big fight, I want Canelo for Crawford and Crawford wants Canelo…
Turki Alalshikh to Mike Coppinger
‼️ His Excellency Turki Alalshikh has confirmed that he intends to make Canelo Alvarez an official offer for the Terence Crawford fight next: “I will give Canelo what I think is a fair price. If he accepts it, he deals directly with me to finish the deal. I don’t want anyone in… pic.twitter.com/vf6agOrI4W
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) July 27, 2024
But before Canelo is all set for his next bout against Edgar Berlanga in September. Meanwhile, Crawford will go up against undefeated Israil Madrimov on the 3rd of August. Now it remains to be seen whether Alalshikh will change his mind about the Canelo vs. Crawford fight if both fighters fail to win their upcoming bout.
