In a stunning announcement that has shaken the boxing world, Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh, the influential chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, publicly declared a $35 million reward for any fighter who can defeat the Mexican boxing sensation Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. The bold proclamation has drawn reactions from across the boxing community, with two of the sport’s biggest stars—Terence Crawford and David Benavidez—speaking out in response to the massive bounty placed on Canelo’s head.
Canelo Alvarez, widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters of his generation, has dominated the super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, collecting world titles and dispatching some of the toughest competition in the sport. His global popularity and fierce in-ring performances have made him the face of boxing. However, Alalshikh’s declaration signals that there is still a burning desire from those outside the ring to see someone topple the Mexican kingpin.
The reactions from Terence Crawford and David Benavidez—two of boxing’s most prominent and highly skilled fighters—have added fuel to an already fiery conversation, intensifying speculation about what the future holds for Canelo and the challengers who might be brave enough to step forward for the enormous prize.
The $35 Million Challenge: Alalshikh’s Bold Offer
The offer from Turki Alalshikh did not come quietly. Known for his involvement in sports and entertainment in Saudi Arabia, Alalshikh has been a key figure in bringing high-profile boxing events to the Middle East, including some of the most lucrative heavyweight matchups in recent years. However, his latest move goes beyond simply hosting fights—he has now actively put out a challenge to the world of boxing, offering $35 million to anyone who can defeat Canelo Alvarez.
Alalshikh’s offer is unprecedented in the history of boxing. While massive fight purses are nothing new in the sport, the idea of a standalone reward for beating a specific fighter is a bold step that has drawn attention from fighters, promoters, and fans alike. The nature of the announcement, delivered with a sense of urgency and even frustration, suggests that Alalshikh is determined to see someone dethrone Canelo.
“Canelo is great, but nobody is unbeatable,” Alalshikh said in a press release. “There are fighters out there who have the skill and determination to beat him, and I am offering $35 million to the man who can get the job done. The world wants to see a real challenge.”
This declaration has not only made waves in the boxing world but has also set the stage for one of the most lucrative opportunities in the sport’s history, instantly elevating the stakes for any fighter willing to take on Canelo Alvarez.
Terence Crawford: Ready for the Challenge?
One of the first fighters to speak out following Alalshikh’s declaration was Terence “Bud” Crawford, the undisputed welterweight champion and one of the top pound-for-pound boxers in the world. Crawford, who recently made history by becoming the first male fighter to win undisputed titles in two weight classes during the four-belt era, wasted no time in addressing the $35 million challenge.
“I’ve never backed down from a challenge in my life,” Crawford said in a social media post. “Canelo’s a great fighter, but I’m on my own path to greatness, and if the opportunity comes to fight him, you know I’ll be ready.”
Crawford’s confidence is well-founded. With an unbeaten record and a reputation as one of the most versatile and dangerous fighters in the sport, many fans believe that Crawford has the skills and boxing IQ necessary to give Canelo problems in the ring. However, the logistics of such a fight would be complicated. Crawford currently competes in the welterweight division (147 lbs), while Canelo has been fighting at super middleweight (168 lbs) and light heavyweight (175 lbs) in recent years. A matchup between the two would require careful negotiation around weight classes and potential catchweights.
Despite these challenges, the mere possibility of a Crawford-Canelo bout is enough to excite boxing fans. Crawford has shown an ability to adapt his style to any opponent, and his speed, power, and ring intelligence could pose a unique threat to Canelo’s dominant reign. However, Crawford’s response to Alalshikh’s challenge has left many wondering if this is a fight that could realistically happen.
David Benavidez: The “Mexican Monster” Is Hungry for Canelo
Another prominent voice in the conversation is David Benavidez, the undefeated super middleweight star often referred to as the “Mexican Monster.” Benavidez, a two-time WBC super middleweight champion, has long been seen as one of the most dangerous potential challengers to Canelo Alvarez. With his aggressive fighting style, relentless pressure, and power, Benavidez has been touted by many as the fighter most likely to dethrone Canelo.
After hearing about the $35 million reward, Benavidez made it clear that he is more than willing to take on Canelo. “I don’t need the money to want to fight Canelo,” Benavidez said in an interview. “I’ve been calling for this fight for years, and I believe I’m the guy who can beat him. The $35 million is nice, but the real reward for me is proving I’m the best in the division.”
Benavidez’s belief in his ability to defeat Canelo is shared by many boxing experts, who see the young fighter as a natural rival to the Mexican champion. At 6’2″ with a long reach and ferocious punching power, Benavidez brings physical tools that could make for a compelling matchup against Canelo’s more measured, technical approach. Both fighters have expressed interest in facing each other in the past, but promotional politics and Canelo’s choice of opponents have delayed the fight from becoming a reality.
Alalshikh’s bold declaration could be the catalyst needed to finally bring this highly anticipated matchup to fruition. For Benavidez, this is the fight he has been waiting for—one that could define his career and potentially place him among the sport’s elite if he were to succeed in defeating Canelo.
The Stakes for Canelo Alvarez
For Canelo Alvarez, Alalshikh’s $35 million bounty adds a new layer of intrigue to his already illustrious career. Canelo, who is accustomed to high-profile matchups and multimillion-dollar purses, now finds himself the subject of one of the biggest challenges in boxing history. While Canelo has consistently proven his greatness by taking on and defeating some of the best fighters in the world, this latest twist adds even more pressure for the Mexican superstar.
The declaration of a reward for Canelo’s defeat could be seen as a form of disrespect, especially considering his dominance across multiple weight classes and his status as the undisputed super middleweight champion. However, Canelo has always thrived on proving his doubters wrong, and this situation may only fuel his motivation to continue his reign atop the boxing world.
Canelo’s response to Alalshikh’s challenge has been characteristically measured. In a statement released through his team, Canelo said, “I fight for legacy, not for money. My goal is to continue making history in the sport, and I’ll face anyone who earns the right to step into the ring with me.”
The pressure to accept bigger and more dangerous fights will only grow as challengers like Crawford and Benavidez express their willingness to take up Alalshikh’s offer. For Canelo, the path forward will involve balancing his desire for legacy-defining fights with the need to maintain his dominance in a sport that is constantly seeking the next big upset.
What’s Next for Boxing?
Turki Alalshikh’s $35 million reward for anyone who can defeat Canelo Alvarez has electrified the boxing world, sparking conversation about potential mega-fights that could define the next era of the sport. With Terence Crawford and David Benavidez both speaking out in response to the challenge, the stage is set for a new chapter in Canelo’s career, where the stakes have never been higher.
For fans, the prospect of seeing Canelo face off against the likes of Crawford or Benavidez is a tantalizing one. These potential matchups could deliver some of the most exciting and competitive fights in recent memory, as each challenger brings a unique set of skills to the table. Whether or not Alalshikh’s declaration will be the catalyst that finally brings these fights to life remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the world of boxing is ready for a new test of Canelo’s greatness.
As the conversation around the $35 million reward continues to unfold, the pressure is mounting for both Canelo and his challengers. Whether it’s Crawford, Benavidez, or another fighter who steps up to the plate, the next chapter in Canelo Alvarez’s storied career promises to be one of the most thrilling yet. And with $35 million on the line, the stakes have never been higher for anyone daring enough to try and dethrone the king.