Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford: Eddie Hearn Reveals Why the Mega Fight Won’t Happen in Riyadh
The potential clash between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford has generated massive buzz in the boxing world. Fans are eager to see these two champions face off in what could be one of the most iconic bouts in modern boxing history. However, Eddie Hearn, a prominent boxing promoter, recently revealed why this mega-fight is unlikely to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Despite the kingdom’s rising influence in hosting major sporting events, Hearn has shared key reasons behind this decision.
The Rising Influence of Riyadh in Boxing
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has become a hotspot for high-profile boxing events. The country hosted major fights like Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. and Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou, proving its capability to attract top talent and offer massive financial incentives. Riyadh has positioned itself as a destination for blockbuster sporting events, offering fighters lucrative purses and state-of-the-art venues.
With this backdrop, many assumed the potential showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford would follow suit and land in Riyadh. However, according to Hearn, the situation is more complicated than it seems.
Eddie Hearn’s Perspective: Why Riyadh Is Not the Venue
Eddie Hearn, who has been instrumental in promoting some of boxing’s biggest events, offered clarity on why Riyadh is not the ideal choice for this mega-fight. The first issue revolves around timing. Hearn explained that securing a venue in Saudi Arabia involves long-term planning and negotiations. While Riyadh has hosted significant bouts, the schedules for such events are often locked months or even years in advance.
Additionally, Hearn highlighted the logistical and promotional challenges associated with hosting the fight in Saudi Arabia. A mega-fight of this caliber requires substantial planning, including international promotions, sponsorship deals, and arrangements for broadcasting rights. Hearn suggested that other global venues, such as Las Vegas or London, might offer better infrastructure and promotional opportunities for a fight of this magnitude.
Fan Considerations and Global Reach
Another factor is the accessibility for fans. While Riyadh has been successful in attracting wealthy attendees and VIPs, the location can be less accessible for fans from North America, where Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford have their largest fan bases. Hosting the fight in a venue like Las Vegas or Madison Square Garden could ensure a broader reach and a more electric atmosphere, thanks to passionate fans who can easily attend.
Hearn also emphasized the importance of global pay-per-view sales. A fight between two champions like Canelo and Crawford would generate enormous revenue through broadcasting deals. Choosing a venue with a proven track record of maximizing global viewership could significantly influence the decision.
Conclusion: Riyadh’s Role in Future Fighting
While Riyadh may not host the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford bout, Eddie Hearn acknowledged that Saudi Arabia will remain a significant player in the boxing world. The kingdom has already demonstrated its ambition and capability to organize monumental events, and it’s likely to host more blockbuster fights in the future. For now, the focus shifts to finding a venue that aligns with the logistical, financial, and fan-related priorities for this historic clash.
