Crawford and Benavidez React as Turki Alalshikh Offers Jaw-Dropping $35 Million Bounty for Canelo Álvarez’s Defeat

In a sensational announcement that has sent shockwaves through the boxing community, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, has unveiled a staggering $35 million reward for anyone who can defeat Mexican boxing icon Saul “Canelo” Álvarez in the ring. This bold proclamation has ignited fierce discussions among fans and fighters alike, with prominent names such as Terence Crawford and David Benavidez quickly weighing in.

Alalshikh’s challenge comes at a pivotal moment in boxing, as fans are increasingly captivated by the sport’s elite fighters. His announcement not only raises the stakes for potential challengers but also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s growing influence as a powerhouse in hosting high-profile boxing events.

Offering a $35 million reward is more than just a financial incentive; it’s a direct challenge to the core of professional boxing. Canelo, regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in history, has proven nearly impossible to defeat, dominating opponents across multiple weight classes. This unprecedented bounty has captured global attention, leaving fans wondering who could possibly rise to the occasion.

The implications of Alalshikh’s offer are profound. By setting such a high-stakes challenge, he not only elevates the pressure on Canelo but also energizes the boxing landscape, prompting discussions about the future of the sport and the potential for monumental fights in the Middle East.

Canelo’s legacy is formidable, with titles won from light middleweight to light heavyweight. Despite close calls and only one loss to Floyd Mayweather earlier in his career, he has consistently emerged victorious against elite competition. The allure of a $35 million prize for defeating him adds an enticing layer for fighters looking to make their mark.

In response to Alalshikh’s bold offer, Terence “Bud” Crawford, the unbeaten welterweight champion, took to social media. “$35 million is tempting, but it’s about legacy, not just the money. If Canelo wants a real challenge, he knows where to find me,” Crawford stated, hinting at the possibility of moving up in weight to confront Canelo. His comments have sparked speculation about whether the welterweight king might consider this lucrative opportunity.

David Benavidez, a top contender in the super middleweight division known for his aggressive style, also expressed excitement over the bounty. “This just adds fuel to the fire. I’ve been saying I want Canelo. Now there’s $35 million on the line? Let’s make it happen!” he exclaimed, reinforcing his desire for a showdown that many fans have been clamoring for.

With the backing of such a significant financial reward and Saudi Arabia’s recent success in hosting major boxing events, the stage is set for a potential mega-fight. The Kingdom has already made headlines with high-profile bouts, such as Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz and Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou, establishing itself as a premier destination for boxing.

If a top fighter like Crawford or Benavidez takes up the challenge, the bout could be staged in one of Saudi Arabia’s grand venues, showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to bringing world-class sports to the region.

For Canelo, the added pressure of a $35 million prize changes the dynamics of future fights. As one of the sport’s most scrutinized figures, he now faces the possibility that every elite fighter will have their sights set on dethroning him, motivated by the enormous reward.

Turki Alalshikh’s staggering $35 million challenge has undoubtedly shaken the boxing world, bringing excitement and speculation to the forefront. With top fighters already expressing interest, the possibility of an epic showdown with Canelo Álvarez looms large.

As the landscape of boxing continues to evolve, Saudi Arabia’s influence grows ever stronger, positioning itself at the center of the sport’s biggest moments. Now, the world eagerly awaits to see if anyone can rise to the challenge and take down one of the greatest fighters of this generation—with a jaw-dropping $35 million as the ultimate prize.