Turki Alalshikh Wants Crawford vs Ennis – ‘This Is Special’

Turki Alalshikh reportedly wants to make Terence Crawford vs Jaron Ennis. 

The news follows reports that Crawford will box Israil Madrimov on August 3 in Vegas. The Saudis are reportedly working behind the scenes on the event, which Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn will promote. That could set up the narrative for a long-term relationship between the Saudis and Crawford.

Matchroom has also recently signed Ennis on a multi-fight deal. Ennis has been pictured with Alalshikh, as the boxer has admitted his desire to fight Crawford. There is now a possible scenario that could play out, seeing Crawford face Ennis. But that all depends on Crawford beating Madrimov.

Crawford’s Next Move

Madrimov, the WBA Junior Middleweight Champion, remains undefeated with a 10-0-1 record. Seven of those wins are by stoppages, while Madrimov has an extensive amateur record. But there is also the case of whether Crawford wants to face the younger Ennis. Jaron is 26, while Crawford is 36, making it a big risk. Since Crawford has nothing else to prove, there is no need to push for that bout. 

Alalshikh also reportedly wants Crawford to box Canelo Alvarez. Bud expressed his wish to move up three weight classes to fight for Canelo’s Undisputed Super Middleweight Title. Canelo dismissed that fight, stating he gets no credit for beating a welterweight. However, it could be considered a compromise to the David Benavidez fight. Canelo has been accused of ducking his WBC Interim Super Middleweight mandatory. 

“You know he he brings he bring nothing to the table for me; just he brings just 25 pounds more in the night the the fight…but if he if if some promoter, not him, because he’s nothing to offer me…but I one promoter who I work to they come and say I offer to I offer to you 150 to 200 million. I fight tomorrow…that’s the only that’s the only reason I fight with him,” Canelo said 

“Canelo, if I have nothing to offer, then why are you demanding that you get 150-200 million to fight someone who isn’t worth anything? Hopefully, after you make that 150 million, you have enough left over to buy a pair of nuts,” Benavidez stated 

Benavidez’s Future

If Crawford beats Madrimov, a Canelo fight looks more likely than Ennis. It would be hard to see Bud move down to 147 to face Ennis when he could box Canelo for a bigger payday. That also follows reports that the Saudis don’t want Alvarez to face Benavidez.

The Kingdom allegedly wants Benavidez to face the winner of Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol. Those two fighters box on June 1 for the Undisputed Light Heavyweight Championship. Benavidez is preparing to box Oleksandr Gvozdyk for the WBC Interim Light Heavyweight Belt on June 15.

A win makes him mandatory for undisputed at 175, ruling out a Canelo fight. If Saudi Arabia does put on those fights, it only reinforces the idea that it is becoming the new ‘mecca’ of boxing. While there are worries it will damage grassroots boxing in the UK and the US, fans are seeing the biggest fights.