In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, Turki Alalshikh, head of Riyadh Season and the General Entertainment Authority, announced on Thursday night that a monumental four-fight deal has been struck with Mexican superstar Saul “Canelo” Álvarez.
A Roaring Declaration
Alalshikh took to social media with an emphatic message:
“Don’t mess with the lion … 4 fights for Canelo with Riyadh Season … The Deal is done … A Lion doesn’t lose sleep over the opinion of a sheep… Fear the lion not the jungle.”
Alongside his powerful words, he shared a video that offered tantalizing glimpses into the plan for the upcoming bouts.
The Four-Bout Blueprint
According to Alalshikh, the deal kicks off in May in Riyadh, marking Canelo’s official debut with Riyadh Season. Boxing circles are buzzing with excitement, as sources confirm that the May return will not pit the champion against social media sensation Jake Paul, despite earlier widespread speculation.
The four-fight arrangement unfolds as follows:
- May 2025: The first bout in Riyadh. Insider reports from Boxing Insider Mike Coppinger suggest that potential opponents such as Jermall Charlo or Bruno Surace—who made headlines by upsetting Jaime Munguia—could be in the mix.
- September 2025: Canelo is slated to return for a mega-fight headlining Riyadh Season in Las Vegas, with Terence Crawford rumoured to be his adversary.
- February 2026: The champion will come back to Riyadh for another major showdown. Names in contention include a rematch with Dmitry Bivol, as well as potential bouts against Hamzah Sheeraz or Chris Eubank Jr.
- October 2026: The final card of the deal is set to be revealed later this year, with Riyadh once again playing host to a headline event featuring Canelo.
A Week of Twists and Turns
The announcement caps off an incredibly eventful week in the boxing world. Earlier on Monday, reports emerged that Canelo had reached an agreement to defend his super middleweight titles against fellow four-division world champion Terence Crawford at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium. However, just 48 hours later, that fight was called off amid swirling rumors that Canelo was close to signing on for a bout against Jake Paul on May 3 in Las Vegas.
Thursday’s revelation of a four-fight deal further deepened the intrigue. Boxing insider Mike Coppinger noted that Alalshikh had recently “suspended his efforts” to finalize what was initially envisioned as a three-fight deal, paving the way for this more expansive arrangement with the champion.
Looking Ahead
With this electrifying four-fight deal, Riyadh Season cements its status as a premier platform for marquee boxing events. The schedule promises to deliver a thrilling mix of bouts that will captivate fans across the globe, as Canelo continues to demonstrate his prowess in the ring.
As the details continue to emerge and the boxing calendar fills with anticipation, one thing is clear: this deal is set to redefine the landscape of combat sports and further solidify Riyadh Season’s role as a dynamic force in the global sports arena.
Published by Sports & Gulf Magazine
