LAS VEGAS: The president of the Saudi Boxing Federation has denied injury rumors ahead of Saturday’s face-off between Mexican Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and American Terence Crawford.
Turki Alalshikh, who is also chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, highlighted the magnitude of the super-middleweight showdown, set to take place at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium as part of Riyadh Season 2025.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday night, he said: “Many have spoken about a knee injury for Canelo or a shoulder issue for Crawford, but these are nothing more than unfounded rumors.
“I want to thank Canelo for accepting this fight and agreeing to make it happen. And frankly, we have signed with him the biggest contract in boxing history, covering three fights.”
He added: “On Saturday, I hope we witness a truly great fight where both fighters give everything they have. For me, their safety comes first, but fans around the world are waiting for the drama, for a fight that reflects the very essence of this sport.”
Alalshikh emphasized the symbolism of staging the clash in Las Vegas, a city synonymous with legendary boxing nights. “This is a unique and exceptional moment, with a great company, on a global platform, and featuring two of the sport’s greatest legends,” he said.
Enthusiasm for Saturday’s bout was also clear in comments from “Canelo” Alvarez.
“I feel great. This fight means a lot to me, and I’m fully ready. I can’t wait for Saturday night. I want to thank everyone who came out to support this event. I’m so excited, I can’t wait,” he said.
“This is one of the biggest fights of my career without a doubt. A victory here means a lot, it will be at the very top of my accomplishments.”
He showed emotional as he spoke about his journey and passion for boxing in Spanish.
“I have always respected and loved what I do. Through discipline and the desire to become someone in life, I’ve reached where I am today. I got here purely because of my love for the sport. If I didn’t love it, it would have been much harder. The road hasn’t been easy, it requires a lot of discipline and sacrifice, but my passion for boxing has always carried me forward,” he said.
On the prospect of facing David Benavidez in the future, he said: “I never say no to anything. We’ll see later, but right now, my full focus is on this fight.”
He also addressed his training with Jaron “Boots” Ennis: “I always make sure to have great sparring partners in the gym because you need strong opposition in training. We have history with this family — his older brother was there when I fought Shane Mosley. I’m happy Jaron joined the camp; he gave me great work.”
Looking ahead to the bout, Canelo promised: “I’m going to give my best. This will be my greatest performance. I’ll put everything I have into this fight. You’ll see all my skills in the ring. If the knockout comes, great. If not, I’ll still show why I am the best.”
On his walk into the ring, he added: “This time, I’ll walk out with only my team. We’ve been waiting for this moment my entire career, and I want it to be just me and my team.
“For me, this is a defining moment that proves greater things are still to come. I’m grateful for everything this sport has given me and for putting me on the right path to learn and grow. I thank everyone, those who supported me and even those who left, because each taught me something and shaped my career.”
Also speaking at the press conference, Crawford said: “Many say I haven’t fought the biggest names or strongest opponents. On Saturday, we’ll all see the truth inside the ring. Fights like this help boxing grow. They bring the best against the best, and that only makes the sport stronger. It will encourage more big matchups between top fighters.”
He added: “Greatness means everything to me right now. I have the chance to do something no other fighter has ever done, to become a three-time undisputed champion in three different weight divisions. I was the first to do it twice among men, and I’ll be the first to do it three times.”
When asked what worried him most heading into Saturday, he replied firmly: “Nothing at all. We did all the preparation needed. We know Canelo is a tough challenge, that’s exactly why this fight is happening. This is how legends are made.
“I don’t know what the future holds, and I can’t say if this will be the biggest fight of my career. But I know great things are still ahead. All that matters now is this fight.”
The press conference concluded with the highly anticipated face-off between the two fighters, staged in front of Alalshikh and UFC President Dana White, who hosted the event.
Attention now turns to Friday’s official weigh-in at T-Mobile Arena, the traditional final checkpoint of fight week.
