In a recent interview on The MMA Hour, Turki Alalshikh, a prominent figure in the Saudi Arabian sports scene, discussed various dream fights that he is eager to make happen in the near future. These fights include matchups like Terence Crawford vs. Canelo Alvarez, Naoya Inoue vs. Gervonta Davis, Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua, and David Benavidez vs. Dmitry Bivol or Artur Beterbiev. Each of these potential matchups presents intriguing possibilities for boxing fans, with the promise of epic battles and high-stakes drama.
One particularly interesting fight that Alalshikh mentioned was the clash between Naoya Inoue and Gervonta Davis. However, upon closer examination, it becomes evident that this matchup is quite unrealistic due to the significant size difference between the two fighters. Inoue, a fighter who started his professional career at a much lower weight class than Davis, seems mismatched against the larger and heavier opponent. Despite this glaring obstacle, Alalshikh and others have expressed interest in seeing these two undefeated fighters face off, possibly at a catchweight to level the playing field.
Challenges and Opportunities
Alalshikh’s vision for organizing these dream fights involves overcoming various challenges, such as weight disparities and logistical issues related to hosting the events in different countries. While Alalshikh’s enthusiasm for bringing these matchups to fruition is commendable, it raises questions about the feasibility and practicality of some of these proposed fights. For instance, convincing fighters like Inoue, who enjoy immense popularity in their home countries, to travel abroad for matches may prove to be a tough sell.
Another point of contention is the weight class at which these dream fights would take place. Fighters like Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez compete in different weight divisions, making it difficult to determine a suitable weight for a potential bout between them. The issue of weight compatibility adds another layer of complexity to the matchmaking process, as fighters must often make significant adjustments to meet their opponents at a mutually agreeable weight class.
While Turki Alalshikh’s ambitious plans to create dream fights in boxing are admirable, they also pose significant challenges that must be addressed. The feasibility of matchups like Inoue vs. Davis or Crawford vs. Canelo remains uncertain due to factors like size differentials and logistical hurdles. However, the passion and dedication shown by Alalshikh in championing these potential matchups demonstrate his commitment to elevating the sport of boxing and providing fans with thrilling spectacles. As discussions continue around these dream fights, it is essential to consider the practical realities that may impact their realization in the future.