His Excellency Turki Alalshikh is looking forward to putting together a mega-card featuring Terence Crawford facing off against Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Shakur Stevenson taking on William Zepeda, all on the same night. However, there is uncertainty surrounding Vergil Ortiz Jr.’s involvement in the event following his controversial victory over WBC interim champion Serhii Bohachuk. This has raised questions about whether Turki’s initial enthusiasm for a Crawford vs. Ortiz Jr. showdown has waned.
Vergil Ortiz Jr.’s disputed triumph over Bohachuk, which saw him being knocked down twice and still managing to secure a contentious twelve-round majority decision, has cast a shadow over his potential matchup with Crawford. Despite the tainted nature of his recent win, Turki could proceed with arranging a bout between Ortiz Jr. and WBA junior middleweight champion Crawford, alongside a title defense by WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson against the #1 contender William Zepeda.
Initially, Turki had hoped to arrange a showdown between Crawford and the formidable Canelo Alvarez, who holds world titles in multiple weight classes. However, discussions with Canelo did not yield the desired outcome, leading Turki to express disappointment over the situation. While Canelo may be interested in facing Crawford, the financial demands associated with such a high-profile matchup might not align with what Turki is prepared to offer, particularly if the purse reaches a staggering $150 million.
The Financial Considerations
Crawford’s limited drawing power outside of his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, means that a potential clash with Canelo would heavily rely on the support of avid boxing enthusiasts to generate pay-per-view sales. Furthermore, Crawford’s perceived lack of charisma and mainstream appeal could further complicate negotiations for a lucrative bout. Turki’s frustrations with Canelo’s reluctance to engage in discussions reflect a desire to elevate the sport of boxing through compelling matchups and lucrative offers to top-tier fighters.
Despite the challenges posed by Ortiz Jr.’s recent performance and the failed negotiations with Canelo, Turki remains determined to deliver an enticing lineup of fights. Crawford is poised to capitalize on Ortiz Jr.’s vulnerabilities exposed in his last fight, setting the stage for a potentially lucrative encounter. Additionally, the prospect of pitting Stevenson against Zepeda adds depth and excitement to the proposed mega-card, garnering interest from fans and industry insiders alike.
For Golden Boy Promotions, the opportunity to showcase talents like Ortiz Jr. and Zepeda on a marquee event headlined by Crawford and Stevenson represents a chance to revitalize the company’s standing in the world of professional boxing. With Oscar De La Hoya’s enthusiasm for the proposed card palpable, there is a sense of nostalgia for the glory days when Golden Boy regularly staged blockbuster events before Canelo’s departure from the promotional stable.
The potential mega-card featuring Crawford vs. Ortiz Jr. and Stevenson vs. Zepeda holds promise for an electrifying night of boxing action. Despite the hurdles and controversies that have emerged along the way, Turki Alalshikh’s commitment to delivering compelling matchups and engaging boxing fans remains unwavering. As the sport continues to evolve and adapt to changing dynamics, the allure of high-stakes showdowns and rising stars presents an enticing prospect for both fighters and promoters alike.