Eddie Hearn issues high praise for Turki Alalshikh despite tension with former client Canelo Alvarez

Matchroom Boxing CEO Eddie Hearn is one of the prominent figures in the world of professional boxing. Hearn has some great relationships in the community, including Saudi Delegate Turki Alalshikh. Interestingly, the boxing world was buzzing with a recent rift between Canelo Alvarez and the Saudi Delegate. While sharing his views on the dispute, Eddie Hearn spoke in favor of Alalshikh.

Turki Alalshikh’s significant contributions have led to the production of numerous boxing fights that have been well-received by the community. However, his rift with Alvarez has garnered everyone’s attention, including the Matchroom boss. In an exclusive interview with Brian Mazique, Hearn heaped praise on Alalshikh, even though he is a good friend of Canelo, whom he once managed.

I think, firstly, His Excellency (Turki Alalshikh) has one thing on his mind: make the biggest fights that can be made in boxing... I think what he's bringing to the sport is extremely refreshing because he has no interest in poor fights... He just wants to make the biggest fights that can be made.

Per Eddie Hearn, Alalshikh had two fights in his mind. It was either Canelo against Terence Crawford or Canelo against David Benavidez. The Matchroom boss believed it was a great idea as it would furthermore elevate boxing. However, Alvarez had other plans in his mind as he rejected Alalshikh’s offer for the Crawford fight. With that, the next big fight for Canelo was against Benavidez.

David Benavidez is currently one of the elite fighters at 168 pounds and has repeatedly called Canelo out. A few days back, Alvarez clearly mentioned why he did not want to fight the Mexican-American boxer. Per Alvarez, there’s a risk of fighting Benavidez. Canelo also demanded $200 million while negotiating for that fight.

Meanwhile, His Excellency did not like Alvarez’s approach and slammed him through his socials for making unnecessary demands. Per Alalshikh, he believes in giving a fair price, and what Alvarez asked was outrageous. The way Canelo adopts a risk-reward approach did not sit well with some, including the Saudi Delegate. However, this has not stopped his ambition to look for big fights.

Turki Alalshikh and Oscar De La Hoya shake hands on two exciting boxing bouts

Alalshikh became an influential figure in the boxing community within a very short period of time. The fighters and promoters seemed to have liked his way of elevating the boxing world. The same cannot be said for Canelo Alvarez, who wished to avoid Alalshikh’s intriguing matchmaking. Interestingly, the Saudi Delegate had other plans for big fights coming in everyone’s way.

Recently, Alalshikh verbally agreed on exciting fights with Oscar De La Hoya. The former world champion is the current CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. De La Hoya has several exciting fighters, including undefeated Vergil Ortiz Jr. and William Zepeda. While discussing the potential big fights in the community, De La Hoya and Alalshikh agreed on Crawford vs. Ortiz and Shakur Stevenson vs. Zepeda.

In addition, they agreed that the fights would take place on the same cards, making it more exciting. However, it is now uncertain how the fighters will respond. Regarding Crawford and Stevenson, both are currently free agents without any promotional contracts, although they do have Alalshikh supporting them. It will be interesting to see when the fights will actually happen.

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