By Ricardo Lezama 
In statements that dismayed the Mexican boxing public, the representative of the Saudi Arabian government, Turki Alalshikh, has now swiped at Mexico’s (and arguably the worlds’) best active fighter, Canelo Alvarez. Boxing’s most enthusiastic fanbase is Mexican so this should have interesting consequences for both brands and interests.
However, let’s first consider other relevant issues with respect to Saudi Arabia’s incursion into professional boxing.
Is Riyadh Season Sports Washing?
Riyadh Season has faced numerous allegations of sports washing not only in boxing but also connected to events like Golf, which the Saudi Arabian government has also branched out to purchase. As the oil rich country seeks to diversify both its global image and resources, the government has spawned Riyadh Season and deployed it most forcefully to the world of boxing, long known for a byzantine set of rules and promoters who may or may not have the incentive to arrange the most competitive fights.
Some fighters, however, are less keen on some other brand or promoter taking their agency away from them as well as the upside for any potential Pay-Per-View or audience linked revenue.
In effect, fighters are not as willing to give away their hard fought demand driven concessions. They need guaranteed purses, and then some. Such is the case with both Canelo Alvarez and Gervonta “Tank” Davis who have not warmed to the idea of having a Saudi luminary boss over them.
— Canelo Alvarez (@Canelo) August 7, 2024
When discussion of negotiations was brought up to Canelo, the Saudi Arabian government representative was pressuring Canelo in the midst of his preparation for an important title defense. For any fighter, this would be out of the question to negotiate fights while still actively training for an upcoming event. Such an agreement could overshadow and distract Canelo, who told the Saudi Arabian representative to simply hold on a minute.
Unfortunately, that resulted in an angry tweet from the Saudi hoping to dispel the notion that Canelo is too big for him:
— Lunatoon Boxing (@lunatoonboxing) August 7, 2024
Most boxing audiences resent the idea that their favorite fighters can be pushed around. In fact, many – along with Canelo – feel that Turki is throwing his weight around unjustly to people who are self-made and have defined their careers through their own means. With the biggest fanbase, many of Canelo’s fans took to twitter to express their resentment at yet another businessman bullying one of their own.
Money can buy a lot of things, but respect is definitely not one of them!! https://t.co/iIkGgZDyfd
— Latoxicadelboxeo (@laizar27) August 8, 2024
If the mere thought that Canelo did not want to anticipate a fight after the current one offends Turki Alashiek, one can surmise that the Saudi investment comes at a great price at fighter freedom, but the audience has certainly been gifted fights that would otherwise never happen due to promoter issues.