In a move that has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, Turki Alalshikh — the mastermind behind Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global sports — has officially confirmed that the long-anticipated super fight between Saul “Canelo” Álvarez and Terence “Bud” Crawford will headline Riyadh Season 2025. With the entertainment giant Sela taking charge of the production, expectations are sky-high for what could become one of the most iconic events in boxing history.

The Announcement That Rocked the Combat Sports World

Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, took to social media and international press outlets to unveil the explosive news: two of boxing’s biggest names will clash under the lights of Riyadh in 2025. The matchup, long considered a dream fight by fans and analysts alike, pits Mexico’s undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Álvarez against the undefeated, multi-division phenom Terence Crawford.

“This is not just a fight. This is history in the making,” said Alalshikh. “We are bringing the biggest and best to Riyadh Season, and we are proud to showcase boxing at the highest level to the world.”

The announcement was accompanied by a dramatic teaser video, complete with roaring crowds, slow-motion knockouts, and cinematic graphics, solidifying the bout as a centerpiece of the 2025 Riyadh Season.

Canelo vs. Crawford: Clash of Titans

The matchup between Canelo (60-2-2, 39 KOs) and Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) has been debated for years, but promotional, financial, and weight-class differences always seemed to keep the bout out of reach. Until now.

Canelo, the pride of Guadalajara, has dominated the super middleweight division, while Crawford stunned the world by becoming the first man to stop Errol Spence Jr. and unify the welterweight titles. But to challenge Canelo, Crawford will have to move up in weight once again, facing a size disadvantage that only adds to the intrigue.

Boxing insiders believe the fight will take place at a catchweight — likely around 164 pounds — to level the playing field. With both fighters ranked among the top pound-for-pound boxers on Earth, this bout has all the ingredients of a legacy-defining war.

Sela’s Grand Vision: A New Era of Fight Nights

Adding even more excitement to the mix, Saudi-based entertainment powerhouse Sela will produce the event. Known for their lavish production values and seamless execution of large-scale events, Sela has already earned international acclaim for its work on previous Riyadh Season spectacles, including Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou and the recent “5 vs. 5” Matchroom vs. Queensberry card.

According to Sela’s executive team, the Canelo vs. Crawford fight will not be a standalone event, but a week-long celebration of sport, music, and culture — fusing boxing with entertainment in a way only Saudi Arabia can deliver.

“We’re talking red carpets, global music acts, and the most immersive fan experience the sport has ever seen,” said a Sela spokesperson. “This will be boxing’s Super Bowl.”

The Bigger Picture: Saudi Arabia’s Sports Empire

The fight announcement is just the latest chapter in Saudi Arabia’s bold push to become a global sports powerhouse. Backed by billions in investment through the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the kingdom has already secured massive events in golf (LIV Golf), MMA (UFC), Formula 1, and football (Cristiano Ronaldo and other major players joining Saudi clubs).

With boxing, Turki Alalshikh has managed to do what few others could — bring rival promoters together and deliver dream matchups. His “Riyadh Season” vision has transformed the Gulf state into boxing’s new capital, and Canelo vs. Crawford is arguably his most ambitious bet yet.

Fan Reactions and Industry Buzz

Reactions online have been swift and passionate. Fans are praising the matchup as “the best fight that could be made” and applauding Saudi Arabia for once again delivering what American and European promoters failed to coordinate.

Boxing legends like Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, and Oscar De La Hoya have all chimed in with excitement and curiosity about how Crawford’s slick skills will hold up against Canelo’s power and experience.

“This is one of those fights you’ll tell your kids about,” said boxing analyst Andre Ward. “Two future Hall of Famers. One ring. No excuses.”

What’s Next?

Details such as the exact date, undercard matchups, and broadcast rights are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. However, one thing is certain: the world will be watching.

As the sun sets over Riyadh and the desert air cools, the biggest fight of the decade will begin — and whether it ends in a knockout or a decision, it’s already a win for boxing.

Turki Alalshikh. Canelo. Crawford. Sela. Riyadh Season 2025.
History isn’t just being written. It’s being filmed, celebrated, and broadcast to the world.