Does Turki Alalshikh Have the Pull to Make Crawford vs Ennis?
Unified welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford (40-0, 31KO) and the man responsible for blockbuster fights in Saudi Arabia, Turki Alalshikh could soon be linking up. Does it mean Bud may finally fight IBF champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis (31-0, 28KO).
The boxing news cycle is buzzing after Crawford responded to a message from Turki Alalshikh on social media.
This exchange quickly went racing through all boxing channels as fans and pundits were throwing around possible names of opponents. Some believe WBO #2 ranked Josh “Pretty Boy” Kelly could get the nod.
Word on the street was that Crawford would have fought Kelly for the WBO championship, provided the newly crowned unified champion Sebastian Fundora vacated the title. 3kingsboxing later confirmed that Fundora will not relinquish the title and will be out taking care of a broken nose.
CAN SAUDI ARABIA DELIVER THE FIGHT FANS WANT TO SEE?
If Bud is to fight Kelly, it could be for the WBO Interim title, with the winner getting a shot for the unified titles next. This seems to be the more likely scenario as the undefeated Nebraskan wants to conquer a new division.
Yet, boxing fans are hoping that it’s Crawford vs Ennis in a mega showdown as this is the only fight they want to see happen next. In the past, there was no chance for this fight to take place as Crawford has shown no interest in facing the IBF champion.
However, Boots’ recent signing to Matchroom Boxing may have provided the financial backing necessary to make the fight a reality. The Chairman of the British promotional company, Eddie Hearn, has been working very closely with Turki Alalshikh.
In this author’s opinion, Kelly shouldn’t be a part of the conversation. Given the track record of fights they’ve held in Saudi Arabia, they are looking to put on blockbuster events. Bud versus Kelly isn’t it, but Bud versus Boots does the trick.
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