Lip-reading gone wrong? Canelo Alvarez getting ‘denied’ by Turki Alalshikh causes controversy in boxing world

The press conference for the Canelo Alvarez vs. William Scull fight garnered everyone's attention because of Turki Alalshikh.

Lip-reading gone wrong? Canelo Alvarez getting ‘denied’ by Turki Alalshikh causes controversy in boxing world

A brief moment between Turki Alalshikh and Canelo Alvarez caused a stir (Image via Sporting News/X)

The boxing community is currently buzzing with excitement over several upcoming matchups and events. Notably, Canelo Alvarez, Ryan Garcia, and Naoya Inoue are scheduled to fight on the same weekend in a few months. Recently, a press conference featuring Canelo garnered significant attention, particularly due to an alleged inappropriate action by Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the Saudi GEA.

Canelo Alvarez holds multiple titles in the super middleweight boxing division. He is set to face IBF super middleweight champion William Scull in a title unification bout on May 3rd. The first press conference for this highly anticipated match took place at New York’s Radio City Music Hall on Thursday. Amid the smoothly run event, one particular moment generated considerable buzz in the boxing community.

YouTube video

Initially, several onlookers and netizens believed that Turki Alalshikh did not want to include Canelo’s WBC title in the face-off image. However, the embedded video clearly shows that Alalshikh had no issues with Alvarez bringing in his WBC title.

It is interesting to note that, since the Mexican boxing sensation is not a native English speaker, Canelo might have misinterpreted Alalshikh’s head shake and may not have fully understood what he said. Since entering the world of professional boxing, Alalshikh has become one of the most influential figures in the community.

A prime example of his impact is when he successfully diverted Alvarez from a rumored boxing match against Jake Paul. Instead, Alalshikh signed the Mexican boxing sensation to a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season. Canelo’s upcoming fight against William Scull will be the first bout under this contract.

Canelo Alvarez shows interest to feature in Turki Alalshikh’s new collaborative boxing promotion

The relationship between Canelo Alvarez and Turki Alalshikh has had its ups and downs over the years. However, currently, both prominent figures in the boxing community enjoy a strong camaraderie. In fact, Canelo is quite enthusiastic about the new boxing promotion led by the Saudi delegate. The chairman of the Saudi GEA has teamed up with TKO Group Holdings and his friend, Dana White.

Canelo Alvarez and Turki Alalshikh together
Canelo Alvarez and Turki Alalshikh together (Image via Instagram/@turkialalshik)

Standout personalities like Alalshikh and White are set to launch their new boxing promotion soon. Given the high-quality work that both White and Alalshikh are known for, the boxing community is buzzing with excitement about this announcement. Interestingly, reports from CBS Sports indicate that Canelo is hopeful about competing in the new promotion.

There’s always an opportunity for me to fight in September in Las Vegas, those are my dates [along with Cinco de Mayo weekend in May] and everyone knows that… We need to take care of the May fight first but there is an opportunity to fight in Vegas in September and be the first event for [TKO] as a promoter.

Canelo Alvarez via CBS Sports HQ

Interestingly, Alalshikh hinted at the possibility of merging all boxing promotions and sanctioning bodies in the world of professional boxing. Notably, the new boxing promotion is said to operate on similar principles. With boxers like Canelo expressing interest in competing under this new promotion, there is currently some tension in the boxing community.

Related: Canelo Alvarez nickname: What is the story behind the Mexican boxer’s nickname?