Canelo Alvarez’s upcoming fight with Edgar Berlanga has sparked criticism from UFC CEO Dana White, Conor McGregor, and Saudi Arabian fight promoter Turki Alalshikh, who accuses Alvarez of avoiding challenging opponents by pricing himself out of marquee matchups.
Canelo Alvarez’s latest fight booking has drawn the ire of some of combat sports’ most influential names.
The superstar boxer recently ruffled the feathers of UFC CEO Dana White and Conor McGregor. White criticized MGM for booking Alvarez’s upcoming Sept. 14 fight with Edgar Berlanga in Las Vegas on the same night as UFC 306 at the nearby Sphere. Meanwhile, McGregor targeted Alvarez himself, calling him “a cornflake.”
Saudi Arabian adviser and fight promoter Turki Alalshikh also appears to have beef with Alvarez. He recently announced that he is not pursuing a dream fight between Alvarez and Terence Crawford.
On Wednesday, Alalshikh elaborated on his reason for not wanting to work with Alvarez or his team via a social media post.
I heard what Canelo said that he respects me but doesn’t like the way we do business.
As for him respecting me, it doesn’t matter to me if he does or not.
As for the way I do business, I know why he doesn’t like it, because I only target big fights at fair prices, so of course…
I heard what Canelo said that he respects me but doesn't like the way we do business.
As for him respecting me, it doesn't matter to me if he does or not.
As for the way I do business, I know why he doesn't like it, because I only target big fights at fair prices, so of course…— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh)
The gist of Alalshikh’s criticism is clear: He believes Alvarez is intentionally pricing himself out of marquee matchups to avoid difficult opponents.
Alalshikh points specifically to Alvarez’s most recent loss against WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol in May 2022.
Alvarez has rebounded with four consecutive victories since then, knocking off Gennady Golovkin, Jermell Charlo, and Jaime Munguia.
Up next for Alvarez is another defense of his super middleweight titles against Berlanga on Sept. 14.
In Alvarez’s 65-fight career, he has lost just twice and also has two draws on his record.
Alalshikh has been aggressive in promoting big-name boxing bouts over the past few years.
This past weekend, his Riyadh Season promotion held an event at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles headlined by Crawford fighting Israil Madrimov.
He was also a driving force behind former UFC champion and current PFL star Francis Ngannou’s fights with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Not to mention Fury’s recent championship bout with Oleksandr Usyk.