ALCATRAZ Prison could join The Playboy Mansion and Matchroom HQ as the latest bizarre venue to stage a boxing match.
Last Friday during a video interview with Mike Coppinger on ESPN’s YouTube channel Turki Alalshikh discussed his thoughts on obscure fight locations such as Alcatraz, The Pyramids, The Eiffel Tower and The Colosseum in Rome.
“Sometimes I get in my mind… I want different places,” he said.
Alcatraz has now become a tourist attraction but in 1934 began its life as a federal penitentiary which over the years held notorious criminals such as Al Capone, Robert Franklin Stroud, Mickey Cohen and more. In 1963, however, the prison closed due to financial difficulties and damage to the facility. Since then Alcatraz has featured in many Hollywood films such as Birdman of Alcatraz, Escape from Alcatraz, The Rock and more.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning (UK time) The Ring reported that the idea could become a reality this summer. And the starring role currently belongs to WBO Super Lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez, 21-1 (13 KOs). The 27-year-old fought twice in 2024 defending his title successfully against Jamaine Ortiz and Steve Claggett. His below-par performances, however, drew widespread criticism.
Lopez’ promoter Bob Arum was looking at a possible unification matchup for his fighter against IBF champion Richardson Hitchins, 19-0 (7 KOs).
“The Saudis have come to us, and they’ve talked about making a three-fight deal with Teofimo, which we like very much,” Arum told FightHype. “Now the ball is in Teofimo’s court to get his approval. The Saudis have stepped up to the plate, and as far as Top Rank is concerned, we’re pleased with the offer and the arrangement.”
“We’re talking to the Saudis [about Teofimo fighting IBF light-welterweight champion Richardson Hitchins]. We’ve had a good relationship with Teo, but it comes a time where they’re looking to fly a little bit on their own.
“That’s not unusual. It happens, but I think Teofimo will like the package the Saudis have presented, and we’ll go forward with him on that basis,” added Arum.
At time of writing there is no opponent in place for Lopez’s next fight but a deal for his return in June or July was described as “close” to being finalised by The Ring. The event would see Lopez headline another Ring Magazine event with two already in the pipeline – one of which will see Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia co-headline in separate bouts before facing each other in a rematch later this year.
