BOXING power broker Turki Alalshikh has seemingly put his ambitious plan to stage a monumental event in Alcatraz prison into motion.
The chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia teased earlier this year that he was keen for Teofimo Lopez to headline a card at the California tourist destination.
But with the WBO world super-lightweight champion facing Arnold Barboza in Times Square, New York – another quirky location – on May 2, it would appear that Alalshikh is now considering alternative options.
The Saudi government official announced just last week that he is set to launch a new boxing promotion with UFC president Dana White in 2026.
And with their financially formidable partnership promising to have a seismic impact on the sport, one of the pair’s first ever events could also be their most historic.
Logistically, one cannot even imagine how a fight card would unfold on the San Francisco island where Alcatraz sits, but Alalshikh nonetheless seems convinced that it will happen.
The Riyadh Season chief took to social media yesterday, confirming that it will in fact take place in March of next year while also asking fans who they would like to see on the card.
After signing a four-fight deal with Alalshikh last month, pound-for-pound star Canelo Alvarez could be a likely option to headline the potential show.
The 34-year-old must first get past IBF super-middleweight titlist William Scull on May 3 before entering what should be an undisputed clash with Terence Crawford in September.
Providing he secures and retains all four major titles at 168lbs, Canelo could then be in the mix to headline an Alalshikh and White extravaganza in Alcatraz.
