As the boxing world counts down to what is widely billed as the “event of the year”—the super-middleweight collision between titans Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford—the full roster of supporting acts has finally been revealed. While the undercard promises a compelling blend of rising stars and seasoned contenders, the spotlight is inadvertently shared with an intriguing subplot: the notable absence of a fighter whose viral moment suggested a prime spot on this grand stage.
The Stage is Set: A Global Showcase of Talent
The anticipation around the Canelo-Crawford main event has been palpable, but a major fight night is only as good as its undercard. Fortunately, the announced lineup is stacked with intriguing matchups designed to captivate a diverse global audience, showcasing talent from across continents.
Co-Main Event: Undefeated Streaks Collide
Headlining the supporting cast is a battle of unblemished records: Christian Mbilli (29-0, 24 KOs) faces off against Lester Martinez (19-0, 16 KOs). This super-middleweight clash features two powerful, undefeated athletes, promising an explosive encounter that could steal the show before the main event even begins.
Key Attractions and Rising Stars
Beyond the co-main, the undercard unfurls a series of bouts designed to deliver action and elevate emerging talents:
- Super-Welterweight Showdown: The undefeated Callum Walsh (14-0, 11 KOs) takes on Fernando Vargas Jr. (17-0, 15 KOs), a matchup bristling with knockout potential and youthful ambition.
- Local Favorite Returns: Saudi fan-favorite Mohammed Alakel (5-0, 1 KO) is slated for another high-profile appearance, much to the delight of the local crowd.
- Prelim Revenge Match: Ukraine`s Serhii Bohachuk (26-2, 24 KOs) will seek redemption against Brandon Adams (25-4, 16 KOs), a rematch that carries personal stakes as Bohachuk aims to avenge the sole stoppage defeat of his career from their previous encounter.
- Heavyweight Test: Two-time Olympic bronze medallist Ivan Dychko (15-0, 14 KOs) faces his toughest test yet against the respected Jermaine Franklin (23-2, 15 KOs). The 6’9” Kazakh will need to bring his A-game against a proven heavyweight.
- Crawford`s Stablemate: Steven Nelson (20-1, 16 KOs), a stablemate of Terence Crawford, steps into the ring against Cuba’s Reiko Santana (12-4, 6 KOs), who made headlines last year with an upset victory.
- Global Prospects: Further adding to the international flavor are Japanese super-featherweight prospect Reito Tsutsumi (2-0, 1 KO), making his third appearance in four months, and Mexico’s Paris 2024 silver medallist Marco Verde (2-0, 1 KO). Saudi-based Sultan Almohamed is also scheduled to make his professional debut, adding a local touch to the proceedings.
The Ghost in the Machine: Marquis Taylor`s Sidelined Saga
Amidst this roster of confirmed talent, one name conspicuously absent has stirred considerable discussion: Marquis Taylor. The Texas-native (18-1-2, 3 KOs) became an internet sensation after a dazzling knockout during a July BoxRaw sparring competition, fueling speculation that his impressive performance, widely shared by Turki Al-Alshikh, would earn him a coveted spot on the Canelo-Crawford card. Alas, the glamorous veneer of boxing often conceals a far less savory reality.
Taylor, a middleweight contender trained by the esteemed Shawn Porter, remains on the sidelines not due to injury or lack of readiness, but a stark reminder of the business side of the sport. His exclusion stems from an ongoing legal dispute with BiYu Promotions CEO Bobby Harrison.
A Bitter Management Battle
According to Harrison, Taylor has been issued a Cease & Desist letter, alleging a breach of his five-year management contract. The accusation? Taylor is reportedly attempting to sign with J Prince, despite the significant investment and career guidance provided by BiYu Promotions.
“Two years ago, Marquis came to me because nobody — including Prince — could get him meaningful fights. He was undefeated for eight years and still ignored,” stated Harrison, outlining his commitment to Taylor`s career. “I invested hundreds of thousands into his career, provided housing, helped secured him a NABF title, helped get him ranked by the WBC. And now, after one viral clip, he walks away in favour of a someone who didn’t even want him before.”
This sentiment echoes a familiar refrain in the boxing world – the ruthless pursuit of opportunity, sometimes at the expense of loyalty and established agreements. Harrison didn`t mince words, expressing his intent to fight the alleged breach and “shin[e] a light on it every step of the way.” It`s a stark, perhaps even cynical, reminder that not all battles are fought within the ropes. The ongoing legal wrangling makes Taylor’s involvement on any Riyadh card, including an anticipated open workout event, “extremely unlikely.”
As the boxing world prepares for the monumental Canelo-Crawford clash, the undercard promises to deliver high-octane action and introduce new faces to the global stage. Yet, the unfortunate saga of Marquis Taylor serves as a potent backdrop, a reminder that even in the brightest spotlights, the shadows of contractual disputes and perceived betrayals can linger. Fans will undoubtedly enjoy the fights, but the whispers of what might have been, and the ongoing battles outside the ring, add another layer of complexity to the beautiful, often messy, sport of boxing.
Tristan Blackwood