Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, is set to host his first boxing event in the United States. The event is being promoted by Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn and will feature Terence Crawford challenging Israil Madrimov for his IBF super welterweight title. Hearn recently announced a “huge press conference in NYC” on April 23 to share more details with boxing fans.
The boxing card is reportedly scheduled to take place at the Los Angeles Forum in Inglewood, California, on August 3. Crawford’s return to the ring is expected to draw a significant audience, but the rest of the planned card, including fights such as Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz defending his WBA junior welterweight title against Jose Valenzuela and a heavyweight matchup between Andy Ruiz and Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller, could make this event the biggest boxing card of 2024.
The potential matchup between Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Tim Tszyu is also generating excitement among boxing fans. Ortiz is scheduled to face Thomas Dulorme in a fight that could set up a clash with Tszyu. The winner of this bout may have an opportunity to fight for a world title in their next fight. Crawford, who hasn’t fought since his victory over Errol Spence Jr. in July 2023, could be a potential opponent for the winner of the Ortiz-Tszyu matchup.
Alalshikh has expressed interest in facilitating dream fights such as Crawford-Alvarez, Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury, and David Benavidez vs. the winner of Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol. While these matchups may be on the horizon, fans can look forward to the upcoming boxing card on August 3, which promises to deliver exciting fights and potentially set the stage for future high-profile matchups in the boxing world.
It will be a crucial fight for both Ruiz and Miller, as a loss could have dire consequences for their respective careers in a highly competitive heavyweight division. Ruiz, who hasn’t fought in two years, will need a victory to re-establish himself as a top contender. Meanwhile, for the undefeated Crawford, a win over Madrimov could pave the way for potential matchups with other top fighters in his weight class or even a move up to 168 pounds for a showdown with Canelo Alvarez.
As the boxing world eagerly anticipates the upcoming event in August, fight fans are hopeful for thrilling matchups and potential future showdowns between some of the biggest names in the sport. The summer boxing schedule is shaping up to feature some exciting bouts, and the card hosted by Turki Alalshikh promises to be a highlight of the season, drawing attention from fans and fighters alike.
