After the painful defeat against Terence Crawford – a fall that many consider the hardest of his career – Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez faced days of silence, ruthless criticism and evident distancing from the media, promoters and former followers.
The general feeling was clear: the boxing world had turned its back on him.
But in the midst of this negative scenario, an unexpected gesture arose that completely changed the course of his future.
“The whole world has turned its back on you… but Saudi Arabia will always welcome you.”
With those words, spoken with solemnity and emotion, Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Saud, one of the country’s most influential oil magnates, announced an agreement that is already considered one of the largest in the history of world sports.
The sheikh, a firm defender of Canelo’s talent, declared in front of the international press:
“The world has betrayed you, Canelo. But we haven’t.
“Saudi Arabia honors you, respects you and wants you here.”
His words made an immediate impact. What he revealed next left journalists, promoters and fans stunned:
A historic agreement: 1,000 million in cash and an additional 500 million for future fights
According to the official announcement, Sheikh Khalid will pay:
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1 billion dollars in cash directly to Canelo
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An additional 500 million destined for his next fights held exclusively in Saudi Arabia
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The construction of a monumental boxing stadium, with capacity for 80,000 people, which will be named “Canelo Arena”
The project is part of an ambitious Saudi plan to consolidate its country as the new world capital of combat sports.
Canelo breaks: his response excites the world
Visibly affected, with wet eyes and a trembling voice, Canelo could barely articulate a few words.
In front of cameras, and with millions of people watching the broadcast, the Mexican champion said:
“Thank you… I don’t know how to thank you. When many forgot about me, you extended your hand to me.”
The room fell silent.
Sheikh Khalid himself – known for his unflappable character – could not hold back his tears, a moment that quickly went viral.
The redemption of a champion
The defeat against Crawford had put Canelo’s image and future in doubt. Some analysts had even begun to talk about “the end of an era.”
But the entry of Saudi Arabia into the equation changes everything.
This agreement not only rescues the figure of Canelo:
It reinvests it, rebuilds it and raises it to an unprecedented economic and symbolic level.
Canelo goes from being a questioned champion to becoming the central face of an ambitious global sports project.
A new beginning
As the world debates the future of boxing and the impact of Saudi money on the sport, one thing is certain:
Canelo Álvarez has not said his last word.
Backed by one of the largest contracts ever signed and by a country willing to make him a legend, the Mexican is preparing to write a new chapter.
And this time, he won’t be walking alone.