In boxing’s latest metamorphosis into global spectacle, no architect looms larger than Turki Alalshikh. The Saudi sports visionary has been rewriting the rules of engagement—shifting boxing’s gravity eastward, and orchestrating supercards that fuse tradition with showbiz at a scale the sport hasn’t seen since the golden age. Now, with the seismic Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford superfight drawing near on September 13, 2025, Alalshikh may be on the brink of adding yet another feather to his power-packed cap—not a fighter this time, but a voice.
Not just any voice. Jim Lampley, the man whose sound defined decades of boxing lore, is reportedly in advanced talks to become the official voice of both Riyadh Season and Ring Magazine, according to a post from Ring Magazine’s official X account. “Riyadh Season and Ring Magazine have made a big offer to Jim Lampley, and are close to a deal, for him to be the official voice of both entities.” While nothing is signed just yet, all signs point toward a dramatic reunion between boxing’s greatest soundtrack and its boldest new stage.
Lampley returned to the commentary booth earlier this year, and fans buzzed with excitement. After a six-year break since HBO Boxing closed in 2018, the 2015 Hall of Fame inductee returned in May for the Ring II card. Rolly Romero shocked everyone by defeating Ryan Garcia. He recently lent his legendary commentary to Ring III on DAZN. He called the fights between Edgar Berlanga and Hamzah Sheeraz, as well as Shakur Stevenson and William Zepeda, alongside Mike Coppinger and Antonio Tarver.
And he hasn’t lost his edge. Speaking to The Ring ahead of the Berlanga‑Sheeraz clash, the seasoned voice reflected: “Sheeraz wants to go in and use his height and counterpunching ability against a guy who, in the past, has been a full‑on attacker without nuance… If so, he might have advantages against Sheeraz.” His insight remains as sharp as ever, layered with fight IQ and poetic clarity.
The man behind the iconic “It happened…it happened!” call during George Foreman’s stunning comeback knockout of Michael Moorer has always brought more than narration—he brings soul. If finalized, this move will mark not just a nostalgic revival but a strategic coup. Alalshikh’s bid to position Saudi Arabia as boxing’s new capital wouldn’t just be backed by oil money and belts—it would be narrated by a man who’s called some of the sport’s most immortal moments.
Claressa Shields predicts Terence Crawford will outclass Canelo Alvarez
Boxing fans might still be split down the middle over who wins the historic September 13 superfight between Saul “Canelo” Álvarez and Terence “Bud” Crawford—but Claressa Shields has already picked her side, and she’s not holding back. The self-proclaimed G.W.O.A.T. (Greatest Woman of All Time) was crystal clear with her stance while speaking to FightHype at Madison Square Garden during the Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano trilogy card.
“You know I got Terence Crawford beating Canelo,” she said, without a flicker of hesitation. “I ain’t gonna say knockout, but I think he’s gonna box [Canelo’s] shoes off.” The prediction came with strong conviction, not casual fandom. Shields, like Crawford, is a multiple-time undisputed world champion. They share a deep mutual respect.
When the fight was first announced, most fans favored Canelo. They pointed to his size, power, and experience at 168 pounds. Crawford is jumping multiple weight classes to challenge for Álvarez’s unified super middleweight crown. Public opinion is shifting. Canelo’s lackluster performance against William Scull in May raised concerns. Many felt the Mexican superstar appeared a step slow.
A fiery June faceoff added to the tension. Canelo shoved Crawford during the staredown. The narrative is heating up quickly.
The post Turki Alalshikh Close To Signing Another Boxing Hall Of Famer Ahead Of Canelo‑Crawford $200 Million Superfight appeared first on EssentiallySports.