The involvement of Saudis has revitalized boxing. Thanks to the support from His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, we’ve seen dream matches come to life, increased fighter earnings, and, most crucially, a renewed passion for boxing among fans. However, as expected, it has also taken mainstream boxing out of the US a bit.

In the last few years, we have seen fighters like Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Artur Beterbiev, Dmitry Bivol, and more headline events in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, in two weeks, we will see one of the biggest boxing events, ‘The Last Crescendo’ take place in Riyadh. With the increased involvement of Saudis, fans were afraid that the much-anticipated clash between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford would also happen outside of the US. If it happens, it would rob American fans of experiencing one of their biggest fantasy fights live. However, Crawford is here to ease the tension and soothe the fan’s concerns.

Terence Crawford addresses fan concerns

The WBA Junior Middleweight champion was present in the crowd at Madison Square Garden Theater to support Keyshawn Davis. After the fight, prominent boxing reporter Sean Zittel caught him for an interview. During the conversation, Zittel claimed that the American fans may not be able to watch his match against Canelo Alvarez live. Before Zittel, could say anything, the Omaha native reverted, “What you mean they won’t have a chance to watch us in the States?”

Reports from a few weeks ago stated the duo would meet in September at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. However, as the fight got canceled and then reinstated again with Cinnamon signing a four-fight contract with Saudis, fans expected the venue to change. However, Terence Crawford assured the fans that it was not the case and the bout was “going to be in Las Vegas for sure.”

According to the Nebraskan, ” boxing is a worldwide sport.” However, as boxing has reigned supreme in America since its inception, Crawford believes that “a couple of years or however many fights you know in a different country,” are not enough to take this sport away from Americans.

Furthermore, overseas fans have been “dealing with it for years. Back in London and Paris and all those other countries. So you know it ain’t no different from them having to wake up at a certain time to watch the fight than us,” stated the WBA champion.

Boxing is going nowhere

It looked like even Zittel was relieved by Terence Crawford’s statement. He further asked, “So you think American boxing, long term is going to be all right?” to seek further assurance. ‘Bud’ was once again an optimist of America’s chances in boxing. “Yeah, for sure. Because I don’t think American boxing not going nowhere,” declared the Nebraskan proudly.

Crawford remarked how even after the involvement of Saudis, the prices of pay-per-views are far higher in the US than in other parts of the world. He claimed, “When you look at pay-per-view compared to other countries pay-per-view in America its night and day. Other countries pay-per-view is like 10 bucks you know compared to $89 in America. So American boxing is here to stay.”

Terence Crawford implied that the boxing market in the US is so massive that the promotional companies would never abandon it. According to Bud, boxing will continue to thrive in the States, and even if some headliner events happen abroad, the fans have nothing to worry about. Do you think boxing will return to the US entirely? Let us know your thoughts down below.