As the highly anticipated super-middleweight showdown between boxing titans Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford rapidly approaches, the full lineup of supporting bouts has finally been unveiled. This comprehensive announcement confirms a night of high-stakes action, featuring undefeated prospects, grudge rematches, and formidable heavyweights. Yet, amidst the excitement, one conspicuous absence casts a spotlight on the often-turbulent business side of professional boxing.
The Main Supporting Cast: Undefeated Stances and Rising Stars
Headlining the preliminary action as the co-main event, fans will witness a clash of unbeaten records as Christian Mbilli (29-0, 24 KOs) takes on Lester Martinez (19-0, 16 KOs). This super-middleweight encounter promises fireworks, with both fighters boasting impressive knockout ratios, setting the stage for a potential show-stealer.
Another intriguing battle is set in the super-welterweight division, pitting the undefeated Irishman Callum Walsh (14-0, 11 KOs) against the equally unblemished Fernando Vargas Jr. (17-0, 15 KOs). Both have rapidly ascended the ranks, and their meeting marks a significant step in their burgeoning careers. Adding to the international flavor, Saudi fan-favorite Mohammed Alakel (5-0, 1 KO) is also confirmed to make a high-profile appearance, much to the delight of the local audience.
Preliminary Bouts: A Deep Dive into the Undercard`s Hidden Gems
Beyond the top-tier support, a robust six-bout preliminary card is scheduled, offering a mix of redemption stories and crucial career tests, all set to be streamed free for global audiences. The highlight of these preliminary matchups is undoubtedly the super-welterweight rematch between Ukraine`s Serhii Bohachuk (26-2, 24 KOs) and California`s Brandon Adams (25-4, 16 KOs). Bohachuk, with his explosive knockout power, will be seeking to avenge the sole stoppage defeat of his career, a loss suffered over four years ago.
In the heavyweight division, two-time Olympic bronze medallist Ivan Dychko (15-0, 14 KOs) makes a significant leap in competition. The towering 6’ 9” Kazakh faces off against the well-respected and durable Jermaine Franklin (23-2, 15 KOs), a bout that will certainly test Dychko`s readiness for the division`s elite.
Additionally, Terence Crawford`s stablemate Steven Nelson (20-1, 16 KOs) is slated to fight Reiko Santana (12-4, 6 KOs) of Cuba, who gained notoriety last year with an upset victory. The card also features promising young talents: Japanese super-featherweight prospect Reito Tsutsumi (2-0, 1 KO), fighting for his third time in four months, and Mexico`s Paris 2024 silver medallist Marco Verde (2-0, 1 KO). The night will also mark the professional debut of Saudi-based Sultan Almohamed.
The Elephant in the Ring: The Marquis Taylor Saga
Despite the comprehensive list of confirmed fighters, the full undercard reveal brought a notable omission: middleweight contender Marquis Taylor (18-1-2, 3 KOs). Taylor became a viral sensation after a blistering knockout in a July sparring competition, a moment that caught the attention of influential figures like Turki Al-Alshikh and led many to believe a spot on this prestigious card was within his grasp.
However, the sweet science often conceals a harsh reality in its business dealings. It has since been revealed that Taylor is entangled in a contentious legal dispute. BiYu Promotions CEO Bobby Harrison has issued a “Cease & Desist” letter, alleging a breach of a five-year management contract signed by Taylor. Harrison accuses Taylor of attempting to sign with another entity, J Prince, despite BiYu Promotions` substantial investment and pivotal role in his career development.
In an official statement, Harrison articulated his disappointment, emphasizing the resources he poured into Taylor`s career, including financial backing, housing, securing an NABF title, and achieving a WBC #13 world ranking. “Two years ago, Marquis came to me because nobody—including Prince—could get him meaningful fights,” Harrison stated, expressing a common sentiment in the boxing world: the frustration of developing a talent only for them to seek greener pastures once attention arrives. “They see an opportunity to profit from my work and shed me aside. This is the kind of dirtiness boxing is known for—but I’m not letting it slide.”
This ongoing dispute highlights a critical, often unforgiving, aspect of professional boxing: where contracts and professional relationships can become as complex and bruising as the fights themselves. While Turki Al-Alshikh is expected to announce a card for the Canelo-Crawford open workouts, Taylor’s involvement remains highly improbable due to this legal entanglement. It`s an ironic twist for a fighter whose viral moment promised opportunity but delivered, instead, a courtroom drama.
A Spectacle Awaits, With Lessons Beyond the Ropes
As the countdown to the Canelo-Crawford mega-event continues, the undercard promises a night of compelling boxing for fans worldwide. From promising newcomers to seasoned veterans seeking redemption, the lineup is packed with talent. Yet, the story of Marquis Taylor serves as a stark reminder that the boxing world is not solely defined by what happens within the squared circle. It is a complex ecosystem where ambition, business, and legalities often collide, shaping careers and narratives in ways that are just as dramatic as any knockout.
