HE Turki AlalShikh is making things tick in the boxing world. He is currently the most sought-after matchmaker. The prime architect of blockbuster events like “Queensberry vs Matchroom – 5 vs 5”, and “Ring of Fire”, is rejuvenating the boxing scene with matchups the boxing fans have been dreaming of. The shrewd businessman’s message is quite clear— get with the program, or fall by the wayside! It is quite evident that boxers and promoters have to fit into his plans rather than the other way around.

The Saudi Arabian matchmaker’s beef with Canelo Alvarez is a clear indicator that he is not here to suck up to any fighter, no matter how famous he is. Now, Australian boxing star Tim Tszyu has been added to the list of people he isn’t willing to work with. In an interview with Fight Hub TV, he unequivocally stated that he “will not work” with Tszyu. “He doesn’t understand,” HE said sternly.

Reportedly, Tim Tszyu was supposed to fight Vergil Ortiz on the Riyadh season fight card on August 3. But, a severe cut to the head suffered during his last bout against Sebastian Fundora in March this year, which hasn’t healed yet, forced him to pull out of the event. Previously, the Australian fighter stated that he was hopeful about working with the mastermind of the Riyadh season. “I’d love to work with him. “He’s all about making the big fights happen and I’m all for that. But I’ve got a team. I’ve got a professional team with me and everything is organized through that.”

However, it needs to be mentioned that HE has not stated the exact reason why he isn’t willing to work with Tsyzu. In the meantime, the 29-year-old fighter has been mandated to fight IBF junior-middleweight world champion Murtazaliev later this year.

Moving on to Turki Alalshikh’s feud with Canelo Alvarez, what exactly triggered it?

Clash of egos!

As with someone with the reputation of orchestrating matchups that the fans would want to see, HE Turki Alalshikh came to Canelo with the offer to fight undefeated two-time undisputed champion Terence Crawford. But, the unified super-middleweight champion flat-out refused. “He needs to do it my way, and not his way. “I respect everybody but I don’t like the way [Alalshikh] talks… I didn’t ask for this fight.” Alvarez said at the press event for his upcoming fight against Edgar Berlanga.

In response, the Saudi Arabian Royal Court adviser shut down all prospects of the Saudis arranging a Canelo event. He accused Canelo of making “easy show-only fights”, which did not fit in with his aim of “making big fights at fair prices.”

As things stand currently, the four-division champion has put an astronomical price tag of $150 million and $200 million on fights with elite contenders David Benavidez and Terence Crawford, respectively.

Clearly, the ‘face of boxing’ Canelo wants to call the shots, but HE isn’t willing to budge. But, do you think Canelo has earned the right to demand such lump sum amounts of money for high-profile fights? Or, do you side with HE Turki Alalshikh in his feud with Canelo? Let us know in the comment section below.