The world of boxing and combat sports has been buzzing after Canelo Álvarez’s WBC belt was recently denied by Turki Alalshikh and Dana White’s new TKO League. This shocking development has left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads, and one of the sport’s most vocal trainers, Robert Garcia, has now shared his thoughts on the situation.

The WBC’s decision to revoke the championship opportunity from Canelo, one of the sport’s biggest stars, has stirred a significant amount of controversy. Alalshikh, the prominent Saudi sports figure, and Dana White, the UFC president and a rising figure in combat sports promotions, are at the center of this dispute, raising a number of questions regarding the future of boxing and the increasing influence of new fighting leagues.

Canelo’s WBC Belt Denial: What Happened?

For those who may not be familiar with the context, Canelo Álvarez has been a dominant force in boxing for over a decade. The Mexican fighter is widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world, and he recently pursued the WBC (World Boxing Council) title in the hopes of further cementing his legacy. However, the WBC, which had originally granted him the right to fight for the belt, recently pulled back on its approval, denying him the opportunity.

According to reports, Turki Alalshikh, the influential Saudi sports magnate, was involved in influencing the decision. Alalshikh’s influence within the boxing community is undeniable, especially with the rise of Saudi-backed boxing events that have drawn significant attention globally. At the same time, Dana White has expanded his reach into boxing with the launch of the TKO League, his new combat sports league aimed at competing with the traditional boxing world. The tension surrounding these new developments has certainly added fuel to the fire.

In a stunning move, Canelo’s camp received the news that the WBC title fight had been blocked. This decision has sparked outrage among many fans, particularly because Canelo was hoping to make a statement by unifying multiple titles in one of the most anticipated boxing events of the year.

Robert Garcia’s Reaction: A Strong Response

As expected, veteran trainer Robert Garcia, known for working with world-class champions like Mikey Garcia, José Ramírez, and Marcos Maidana, did not hold back when reacting to the news. Garcia is not only an expert in the ring but also a highly respected voice in the boxing community. His comments have been critical of the WBC’s decision and the role that figures like Alalshikh and White played in it.

In an interview, Garcia expressed his disbelief at the actions taken against Canelo. “To see Canelo denied a shot at the WBC belt by people outside of the boxing world, like Turki Alalshikh and Dana White, it’s just not right,” Garcia said. “Canelo has done everything the right way. He’s fought the best and has always put on incredible performances for his fans. To have someone like Alalshikh, who has no experience in boxing, come in and make these types of decisions — it’s a problem. The sport of boxing deserves more respect than this.”

Garcia further emphasized the integrity of boxing, stating, “This is about respecting the sport, respecting the history of the WBC, and respecting the fighters who’ve earned their place in the ring. People like Canelo deserve the opportunity to fight for that belt. We don’t need outside interference like this.”

Turki Alalshikh & Dana White’s Growing Influence in Combat Sports

It’s no secret that Turki Alalshikh and Dana White have been working hard to change the landscape of combat sports. Alalshikh, as head of Saudi Arabia’s sports efforts, has backed several major boxing events in the country, including Anthony Joshua’s fight against Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019 and Tyson Fury’s upcoming fight against Dillian Whyte. Saudi Arabia’s influx of financial backing has undoubtedly shifted the dynamics of the sport, with massive sums of money being injected into events to lure fighters and organizations to the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Dana White, the UFC president, has long been a powerhouse in MMA. However, with his launch of the TKO League, which aims to rival traditional boxing organizations like the WBC and promote a new vision for the sport, White is now trying to make waves in boxing as well. The idea of a new, unified fighting league headed by White has caught the attention of many, though it has also raised eyebrows. Some view it as a potential threat to the integrity of traditional boxing, while others are curious about how it will impact the future of the sport.

The partnership between Alalshikh and Dana White has led many to wonder if this growing influence outside of boxing’s traditional power structures will continue to have a disruptive effect. While some fans are excited by the idea of change and innovation, others fear that these outside figures, with no deep-rooted history in the sport, could undermine the foundations of boxing.

Canelo’s Next Steps: Will He Respond?

As for Canelo Álvarez, the question now is: What’s next? After being denied the WBC belt, it’s unclear where the super middleweight champion will go from here. Many expect Canelo to continue his career, regardless of the political power plays around him. He’s shown in the past that he’s not afraid to take on big challenges, and he’ll likely keep looking for major fights that will define his legacy.

Garcia is hopeful that Canelo will bounce back from this controversy and keep pushing forward. “Canelo is a warrior,” Garcia said. “He’s been through so much and has always come out on top. I know he’ll find a way to move forward and continue being the face of boxing.”

The Future of Boxing: A New Era?

This whole situation has sparked an important discussion about the future of boxing and combat sports. With figures like Dana White and Turki Alalshikh gaining power, are we entering a new era of combat sports where outside forces disrupt traditional organizations like the WBC? Will boxing remain a sport driven by history and tradition, or will it evolve into something new, with new rules and new faces?

As fans of the sport, we are left to watch and wait. Canelo’s denied opportunity may have been a major blow for boxing, but it’s also a sign that the landscape of combat sports is shifting. How these shifts play out — and whether they benefit or harm the fighters — remains to be seen.

For now, the controversy surrounding Canelo’s denied WBC belt and Dana White’s new TKO League has added a whole new layer of intrigue to the world of boxing. And for Robert Garcia, it’s clear: he’s not happy with how things are unfolding.