Mauricio Sulaiman’s Concerns Over Canelo Alvarez’s Upcoming Fight
Mauricio Sulaiman, the President of the World Boxing Council (WBC), has voiced his frustration regarding the inaccessibility of Canelo Alvarez’s upcoming fight against Terence Crawford for many fans in Mexico. This highly anticipated bout marks a significant moment as it will be the first time in 16 years that Canelo does not feature on a national television network in Mexico during his title defense this Saturday, September 13, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Instead, Netflix has acquired exclusive worldwide rights to broadcast the event, meaning only subscribers can watch the match live.
Impact on Fans and Cultural Significance
Sulaiman highlighted how traditional broadcasters have previously brought Canelo’s fights to millions, noting,
“Azteca TV has aired Canelo’s last 21 matches, and he was with Televisa before that. This September, however, fans will miss the chance to cheer for their idol during this cherished national holiday.”
He emphasized the importance of this event as a cultural celebration for fans, lamenting their absence from either live or free-to-air coverage.
Suggestions for Broader Access
In light of these restrictions, Sulaiman suggests Netflix should provide a delayed broadcast on traditional TV platforms after the live stream ends.
“They could schedule it so that fans can watch America vs Chivas and then catch the highlights of Canelo vs Crawford afterward. It would be a tremendous way to unite Mexican boxing supporters,”
he added.
The Evolution of Boxing Viewership
Sulaiman’s remarks reflect a broader contemplation of the evolution of boxing viewership, transitioning from packed arenas to varied broadcasting options like cable, pay-per-view, and now, streaming services. He acknowledges the importance of adapting to new technologies but insists on the need to accommodate traditional fans as well.
“The fans are the real owners of the content,”
Sulaiman stated.
“Finding a harmony between different platforms will be key.”
Conclusion
As Netflix aims to establish a strong presence in the boxing world, it remains uncertain whether Sulaiman’s recommendations will be taken into account. What is evident, however, is that for the first time in many years, Mexico might experience its significant fight weekend without Canelo readily accessible to every household.
Phil Jay, an esteemed boxing journalist with over 15 years in the industry, serves as the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News and has extensively covered high-profile boxing events since 2010, engaging with numerous champions.
