Significant Changes in Boxing Promotion
In a surprising turn of events, the iconic MGM Grand has not been included in the festivities surrounding the highly anticipated Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight week, marking a notable departure from longstanding tradition. Known for hosting the most significant boxing events over the decades, the venue’s absence signifies a dramatic shift in the landscape of boxing promotion.
New Venue for Fight Week Festivities
The decision to opt for the newly renovated Fontainebleau Las Vegas as the focal point of fight week festivities was made by key stakeholders including Riyadh Season, Sela, Dana White, and Turki Alalshikh. This change has left the MGM Grand seemingly detached from the event, evidenced by its silence across social media platforms and a lack of promotion in its renowned hotel lobby.
Historical Context of MGM Grand’s Involvement
Historically, the MGM Grand’s lobby is transformed during fight week, showcasing a replica of the famous golden lion within a boxing ring adorned with event branding, drawing boxing enthusiasts from around the world. In stark contrast, this week’s display merely features a generic advertisement alongside Canelo’s image, with no celebration of the sport’s marquee matchup.
Typically, Grand Arrivals each Tuesday have become synonymous with MGM, regardless of whether the fight is held onsite or at the nearby T-Mobile Arena. Legends like Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao have kick-started fight weeks from MGM’s famed lobby, a ritual that seems to have come to an abrupt halt.
Implications of MGM’s Absence
While items related to Canelo vs. Crawford are still available at the MGM shop, this lack of official recognition from the hotel is perplexing. Instead, the Grand Arrivals will be hosted at the Fontainebleau, where fans and media will converge to greet the fighters.
As of Tuesday, the MGM Grand had made no public mention of the anticipatory match, contrasting sharply with Turki Alalshikh’s unveiling of the $188,000 Ring Magazine title in a secure setting elsewhere. The collaboration of Canelo and Crawford under the Riyadh Season banner hints that the MGM Grand may be excluded from future major boxing events, perhaps signaling an end to its decades-long role in the sport.
Broader Changes in Boxing
This shift could also reflect broader changes within boxing, as organizers reportedly seek to reduce the influence of sanctioning bodies and their representatives during these events. For many within the boxing community, the lack of MGM’s involvement at this pivotal moment in the sport’s history is nothing less than earth-shattering. While Las Vegas retains its title as the fight capital of the world, the erasure of its most celebrated boxing hotel from pivotal events raises questions about the future direction of the sport.
About the Author
Phil Jay is an experienced boxing journalist, boasting over 15 years in the field. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, he has engaged with numerous world champions and reported firsthand on some of boxing’s most significant events.
