Error code: %{errorCode}
Turki Alalshikh names promising British prospect on Canelo-Crawford undercard
Turki Alalshikh has picked another young British talent he wants to help push into the limelight under his Riyadh Season and The Ring banners.
The last time Alalshikh was this impassioned by a British prospect, it was Mark Chamberlain, whom the Saudi boxing boss said was his favourite fighter.
That led to the super lightweight being featured on the Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou, Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois undercards all in the space of a year.
Once again, picking out a young fighter from the herd, Alalshikh posted a picture of Mikie Tallon, a 20-year-old flyweight from Liverpool, to X.
Alalshikh said: “I want to see this fighter on the undercard of Canelo vs Crawford.”
Tallon, 8-0 (1), captured the attention of Alalshikh with a second-round TKO earlier this month against Jemsi Kibazange, 21-10-3 (8), in Liverpool.
Who is Mikie Tallon?
The young Liverpudlian had a short amateur career, with over 30 fights, but collected four national titles, a three-nations championship and competed at the 2022 European youth championships.
He is currently under the tutelage of Hall of Fame trainer Joe Gallagher and is managed by former two-weight world champion Natasha Jonas.
Speaking to FightPost before Tallon’s professional debut, Jonas explained how she was unaware of Tallon personally before she picked him up, but had heard from her contacts at England Boxing that he was going to be a potential star, which drew her into signing him as her first managerial ward.
Jonas said: "I didn’t know him personally, but I knew of him. I am lucky enough to be able to have access to coaches on the amateur circuit, so I spoke with some of his England coaches and people who had worked with him."
She added: "I watched some of his fights because everyone kept telling me we’ve got a special talent on our hands here; everyone gave him a glowing reference, to be honest. Initially, the whole point of getting the license was to manage myself, but then, when opportunities like that come up, I just don’t think you can pass them by."
Debuting in 2023, Tallon has comfortably handled all of his opponents, paying back the faith of Jonas - with interest.
BoxRec has Tallon ranked as the second-best British flyweight, behind only Olympic gold medallist Galal Yafai.
To express his gratitude for the shoutout from one of the most important figures in boxing, Tallon posted a short video addressed to Alalshikh.
Tallon said: “Thanks for the tweet this morning, Your Excellency. Hopefully, see you soon and see you in Vegas – I won’t let you down.”
Tallon has a fight scheduled in Liverpool against an unannounced opponent on July 11. If he is victorious, fans could see him on the undercard of Canelo vs Crawford in September.
Watch Usyk vs Dubois 2 exclusively live on DAZN PPV, Saturday, July 19 for £24.99 UK; $59.99 US; $19.99/equivalent ROW. Buy the PPV now here
