Teofimo Lopez could be the first boxer to headline a stunning card within the site of Alcatraz prison.
Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh is always looking to make ground-breaking fresh initiatives in the sport, and has considered making history in a number of new venues.
One of those is former maximum security federal prison Alcatraz, a famous island site, which is located on Alcatraz Island 1.25 miles from the coast of San Fransisco.
The prison is no longer in use and has been closed since 1963, but has been converted to a museum, a tourist attraction which sees 1.5 million visitors yearly travel by boat to the site.
It would of course be the first to be held on the island, and would likely a hugely interested audience keen to see the lay-out.
And The Ring has reported that WBO super lightweight world champion Lopez could be the first to headline an event on the island.
It is expected Lopez will accept the fight as part of a three-bout agreement with Alalshikh, with the first bout plotted at Alcatraz to take place in June or July.
When discussing the potential event, Alalshikh suggested he had plans for events in other unique locations too.
He told ESPN: “What do you think if there is [an] event, fight in Alcatraz jail one day?
“It is like a museum now. You know, sometimes I get in my mind I want different places to do [fights].
“Sometimes in mountains, maybe someday in the Pyramids in Mexico, someday in [the] Eiffel Tower in France, [The] Coliseum in Italy.
“You understand this concept?”
It would of course be a first and could put a new spotlight on Lopez’s profile, given the event will break records and make history by becoming the first on the island.
The event would likely also be very exclusive, given the prison will only be able to play host to a limited number of fortunate spectators.
Lopez has had a difficult spell in the ring having not fought since June after two consecutive title defences against Jamaine Ortiz and Steve Claggett.
The WBO recently ordered that he needs to defend his title in the next 180 days against the winner of this weekend’s clash between Jack Catterall and Arnold Barboza Jr.
It is likely the victor would be extremely keen to negotiate that exact deal, given the lure of fighting and making history.
He is currently king at 140lbs but even teased a potential switch to 147lbs, in a bid to become a three-weight world champion.
He said: “I believe I still always have power. I’m still maturing as time goes.
“As far [as] power proceeds, it’s more so of IQ and EQ when you’re in that ring.
“And I think that’s really where I’m trying to progress myself to now.
“And [147 pounds] is something that I plan on moving towards, probably even in this upcoming match.
“I believe what really sounds very swell is Teofimo Lopez, three divisional world champion at 27 years young.”
