Turki Alalshikh publicly backed Mike Coppinger’s report on a Canelo Alvarez vs. Christian Mbilli fight, pushing back on claims that the deal is not yet finalized.
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In a short video posted to X, Alalshikh addressed comments from Dan Rafael, who had reported that no contract had been signed. Standing alongside Mike Coppinger, Alalshikh said, “Done. It’s not truth. Coppinger has lied. We don’t have the contract. We only have our word,” while Coppinger could be seen nervously giggling during the clip.
Dan, my friend, we never learn. When I say it is done, it is done. The word comes before the paper 💜 🙏 pic.twitter.com/MkQbowJa8K
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) May 1, 2026
Rafael had earlier written that while Canelo Alvarez agreed to terms, the Christian Mbilli side was still working through details and had not signed paperwork. He added that “nothing is signed,” describing the situation as incomplete despite progress.
Coppinger responded directly on X, defending his report that the fight was done.
“When I say it is done, it is done. The word comes before the paper,” he said.
The Rafael Factor
Dan Rafael’s position centers on a long-standing standard in boxing reporting: a fight is not considered official until contracts are signed.
His report that no paperwork had been completed follows that approach, even as Mike Coppinger and Turki Alalshikh publicly treated the deal as complete based on a verbal agreement.
Alalshikh’s own comments, acknowledging that “we don’t have the contract,” confirmed that detail while also making clear that, from his side, the absence of a signed document does not change the status of the fight.
Word vs Paper
For years, reporters like Dan Rafael built credibility on waiting for signed contracts before calling a fight official.
That standard is now being tested. In the current Riyadh-backed model, verbal agreements, particularly those supported by Alalshikh, are often treated as final ahead of paperwork.
Mike Coppinger has taken that position here, standing by his report based on agreed terms rather than signed documents.
Rafael has remained with the traditional approach, pointing out that no contract exists yet.
The video captures that divide. Alalshikh confirms there is no signed deal while still calling the fight done, and Coppinger stands beside him backing that position.
No official contract announcement has been issued, and no additional details on the fight have been formally confirmed beyond the initial report.
Last Updated on 2026/05/01 at 10:48 AM
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