A historic venue may host a professional boxing match this summer. Reports indicate that WBO junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez is nearing an agreement to step into the ring on Alcatraz Island. Promoter Turki Alalshikh recently expressed his aspirations to ESPN about organizing a fight at the former prison, which has been transformed into a museum. Lopez is set to represent the brand in this potential matchup.
Alalshikh shared his vision, stating, “Sometimes I envision different locations for fights—perhaps in the mountains, someday at the Pyramids in Mexico, or even at the Eiffel Tower in France, and the Colosseum in Italy.” While it remains uncertain if the title will be on the line, Lopez’s history of defending his title twice last year suggests it is a possibility.
Alcatraz, which opened in 1934, operated for less than 30 years. Despite its 1.25-mile distance from the mainland, making it seem nearly escape-proof, there were 14 documented escape attempts. The most infamous was the June 11, 1962, escape by John and Clarence Anglin and Frank Morris, which inspired the film “Escape from Alcatraz.” The fate of the trio remains a mystery, with the FBI concluding they likely drowned in the treacherous waters.
The prisoners ingeniously crafted an escape route from their cells and created makeshift heads from papier-mâché. The last escape attempt, nearly six months later, led to the establishment of the swimming route for the “Escape from Alcatraz” triathlon. Notable inmates included infamous figures like Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly.
Lopez, with a record of 21 wins and 1 loss, including 13 knockouts, has not fought since June, when he secured a unanimous decision victory over Steve Claggett.
