Estadio Azteca owner wants Canelo Álvarez fight at venue

Emilio Azcárraga Jean, owner of the iconic Estadio Azteca, is eager to leverage the venue for a wide array of events following its recent renovation for the 2026 World Cup. Beyond its traditional role as a soccer stadium, Azcárraga Jean envisions the stadium hosting everything from music concerts to archery tournaments.

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There is an opportunity there. I will make a call to Canelo (Álvarez). It would be worthwhile to have one of his fights... a great boxer, a great Mexican athlete.

One particular event that excites Azcárraga Jean is a boxing match. He specifically mentioned his interest in bringing Mexican boxing star Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez to fight at the legendary stadium. "There is an opportunity there. I will make a call to Canelo (Álvarez). It would be worthwhile to have one of his fights... a great boxer, a great Mexican athlete," Azcárraga Jean stated in an interview with TUDN.

Azcárraga Jean recalled the stadium's past success in hosting major boxing events, referencing a fight involving Julio César Chávez. He believes that with the stadium's recent upgrades for the World Cup, it's the right time to explore new possibilities. "We already did it with Julio César (Chávez), it's worth it for all that happened (World Cup 2026). That's why I think we shouldn't leave it there," he added.

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We already did it with Julio César (Chávez), it's worth it for all that happened (World Cup 2026). That's why I think we shouldn't leave it there.

"It's worth thinking that besides being the cathedral of football, it's a bastion of sport. There are things that can be done and others that cannot, but I feel there is an opportunity for it not to remain only in football," stated the president of Grupo Ollamani. He emphasized a desire to explore all potential uses, echoing the sentiment of "What if?" which became a rallying cry during the recent World Cup. The stadium, now known as Banorte, has received substantial investment, and Azcárraga Jean is keen to capitalize on its enhanced capabilities.

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It's worth thinking that besides being the cathedral of football, it's a bastion of sport. There are things that can be done and others that cannot, but I feel there is an opportunity for it not to remain only in football.