The infamous Alcatraz Island, once home to notorious criminals like Al Capone, may soon host a different kind of battle. WBO junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez is reportedly nearing an agreement to fight at the historic former prison, now a museum, this summer. This unusual venue is the brainchild of Riyadh Season promoter Turki Alalshikh, who has expressed his desire to host boxing matches in unique locations around the globe, including the Pyramids of Mexico, the Eiffel Tower, and the Colosseum.

While details about the potential bout remain scarce, including whether Lopez's title will be on the line, the historical significance of the location adds an intriguing layer to the event. Alcatraz, located 1.25 miles from the San Francisco shore, operated as a maximum-security prison for less than 30 years. Its reputation for being virtually inescapable was solidified by 14 documented escape attempts, the most famous being the 1962 escape by John and Clarence Anglin and Frank Morris, which inspired the film "Escape from Alcatraz." The fate of the three escapees remains a mystery, with the FBI concluding that they likely drowned in the treacherous waters.

Lopez, whose record stands at 21-1 with 13 knockouts, hasn't fought since his unanimous decision victory over Steve Claggett in June. This potential match on Alcatraz marks a significant return to the ring for the champion and promises to be a unique spectacle in the world of boxing.