On Saturday, boxing fans will witness a monumental showdown as Saul “Canelo” Alvarez takes on Terence Crawford for the undisputed super middleweight world title in Las Vegas. This highly anticipated match marks a pivotal moment in boxing history, as Crawford, a four-division champion, is moving up two weight classes in his quest to become the first male boxer to achieve undisputed champion status in three different divisions.
With an impressive record of 41 wins, 0 losses, and 31 knockouts, Crawford has previously secured all four championship belts in the super lightweight and welterweight categories. The 37-year-old American will step into the ring at Allegiant Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, facing off against the legendary Alvarez, who boasts a remarkable record of 63 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws along with 39 knockouts.
Alvarez is not only a four-division champion but also the only fighter to have claimed the four-belt undisputed title at super middleweight. He first achieved this feat in 2021 and successfully defended his title in May by defeating IBF champion William Scull through a unanimous decision in Riyadh. As he prepares for this showdown, Alvarez's experience and skill in the ring make him a formidable opponent for Crawford.
Although Crawford is slightly taller and has a longer reach than Alvarez, many experts believe that Alvarez's weight advantage could play a crucial role in the fight. Despite this, Crawford has noticeably bulked up for this encounter, indicating his preparedness to face the Mexican powerhouse. The match is being promoted by Riyadh Season, a Saudi Arabian initiative that has signed Alvarez to a lucrative four-fight deal, drawing attention to the growing trend of boxers seeking mega-paydays in the kingdom.
At a recent news conference attended by thousands of fans at the T-Mobile Arena, Alvarez expressed the significance of this fight in his career. "This fight for me is one of the biggest fights in my career," he stated. After nearly four years without a knockout victory, Alvarez aims for a decisive win. "I’ll give it everything I have, and if the knockout comes, good," he added. "If not, I’m going to show why I’m the best."
As an underdog in this matchup, Crawford has embraced the challenge, taking the opportunity to address his critics. "I think people are underestimating everything about me," he remarked. Crawford, who is eager to showcase his skills on a grand stage, said, "It’s been a long time coming, it’s been long overdue. Come Saturday, I’m going to show the world what they’ve been missing out on."
With the fight taking place just before the Mexican Independence Day holiday, Crawford is aware of the pro-Alvarez crowd he may face. Despite rumors circulating on social media about a potential shoulder injury, Crawford dismissed these claims with humor, stating, "My shoulder is messed up, everyone. But don’t tell Canelo." His confidence and readiness to compete against Alvarez are palpable, heightening the excitement leading up to this historic boxing event.
