Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford: What belts are on the line for epic Las Vegas fight?

Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford: What belts are on the line for epic Las Vegas fight?

The world of boxing is buzzing with anticipation as Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, two titans of the sport, prepare to face off in a highly anticipated showdown. Both fighters boast impressive careers adorned with numerous championship belts, a testament to their skill, dedication, and dominance in their respective weight divisions. Let's delve into the context of each fighter's remarkable journey to this epic clash.

Canelo Alvarez, a name synonymous with boxing excellence, has etched his name in history by capturing an astounding 16 titles across four different weight divisions. His reign over the super-middleweight division is undisputed, holding the WBC, WBA, WBO, and IBF world titles. The Mexican superstar last graced the ring in May, securing a victory via unanimous decision, further solidifying his position as one of the sport's elite.

Terence Crawford, on the other hand, has carved his own path to greatness, achieving a feat that few others have accomplished. He stands as the first male boxer since Jermain Taylor in 2005 to simultaneously hold all four major world titles (WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO). This monumental achievement came after his dominant victory over Errol Spence, showcasing his exceptional skills and unwavering determination.

Even Crawford's most recent fight saw him add another belt to his collection, a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence. He defeated Errol Spence to unify his opponent's IBF belt with his WBA, WBC and WBO titles. It was a display of skill and determination.

Alvarez's impressive collection includes a remarkable 16 world titles across four distinct weight classes, showcasing his versatility and ability to conquer challenges in various divisions. This accomplishment underscores his status as a true boxing icon.

Canelo Álvarez holding boxing championship belts at a press conference.

Crawford's ascent to becoming the undisputed champion, holding all four major world titles concurrently, mirrors a similar feat achieved by Jermain Taylor back in 2005. This accomplishment places Crawford in an elite group of boxers who have reached the pinnacle of the sport.

Crawford's dominance extends to his recent bout, where he added yet another belt to his already impressive collection, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable force in the boxing world.

The upcoming main event in Las Vegas promises high stakes and intense action, but it's crucial to note that not every belt will be on the line. Canelo Alvarez will be defending his coveted WBC, WBA, WBO, and IBF super-middleweight world titles, adding an extra layer of significance to the fight.

Specifically, Canelo will be defending the World Boxing Council strap, the World Boxing Association title, the World Boxing Organisation belt, and the International Boxing Federation’s red version, solidifying his position as the undisputed king of the super-middleweight division.

The decision to pit Crawford, a fighter who has never competed in the 168lbs division, against Canelo has sparked controversy among some boxing purists. Concerns have been raised about Crawford's lack of experience in the weight class and whether he has earned his way up the rankings through sanctioned fights and victories.

Terence Crawford celebrating with championship belts after a boxing match.

However, the majority of boxing fans recognize the intriguing dynamic between the two fighters, noting their similar physical dimensions. Some observers have even remarked that Crawford appears to be larger than Canelo in certain photo opportunities, adding to the anticipation and uncertainty surrounding the fight.

Mark your calendars! The highly anticipated Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 13th. This is a date that boxing enthusiasts around the globe will be eagerly awaiting.

For viewers in the UK, the event will occur on Sunday. Expect the first bell to ring approximately 15 minutes after, however, timings may change depending on the length of the undercard bouts.

Coverage of the main card will commence at 9pm ET/2am BST. This will allow fans from both sides of the Atlantic to witness this historic event.

The chosen battleground for this epic clash is none other than Las Vegas' Allegiant Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue capable of accommodating a staggering 72,000 spectators. The sheer scale of the event underscores its significance in the world of boxing.

Here's a glimpse into the full fight card, showcasing the exciting matchups leading up to the main event:

Main Event: Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (C) vs. Terence Crawford (undisputed super-middleweight titles)

Undercard:

  • Callum Walsh vs. Fernando Vargas Jr (super-welterweight)
  • Christian Mbilli vs. Lester Martinez (super-middleweight)
  • Mohammed Alakel vs. John Ornelas (lightweight)
  • Serhii Bohacuk vs. Brandon Adams (middleweight)
  • Ivan Dychko vs. Jermaine Franklin (heavyweight)
  • Reito Tsutsumi vs. Javier Martinez (super-featherweight)
  • Sultan Almohammed vs. Martin Caraballo (super-lightweight)
  • Steven Nelson vs. Raiko Santana (light-heavyweight)
  • Marco Verde vs. Marcos Osorio Betancourt (super-middleweight)

This stacked fight card promises an action-packed night of boxing, with a mix of established stars and rising prospects vying for victory. The undercard bouts will undoubtedly set the stage for the main event, adding to the overall excitement and anticipation.

The clash between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford is more than just a fight; it's a collision of legacies, a battle of wills, and a testament to the enduring appeal of boxing. As the date draws near, the world will be watching with bated breath to witness who will emerge victorious in this epic showdown.