Get ready for a boxing spectacle! The highly anticipated clash between Terence "Bud" Crawford and Canelo Alvarez is almost here, promising a night of unforgettable action and potentially history-making moments. This isn't just another fight; it's a meeting of two titans, each vying for supremacy in the boxing world.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this matchup is the fact that Terence Crawford, the current WBA super welterweight champion, is moving up not one, but two weight classes to face Canelo Alvarez. This is a significant jump, raising questions about Crawford's ability to adapt and thrive against a larger, naturally heavier opponent. It's a bold move that speaks volumes about Crawford's confidence and ambition.
So, how did this happen? How is a fighter who typically competes at a lower weight class allowed to challenge for a title in a division he's never fought in before? The answer lies in a combination of factors, including Crawford's status as a pound-for-pound king, his willingness to take on a formidable challenge, and the allure of a massive payday. Boxing, after all, is a business, and a fight of this magnitude generates significant revenue and excitement.
Crawford currently reigns as the WBA super welterweight champion, a title he earned through relentless skill and determination. His path to the top has been paved with impressive victories, showcasing his versatility and adaptability in the ring. Each fight has added another layer to his legacy, solidifying his place among the elite.
His most recent triumph came against Israil Madrimov, where Crawford secured a unanimous decision victory. This win was particularly significant because it crowned him as an undefeated four-division world champion, an achievement that few fighters in history can claim. It was a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in his abilities.
However, in order to pursue this blockbuster fight against Canelo, Crawford has made the strategic decision to relinquish his super welterweight title. This sacrifice demonstrates his commitment to the challenge and his willingness to take risks in pursuit of greatness. It's a calculated gamble that could pay off handsomely if he manages to dethrone Canelo.
Crawford will be facing Canelo at his natural weight, a weight at which the Mexican superstar has competed for much of his career. Furthermore, there is no rehydration clause in place, meaning that Canelo won't be restricted in how much weight he can gain between the weigh-in and the fight. This could give Canelo a significant advantage in terms of size and strength.
Despite these challenges, Crawford is embracing the role of the underdog. He understands the odds are stacked against him, but he believes in his skills and his ability to pull off the upset. He's been training tirelessly, honing his skills, and preparing himself mentally for the biggest fight of his life.
If Crawford can overcome the odds and defeat Canelo, he will etch his name into the annals of boxing history. He will become the first male three-weight undisputed champion in the four-belt era, a feat that would solidify his legacy as one of the greatest boxers of all time. It's a chance to achieve immortality in the sport.
The Canelo vs. Crawford showdown is scheduled for this weekend, September 13th. Mark your calendars and clear your schedules, because this is a fight you won't want to miss.
For those eager to catch every moment, the prelims will kick off at 5:30 PM ET / 10:30 PM BST. This will be followed by the main show, which is set to begin at 9:00 PM ET / 2:00 AM BST (Sunday in the UK). The anticipation will build throughout the night as the undercard fights set the stage for the main event.
The ring walks for the main event are expected to commence at approximately 11:00 PM ET / 4:00 AM BST. This is the moment when the two warriors will make their grand entrance, setting the stage for the epic battle that is about to unfold. The atmosphere will be electric, with fans on their feet, roaring with excitement.
The Allegiant Stadium, the impressive 71,000-seat home of the Las Vegas Raiders, will serve as the battleground for this epic encounter. This state-of-the-art venue will provide a fitting backdrop for a fight of this magnitude, creating an unforgettable experience for both the fighters and the fans.
This fight is more than just a boxing match; it's a collision of legacies. Both Canelo and Crawford have cemented their places as top contenders in the sport, consistently ranking high in pound-for-pound lists and captivating audiences worldwide. Their meeting in the ring represents a clash of styles, skills, and unwavering determination.
Terence Crawford, undefeated in his professional career, last fought against Israil Madrimov, securing the light-middleweight title. He's now making a significant leap, moving up two weight divisions to challenge Canelo. This bold move highlights his ambition and confidence, but it also presents a unique set of challenges.
Canelo Alvarez, a seasoned veteran of the ring, has been actively defending his titles, with recent victories over Edgar Berlanga and William Scull. He's been sharpening his skills and maintaining his dominance, making him a formidable opponent for anyone who dares to challenge him.
Here's what you need to know about this can't-miss event:
How to Watch:
Canelo vs. Crawford will be broadcast LIVE on Netflix globally. This means that with your existing Netflix subscription, you can witness this epic clash without any additional pay-per-view costs. This accessibility ensures that fans around the world can experience the excitement of this historic fight.
Alternatively, you can follow SunSport's live blog for round-by-round coverage of the entire card. This is a great option for those who want to stay updated on the action as it unfolds, even if they can't watch the fight live.
Fight Card:
- Saul “Canelo” Alvarez vs Terence Crawford
- 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)