Superstar boxers Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and Terence Crawford have officially reached an agreement for one of the most anticipated fights boxing has seen in years. This megafight, set for September 2024, is believed to take place as part of the Riyadh Season event, with the specific venue at this time still under consideration. The clash will see Alvarez defending his super middleweight titles against Crawford, who will be moving up two weight classes for the title bout.
Canelo Alvarez, who boasts an impressive professional record of 62 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws with 39 knockouts, will put his WBC, WBO, and WBA super middleweight championship belts on the line. Meanwhile, Terence Crawford, holding no losses on his record of 41 wins and 31 knockouts, looks to cement his status as one of the boxing greats by winning titles in yet another weight class.
It is reported by The Ring’s Keith Idec, and confirmed by multiple sources, including ESPN, the fight will land Crawford at 168 pounds, where he has no prior experience. This uphill battle presents Crawford, who has moved quickly through multiple divisions, with perhaps his most significant challenge yet. His recent bout at junior middleweight was on August 3, where he narrowly came out on top against Israil Madrimov.
Financial aspects have played a critically motivating factor, as both fighters have acknowledged. Initially, Alvarez was hesitant to face Crawford, citing concerns about not earning proper recognition if he won against someone who would be considerably smaller than him. Reports have indicated, though, as the fight's potential financial benefits became clear, Crawford’s opportunity to engage at the 168-pound limit sparked both interest and negotiations.
This fight has been under discussion for several months, gaining traction among both boxing fans and pundits. With Crawford now committed to facing Alvarez without taking any additional fights to sharpen his skills beforehand, this September showdown is shaping up to be one for the ages.
Although Canelo is regarded as the favorite due to his power and experience at higher weights, the build-up leaves room for intrigue. Specifically, fans are questioning Crawford's ability to maintain his undefeated record amid such steep competition and elevated weights. Given their similar height at approximately 5-foot-8, the bout's outcome could lean heavily on how both adjust to the weight class and the speed and agility each may bring.
Interestingly, Alvarez is expected to fight again earlier, on May 3, though the opponent has yet to be determined. One possible candidate includes IBF super middleweight champion William Scull, who might present Alvarez with the opportunity to reclaim his undisputed title. Should Alvarez win, heading confidently toward the Crawford fight, he would position himself as the definitive favorite.
The match between Canelo and Crawford doesn’t merely reflect their individual legacies but speaks volumes about the current state of boxing, where viewership and excitement often hinge on the popularity of elite boxers. Both fighters represent the pinnacle of the sport and tackling this matchup could redefine each of their careers.
Both Alvarez and Crawford are future Hall-of-Famers, yet both are aware of the uncertainties surrounding their performance. Indeed, Alvarez’s last performance against Edgar Berlanga left some fans questioning his pace, with some labeling him as slow and tired, and could hamper his ability against Crawford's dynamic style. Conversely, Crawford's own recent fight against Madrimov, which was doggedly fought, suggested he may be facing physical limitations.
This bout would see Crawford vying to become the undisputed champion of yet another weight class by challenging Alvarez simultaneously for legacy and financial rewards. The narrative is rich and compelling, opening up avenues for spirited debates on boxing forums and across social media platforms as to who holds the advantage before the bout. Will Alvarez dominate with size and strength, or can Crawford pull off the monumental upset? The boxing community is poised to watch closely and is eagerly awaiting the fight.
Once these two legends meet, it will not only impact their records but potentially change the conversation around what it means to be considered among the best, showcasing elite boxing at its finest and perhaps redefining the sport's future as they vie for supremacy.