CANELO ALVAREZ paid a gushing tribute to his wife Fernanda after accepting his loss to Terence Crawford with “humility”.
The Mexican superstar surrendered his super-middleweight throne after falling victim to a masterclass performance.
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Canelo Alvarez kisses his wife FernandaCredit: Getty
Canelo was consoled by his wife Fernanda and daughter Mia in the aftermath of the defeat – and spoke out to thank his partner.
“I’m very proud of everything I’ve accomplished so far; you always want to win, but I accept this defeat with humility and learning,” he said on Instagram.
“I am very grateful to my team for all the sacrifices we have made together all these years.
“I already won because I have my family with me and millions of fans who have never stopped supporting me.
“Finally, thanks to Fernanda, my wife; for her patience and not letting go of my hand during this whole process.”
Crawford secured a stunning unanimous points win after 12 rounds of sensational boxing to become four-belt champion at 168lb.
The 42-0 American became the first man in boxing history to win undisputed belts in THREE different weight classes.
Jumping up from 154lb, Crawford became a FIVE-division champ, having started his reign of championship terror at the 135lb lightweight mark.
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CANELO VS CRAWFORD LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM THE FIGHT OF THE CENTURY
Canelo vs Crawford – All the info
IT’S finally time – one of the biggest boxing matches EVER takes place THIS WEEKEND.
Two of boxing’s GOATs will meet in the ring as they fight for pound-for-pound supremacy and the super-middleweight crown.
Mexican Alvarez, 35, has won world titles in four different weight classes but faces an uncertain future after his third defeat in 68 fights since making his debut as a 15-year-old.
Undisputed light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol, one of the three boxers to beat Alvarez, described him and Crawford as “legendary fighters”.
But Jake Paul, YouTuber turned boxer, said: “Canelo putting his hand up like he won. Canelo been overrated.”
Stevenson, who was ringside to support Crawford, said: “It’s a lot of soft fighters in the sport who are scared to fight against other great fighters.
“But salute to you champ, not being scared to put it on the line against everybody. You are a legend.”
BOXING fans were left seething after Netflix started experiencing technical issues just hours before Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford’s super-middleweight melee.
Another chimed in: “Netflix don’t ever stream another fight again.”
Despite a litany of viewers having issues, several had no problems streaming the card and praised Netflix for the quality of the stream.
Canelo Alvarez on track to become a BILLIONAIRE in 2026 through huge boxing paydays, tequila drink and gaming
One said: “This Netflix stream ain’t buffered not once.”
And another said: “How does Netflix stream in 8k so well?”
Netflix experienced similar technical issues when it streamed Mike Tyson‘s crossover clash with social media sensation Jake Paul last November.
The intense demand to watch Iron Mike’s return to professional action led to issues with the stream’s quality and left several fans unable to log in to the app entirely.
Heavyweight Jermaine Franklin has beaten Ivan Dychko in an absolute stink fest.
Franklin – who lost to Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte in the past – won on the big stage but failed to inspire.
It might be another long wait for the phone to call again.
Jermaine Franklin wins
Meanwhile on the undercard, Jermaine Franklin has won via unanimous decision against Ivan Dychko.
It was far from a classic with fans inside the Allegiant Stadium booing amid their boredom,
The judges scored it 96-93. 95-94. 97-92.
It wasn’t just the fans wanting more, so did Franklin’s coach, who was heard saying between rounds: “If you want this fight, you gotta go in there, you gotta let your hands go, and you gotta work.
“This is an opportunity of a lifetime for you. You got to cash in on this, Jermaine.
“We got to get in there, we gotta work, man. We can’t be bulls*******g.”
Tip the scales
Canelo Alvarez is the bigger man but both he and Terence Crawford weighed in at 167.5lb on Friday’s weigh-in – 0.5lb inside the limit.
Crawford, who is a previous undisputed champ at super-lightweight and welterweight, has climbed two divisions for this bout.
Bud had tipped the scales to just 135lb in the past.
There is no rehydration clause, potentially allowing for the naturally bigger Mexican fighter to spend his prep time bulking up.
Injury fears
Rumours have swirled in the build-up to tonight that Terence Crawford has a shoulder issues.
He hilariously responded when asked it, saying: “Yeah, my shoulder’s messed up everyone. Don’t tell Canelo!
“Maybe the left, maybe the right, maybe both of them. I’m having problems with my shoulders.
“Shhh, keep that under wraps.”
Tonight’s full card
Here is what we have coming up as we build up to the main fight of the night.
We will keep you updated with all the results as they come in.
Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford (undisputed super-middleweight titles)
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 beats Javier Martinez (TKO – super-featherweight)
Sultan Almohammed beats Martin Caraballo (UD – super-lightweight)
Raiko Santana beats Steven Nelson (TKO – light-heavyweight)
Marco Verde beats Marcos Osorio Betancourt (TKO – super-middleweight)
Predictions
This bout splits opinion. But everyone is in agreement that it is going to be a classic.
British icon Amir Khan reckons Crawford will win, saying: “It’s a fantastic fight but I just can’t see Canelo beating him.
“I see Crawford winning this fight by skill, movement and holding his weight well.
“Crawford is an amazing wrestler so when it comes to grappling and pushing fighters’ around, he’s strong.
“I’m sure he won’t have a problem with Canelo, even though Canelo is a strong, big guy.”
But promoter Frank Warren is on team Canelo, adding: “My old adage is that a good big ‘un always beats a good little ‘un and I’ll go with Canelo on this.
“Against William Scull, he got clipped quite a few times and I thought he got frustrated.
“Then I look at Crawford in his previous fight against Israil Madrimov and I thought there were moments where it was quite close.
“But I’ve got to go with Canelo – and I hope it is Canelo because our man Hamzah Sheeraz is going to be ringside and we’re going to make it if Canelo wins.”
What seemed like an impossible matchup a few years ago is now a reality: Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez and Terence “Bud” Crawford will face off in a fight that promises to break audience records.
The highly anticipated duel will take place on Saturday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., where the Mexican will put his WBC, WBA, WBO, and IBF world titles on the line in the super middleweight division (168 pounds).
Álvarez (63-2-2, 39 KOs), 35, comes off a comfortable victory over William Scull in May, during which Álvarez successfully defended his belts. Now he faces the challenge of an undefeated opponent considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters today.
Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) will look to make history by moving up from welterweight to try to dethrone the Jalisco champion. With titles in four different divisions, the American is aiming to conquer a fifth crown in a completely new category for him.
How to watch:
The fight will be broadcast exclusively on Netflix, with no fee beyond the streaming service’s standard subscription fee. In the U.S., Netflix subscriptions start at $7.99, a massively reduced figure from typical boxing pay-per-view fees.
The main event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. PDT.
Clash of the undefeated in the co-main event
Undefeated Callum Walsh (14-0, 11 KOs, from Cork, Ireland) and Fernando Vargas Jr. (17-0, 15 KOs, from Las Vegas, Nev.) will face off in a super welterweight co-main event.
On the same card, WBC interim super middleweight champion Christian Mbilli (29-0, 24 KOs, from Quebec, Canada, born in France) will take on WBA No. 3 and WBC No. 7 Lester Martinez (19-0, 16 KOs, from San Benito Petén, Guatemala) in a super middleweight battle.
Also, Mohammed Alakel (4-0, 0 KOs, from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) will face John Ornelas (5-2-1, 2 KOs, from San Diego) in a lightweight bout.
Preliminary fights
Streaming on Tudum.com, YouTube via the TKO channel and YouTube on the WWE channel):
Middleweight: Serhii Bohachuk (26-2, 24 KOs, a Los Angeles resident born in Vinnytsia, Ukraine) vs. Brandon Adams (25-4, 16 KOs, from Watts).
Heavyweight: Ivan Dychko (15-0, 14 KOs, from Pittsburgh, Penn., originally from Kazakhstan) vs. Jermaine Franklin (23-2, 15 KOs, from Saginaw, Mich.).
Super featherweight: Reito Tsutsumi (2-0, 1 KO, from Narashino, Chiba, Japan) vs. Javier Martinez (7-2, 4 KOs, from Dallas).
Super lightweight: Sultan Almohammed (0-0, from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) vs. Martin Caraballo (0-0-1, from Hollywood, Fla.).
Light heavyweight: Steven Nelson (20-1, 16 KOs, from Omaha, Neb.) vs. Raiko Santana (12-4, 6 KOs, from Pinar del Río, Cuba).
Super middleweight: Marco Verde (2-0, 2 KOs, from Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico) will open the evening against Marcos Osorio Betancourt (11-2-1, 8 KOs, from Canóvanas, Puerto Rico).
Jumping up in weight has historically left challengers vulnerable against naturally bigger champions.
Yet in Las Vegas this week, many pundits and fighters are tipping Crawford to win – a testament to his adaptability and ring IQ.
Crawford looks ripped and defined, not having put on weight at the expense of his athleticism, but whether he can carry the same speed, timing, and precision into the ring remains the question.
He says the extra pounds have been more blessing than burden.
“It’s been different because I don’t have to worry about anything – the weight room, strength and conditioning, when I’m eating and things like that. I’m as happy as could be,” he told BBC Sport on Tuesday.
The freedom has even extended to breakfast.
“I woke up and ate pancakes this morning. I would never have been able to eat pancakes before,” he said.
If Crawford can dethrone Alvarez in Nevada, it won’t just be another indulgence. It will be the syrup on top of a career already dripping with greatness.
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Terence “Bud” Crawford jumped two weight classes to set a career high on the scales at Friday’s weigh-in ahead of his super middleweight bout against Mexican superstar Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez. Both fighters weighed in at 167.5 pounds and met all the requirements for a fight that pits two of today’s best pound-for-pound boxers against each other.
Bud and Canelo face off Saturday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas (6 p.m., Netflix) in a clash that will define their legacies, test Crawford’s undefeated status and determine supremacy in the sport.
For Álvarez, who will celebrate 20 years in the sport in October and compete in his 21st fight in Las Vegas when he faces Crawford, the weigh-in was business as usual for a Mexican star accustomed to competing in the super middleweight class and higher.
Crawford arrived in the same physical condition as the undisputed champion, reflecting the seriousness of his preparation in pursuit of the four belts held by the Jalisco native, as well as a bonus from the World Boxing Council (WBC), which will award a special ring to the winner of the fight.
Terence “Bud” Crawford extends his arms and during a news conference at T-Mobile Arena on Thursday in Las Vegas.
(David Becker / Getty Images for Netflix)
“I think people completely underestimate me, but that doesn’t matter,” Crawford said. “We have to fight here on Saturday, and all the answers will be resolved that night.”
The fighters participated in news conferences during the week that served as a barometer for the atmosphere in Las Vegas, where Álvarez is expected to draw a rowdy crowd during Mexican Independence Day weekend.
“I feel great. For me, this fight means a lot. I’m looking forward to Saturday night,” Álvarez said. “This fight is very important to me. It’s one of the most important fights of my career. … This victory will be one of the most important.”
Álvarez acknowledged Crawford’s physique, with his challenger surprising observers with more defined muscles after gaining weight.
“For me, muscles mean nothing,” Álvarez said. “I’ve fought bigger fighters before and they mean nothing… When I saw that he had a good training camp, I was happy because it was going to be a good fight.”
For his part, Crawford was confident and defiant.
“I feel great. I’m ready to get started. To surprise the world,” said the American, who reacted to social media comments about his physical transformation. “A lot of people are going overboard with that. ‘Oh, he’s slow, he’s got too much muscle.’ I just want to fight.”
At this crossroads, two fighters with different backgrounds meet. Both have been undisputed champions in different divisions and both have enough experience to handle the pressure of a big night. But there are differences that could tip the scales.
Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford face off onstage during news conference at T-Mobile Arena on Thursday in Las Vegas.
(David Becker / Getty Images for Netflix)
Álvarez is a fighter accustomed to the higher divisions. He has fought in light heavyweight and has faced physically superior opponents.
His style is orthodox, with a great ability to cut off the ring, wear down his opponents and land powerful punches that can define fights. He has the ability to adapt, read his opponents and subdue them with a combination of technique, power and tactical discipline.
Crawford comes from the opposite camp. His career has been built in lighter weight classes, dominating as a welterweight and lightweight, with a style based on mobility, variety of angles and intelligence in the ring. He is a natural southpaw, although he often switches stances, and has never tasted defeat as a professional.
With 41 victories, 31 of them by knockout, Crawford brings with him an impeccable record, but he will have to prove whether that power remains intact against a heavier and more resilient opponent such as Álvarez.
Crawford has had to deal with criticism about his previous opponents, as he has been accused of facing lower-quality fighters. “Anyone can be a nobody. And from what they say, I haven’t fought anyone,” he said.
The question is how Crawford will adapt to this new weight class. The increase in muscle could take away his speed, one of his most lethal weapons, or sap his endurance during long rounds.
For Álvarez, the advantage lies in familiarity, as he knows how to manage his body during a fight at 168 pounds, knows how to manage energy and knows how to punish an opponent who is entering unknown territory.
Many point to age as a factor that could affect both fighters during the bout.
At 35, Álvarez is still in a competitive range where he retains power, endurance and reflexes, although perhaps with less spark than in his 20s. His style does not depend so much on explosive speed, but rather on experience and the progressive wear and tear of his opponent. That works in his favor.
Although Álvarez has promised a knockout, in his recent fights, he has been unable to deliver knockouts and is unlikely to do so against Crawford.
“I’m going to give it my all in this fight and you’re going to see all my qualities,” Álvarez said. “It’s very difficult to say [which round I’ll knock him out], but I’m preparing for anything and I have one of the best fighters facing one of the best as well.”
At 37, Crawford is nearing the end of his physical prime. Boxers who base much of their style on speed, mobility and reflexes tend to feel the passage of time sooner. Crawford still looks fast, but his reflexes are probably not exactly what they were four or five years ago.
The fight, then, is shaping up to be a duel of styles and contexts. If Crawford manages to impose distance and take advantage of his mobility, he can turn the night into an exercise in frustration for Álvarez. If the Mexican manages to close the ring, press with body shots and wear Crawford down from the early rounds, the fight could swing in his corner.
Beyond the technical analysis, motivation plays a key role. Álvarez, with more than 60 professional fights, seeks to reaffirm his place in history as one of the great champions of Mexico and the world.
Crawford, meanwhile, wants to be the first male boxer in the four-belt era to become the undisputed champion in three different divisions.
Both know they are in the final stretch of their careers, which makes this fight an almost unrepeatable event. A defeat for either of them does not mean the end, but it would leave a mark on their records that would be difficult to erase.
When asked about fighting at Allegiant Stadium, home to the NFL’s Raiders, Crawford took a moment to emphasize the value of an event of this magnitude.
“Fights like this help boxing grow … the best fight,” he said. “… It’s only going to improve the sport.”
Undercard adds intrigue
Undefeated junior middleweight boxers Callum Walsh, left, and Fernando Vargas Jr., right, face off during a news conference at T-Mobile Arena on Thursday in Las Vegas while UFC’s Dana White looks on.
(Steve Marcus / Getty Images)
Saturday night’s fireworks aren’t limited to the main event. The rest of the card also is generating interest.
Undefeated super middleweight Christian Mbilli will face Guatemala’s Lester Martinez in a clash that promises to be intense.
Mbilli, who is hungry to establish himself in the division, said he feels he is in the best shape of his career and intends to go for a knockout. Martínez, for his part, has repeatedly said that he is not here to be a stepping stone for anyone and will take advantage of the platform to make a statement.
Another attraction is the clash between Callum Walsh and Fernando Vargas Jr., son of former world champion Fernando Vargas. Walsh, considered one of the promising young talents of Irish boxing, has said he will bring his technical and disciplined boxing style to the ring.
“Nothing compares to this weekend,” Walsh said. “It’s going to be a good fight. … None of us want to lose. It’s rare to see a fight like this in boxing: two young, undefeated boxers. Boxing needs more of this.”
Vargas said he is not intimidated and promised to prove that he belongs at this level of competition.
“He comes in as the favorite. … It’s something that excites me, something I’ve never felt before,” Vargas said. “Having my back against the wall. … You don’t see fighters putting their records on the line, 17-0 and 14-0, on a stage as big as this. These are the fights that make great fighters.”
Weigh-in results
MAIN CARD
Super middleweight: Canelo Álvarez (167.5 lbs) vs. Terence Crawford (167.5 lbs)
Super welterweight: Callum Walsh (153.5 lbs) vs. Fernando Vargas Jr. (153 lbs)
Super middleweight: Christian Mbilli (167 lbs) vs. Lester Martínez (167 lbs)
Lightweight: Mohammed Alakel (132 lbs) vs. Travis Crawford (132.5 lbs)
PRELIMS
Middleweight: Serhii Bohachuk (155 lbs) vs. Brandon Adams (156 lbs)
Heavyweight: Ivan Dychko (239.5 lbs) vs. Jermaine Franklin Jr. (256 lbs)
Super featherweight: Reito Tsutsumi (129.5 lbs) vs. Javier Martínez (129.5 lbs)
Super lightweight: Sultan Almohammed (132.5 lbs) vs. Martín Caraballo (133 lbs)
Light heavyweight: Steven Nelson (171.5 lbs) vs Raiko Santana (171.5 lbs)
Super middleweight: Marco Verde (158 lbs) vs. Sona Akale (159.5 lbs)
Terrence Crawford is jumping two weights to fight Canelo Alvarez to unify the super middleweight belts on Saturday.
Published On 12 Sep 202512 Sep 2025
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Saul “Canelo” Alvarez stands in the way of Terence Crawford’s bid for boxing history on Saturday when they clash in Las Vegas for Alvarez’s undisputed super middleweight world title.
Crawford, a four-division champion, is jumping up two weight divisions for the bout in a bid to become the first male boxer to become an undisputed champion in three different categories.
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Unbeaten with a record of 41-0 with 31 knockouts, Crawford previously claimed all four belts on offer at super lightweight and welterweight.
But the 37-year-old American will step into the ring at Allegiant Stadium, home of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, an underdog against Mexican great Alvarez.
Alvarez, who owns a record of 63-2-2 with 39 knockouts, is also a four-division champ and the only fighter to claim a four-belt undisputed title at super middleweight – first in 2021 and again in May when he beat IBF champion William Scull by a unanimous points decision in Riyadh.
Although Crawford is actually a hair taller than Alvarez with a longer reach, the Mexican superstar’s weight advantage is expected by many to be decisive, even though Crawford has visibly bulked up for the encounter.
The bout is being promoted by Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season, which inked Alvarez to a four-fight deal that made him the latest in a growing list of boxers to flock to the kingdom for mega-paydays.
Riyadh Season has teamed with UFC mastermind Dana White to promote the fight that will be streamed globally by Netflix.
“This fight for me is one of the biggest fights in my career,” Alvarez said at a Thursday night news conference attended by thousands of fans at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
After nearly four years without a knockout win, Alvarez said he is looking for a decisive victory.
“I’ll give it everything I have, and if the knockout comes, good,” he said. “If not, I’m going to show why I’m the best.”
Álvarez speaks on stage during the news conference ahead of the bout with Crawford [David Becker/Getty Images for Netflix/AFP]
Questions abound as to whether even a muscled-up Crawford will be able to hurt Alvarez.
The Mexican champion has looked a step slower in recent fights, but his counter-punching prowess could be dangerous if Crawford feels compelled to press the action.
Crawford said he wasn’t concerned.
“I’m feeling great,” he said. “I’m ready to go. Shock the world.”
Crawford has embraced his underdog status, making a point of calling out his critics throughout the build-up to the fight.
“I think people are underestimating everything about me,” he said. “From what everybody says, I haven’t fought anybody.
“It’s been a long time coming, it’s been long overdue,” added Crawford of the spotlight on him this week.
“And come Saturday, I’m going to show the world what they’ve been missing out on.”
Crawford is also ready for a pro-Alvarez crowd in Las Vegas the weekend before the Mexican Independence Day holiday on Tuesday.
One thing Crawford did not appear concerned about was the suggestion that popped up on social media this week that he is battling a shoulder injury.
He mocked the rumours when speaking to reporters.
“My shoulder is messed up, everyone,” he said in response to a question about the rumours. “But don’t tell Canelo.”
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez interrupts presenter Max Kellerman to defend boxing, saying it is a big sport with or without UFC chief Dana White, who is promoting Saturday’s fight between Alvarez and Terence Crawford.
Crawford, with 41 wins and 31 knockouts, won his first world title in 2014 at lightweight against Scotsman Ricky Burns. He went on to unify the light-welterweight and welterweight divisions before moving up again.
“This fight is going to be stamped in the history books,” he said, promising to “shock the world.”
Saturday’s bout will be broadcast globally on Netflix, reaching a potential audience of more than 300 million subscribers.
It is the first major boxing event promoted by White alongside Saudi’s Turki Alalshikh, signalling a new, if uncertain, era for the sport.
As organisers hyped up the new partnership as the saviour of the sport and suggested boxing has been suffering for years, one of its biggest stars – and highest earners with a reported $150m purse to collect on Saturday – Alvarez, chimed in.
“Hey, boxing was always bigger, bigger and big. Don’t say boxing is not big enough. You know how big is boxing,” he said.
Alvarez pushed Crawford as tempers flared at in New York in June, but the two shared a nod and handshake to end on a respectful note.
AMIR KHAN fears Canelo Alvarez has lost his hunger for boxing – leaving Terence Crawford ready to feast.
Canelo defends his undisputed super-middleweight titles against Crawford on Saturday night – which will be the 68th bout of his iconic career.
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Amir Khan was knocked out by Canelo Alvarez in 2016Credit: Getty
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Khan also lost to Terence Crawford in 2019Credit: Reuters
The red-haired boxing hero – who was bullied for his ginger hair earning him the nickname Canelo, which translates to cinnamon in Spanish – turned pro aged just 15.
And now two decades later the 35-year-old is the sport’s top attraction.
He is on course to become a BILLIONAIRE and has world titles in four division’s clogging up his trophy cabinet.
So Khan – who was beaten in his retirement fight against Kell Brook in 2022 – reckons Canelo has lost the same fire which burnt him in their 2016 clash.
Khan, 38, told SunSport: “I think that Crawford takes the fight in my opinion.
“I like Canelo and he’s very respectful but the reason why I think this is because Crawford’s a fresher fighter.
“I’ve just started seeing little things in Canelo in the last couple of fights where he moves more.
“I just don’t think he’s got the fire in the belly like he used to or have that killer instinct like before.
Canelo vs Crawford – All the info
IT’S finally time – one of the biggest boxing matches EVER takes place THIS WEEKEND.
Two of boxing’s GOATs will meet in the ring as they fight for pound-for-pound supremacy and the super-middleweight crown.
CANELO VS CRAWFORD: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF THE FIGHT OF THE CENTURY
“I don’t think he has that killer instinct now. Normally they have that killer instinct where they wanna go for the kill and hurt the guy, but I think he’s calm and he’s a made man.
“I know how that is. Like when I fought against Brook, you don’t have that fire in your belly like you are coming up and you wanna achieve something.
Canelo Alvarez hit me so hard I was KO’d before I even hit the canvas, warns Amir Khan ahead of Terence Crawford fight
“You know when you’ve achieved everything – which Canelo in my opinion has when it comes down to belts, titles, and also weight categories and also financially – that fire in the belly just goes and I know you might say that it might not go, it’s automatically it’s gonna happen.
“Your mind’s a very strong muscle that it just takes over your whole body.”
Khan boxed to an early lead against Canelo almost ten years ago – before a frightening right hand in the sixth robbed him of his momentum and senses.
The former super-lightweight champ was caught so hard he was out for the count well before the he even hit the deck.
Khan said: “I don’t know if he’s got the same kind of power that he had then, but in my opinion, he does hit very, very hard.
“I mean, even before I hit the floor, I was probably knocked out, to be honest with you. That’s how hard he hit me. So that just shows pure power.
“The guy’s very strong and he can definitely hurt someone really badly. But like I said, I don’t know how much power he has left in him now.
“Obviously, as you get older, the power’s not gonna be the same, but I’m sure it’s still very strong.”
Crawford, 37, beat a past-his best Khan in 2019 but the pair reunited as training partners three years later before the Brook grudge bout.
I just don’t think he’s got the fire in the belly like he used to or have that killer instinct like before.
Amir Khan on Canelo
But Khan – who had Crawford in the corner the night he lost to Brook – warned the unbeaten American can hang with the biggest and best of them.
He said: “Crawford is a bigger guy in camp. He’s always a stronger and bigger guy. I’ve seen him take down heavyweights.
“The guy, he’s a good wrestler and also he’s just a very strong guy. He’s got a strong upper body.
“So yeah, I don’t think anyone’s gonna give him any problems, especially Canelo, I don’t think Canelo’s gonna give him any problems.
“Look, you make them wrestle, I guarantee you Crawford will take Canelo down easy. That’s how strong he is.
“He’s a very good strong wrestler as well. But obviously that shows how much strength he has, core strength is solid. He’s a solid guy.”
The pound-for-pound greats meet at the Las Vegas Raiders’ 65,000-seat NFL stadium – streamed live on Netflix.
It has the hallmarks of a bonafide super-fight for the ages – one Khan reckons cannot disappoint.
He said: It’s gonna be a fantastic fight though still regardless because one thing I can say about both fighters is that they’re not gonna sit back and they’re not gonna put on a performance, they’re gonna fight till they die.
“But I just feel that Crawford has that little bit more than Canelo.”
Two of boxing’s greatest fighters, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Terence “Bud” Crawford, will put their legacies on the line when they meet in a contest being called the “Fight of the Century”.
The pair will clash in a fascinating unified super middleweight title matchup in the United States that sees Alvarez, the reigning super middleweight champion at 76kg (168lb), defend his titles against Crawford, an American who has won 10 world titles boxing at lighter weight classifications but has never fought in excess of 70kg (154lb) and is jumping up two weight classes to fight his Mexican opponent.
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Here’s what you need to know before the fight:
When is the Alvarez-Crawford fight?
The ring walk for Saturday’s main fight in Las Vegas, Nevada, is scheduled for 8pm (03:00 GMT Sunday), and the bout will begin a short time later.
Where is the Alvarez-Crawford fight taking place?
The venue for the match is the 65,000-seat Allegiant Stadium, home to the Las Vegas Raiders NFL team.
The venue is being used because it has a much larger capacity than other indoor boxing venues typically used, namely T-Mobile Arena, which holds 20,000 people for boxing and UFC contests.
Alvarez, far left, and Crawford, far right, face off next to boxing promoter Turki Al-Sheikh, second from left, and UFC CEO Dana White at The Fountains of Bellagio on September 8, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada, US [David Becker/Getty Images via AFP]
Where can I follow and watch the fight live?
You can follow Al Jazeera’s build-up and live fight text and photo coverage here.
The bout will be streamed live globally on Netflix. A subscription is required to watch the event.
What are the pre-fight events?
Building up to the fight, the main news conference will occur at 3pm (22:00 GMT) on Thursday at T-Mobile Arena.
The official weigh-in will take place on Friday at 3pm (22:00 GMT), also at T-Mobile Arena.
What titles are Alvarez and Crawford fighting for?
Alvarez and Crawford are fighting for the Mexican’s WBO, WBA, IBF and WBC super middleweight world titles as well as the Ring Magazine title.
If Crawford beats Alvarez, he will become the first male boxer to be a three-weight-class undisputed champion in the four-belt era.
How much weight does Crawford have to gain to fight Alvarez?
Crawford, the current WBA super welterweight champion, will jump up about 6kg (14lb) to reach the 76kg (168lb) weight limit for the super middleweight bout against Alvarez.
The American will have a slight height advantage over Alvarez, standing 1.73 metres (5ft, 8 inches) vs his opponent’s 1.71 metres (5ft, 7.5 inches).
Crawford also has a 10cm (4-inch) reach advantage over the Mexican fighter (188cm/74 inches vs 178cm/70 inches).
Is Crawford carrying a shoulder injury?
There has been constant speculation in recent days that Crawford is struggling with a shoulder injury heading into Saturday’s huge fight.
In a Fight Hub TV interview broadcast on Tuesday, he denied the injury rumours.
“Where I got the shoulder injury from, I don’t know. I see people coming up with all their own antics, you know ‘Terrence Crawford got a shoulder injury,’ ‘Terrence Crawford is out of shape,’ ‘Terrence Crawford’s slow.’ They coming up with all kinds of stuff,” he said.
Who is Canelo Alvarez?
Alvarez (61-2-2, 39 KOs), is Mexico’s biggest boxing star and a winner of 11 boxing world titles over an illustrious 20-year career.
The orthodox fighter never enjoyed a sterling amateur career, having turned professional at just 15 years old.
The 35-year-old is a four-division world champion: light middleweight, middleweight, super middleweight and light heavyweight.
In 2021, Alvarez became the first and only boxer in history to become the undisputed super middleweight champion when he knocked out Caleb Plant.
His two career losses have come against fellow legends Floyd Mayweather Jr and Dmitry Bivol but did little to dent Alvarez’s enormous popularity with boxing fans across the world.
Alvarez attends Netflix’s Canelo vs Crawford Grand Arrivals at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas hotel and casino on September 9, 2025 [Candice Ward/Getty Images via AFP]
Who is Terence Crawford?
Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) from Omaha, Nebraska, began his boxing career in 2008 and is undefeated as a professional.
The 37-year-old southpaw, who has won 10-world titles in total, is a former lightweight champion, junior welterweight undisputed champion and welterweight undisputed champion. Crawford is the current unified welterweight champion and WBA junior middleweight champion.
For his career, he is a four-division world champion and has held undisputed titles in two weight classes: super lightweight and welterweight.
Crawford attends Netflix’s Canelo vs Crawford Grand Arrivals at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas on September 9, 2025 [Candice Ward/Getty Images via AFP]
Who is on the undercard?
The preliminary card is scheduled to begin at 3:30pm (22:30 GMT) and the main card at 6pm (01:00 GMT on Sunday).
Main event:
Alvarez vs Crawford (super middleweight)
Callum Walsh vs Fernando Vargas Jr (super welterweight – co-main event)
Christian Mbilli vs Lester Martinez (super middleweight)
Mohammed Alakel vs John Ornelas (lightweight)
Preliminary card:
Serhii Bohachuk 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)
What is the fight purse?
The total prize money has not been revealed, but it has been calculated as high as $150m, according to multiple media reports.
Alvarez will have a career-high payday with the Mexican earning a minimum of $100m for this fight thanks to signing one of the most lucrative boxing contracts in history: an astronomical five-fight, $400m deal with Saudi promoter Turki Al-Sheikh’s Riyadh Season.
Crawford is guaranteed a minimum of $10m although his final figure is likely to be substantially higher with bonuses and other payments.
Crawford, when asked about rumours of a $50m payday during a recent interview on the Ring Champs podcast, rejected the figure.
“I got $10m for that fight [with Alvarez],” Crawford said of his guaranteed prize purse.
Alvarez, left, and Crawford in Las Vegas before what is likely to be the highest profile fight of their superlative careers [David Becker/Getty Images via AFP]
What has Alvarez said about the fight?
Alvarez, speaking at the Grand Arrivals event in Las Vegas on Tuesday, asked whether Crawford’s team have underestimated moving up two weight classes.
“No, they don’t [underestimate the weight class]. Maybe they know, but if not, then I’m going to remind them September 13 I can do a lot of things in the ring, and I’m going to put everything there on Saturday night,” he said.
When asked about Crawford’s recent social post that appears to reveal extra muscle mass on the American fighter, Alvarez commented that he thought that bodes well for a competitive contest.
“I feel happy because you know that you realise it’s going to be a good fight. So we expect a good fight.”
What has Crawford said about the fight?
Crawford is calling the matchup the biggest fight in boxing in “probably a decade” as he bids to become the first male boxer to be undisputed in three weight classes.
“Canelo don’t want to lose to a guy moving up two weight classes,” Crawford said. “You know, he don’t want a smaller guy dethroning him from his undisputed status. Terence Crawford wants to move up and do all those things.
“He’s got a lot to lose. I got a lot to win. I got a lot to lose. He’s got a lot to win.”
The American praised Alvarez’s experience and career while backing his own tools to carry the night.
“Canelo is very experienced. I’m very experienced as well. You got two experienced fighters going head-to-head. The best man is going to win,” he said, adding that his footwork and speed could be decisive.
“I admire his whole career. He and his team have done a tremendous job,” Crawford said, adding that after he wins the battle, he will wish Alvarez “nothing but the best”.
Crawford predicted how the bout would end: “Victory. A good victory… They’re going to be saying that I’m the greatest of this generation and this era.”
Who is the favourite to win the match?
Multiple betting agencies around the world have Alvarez as the favourite to win the fight – but not by a wide margin.
On average, the Mexican pays out $1.60 for the victory vs Crawford’s $2.60 across several well-known betting pools.
Frmer two-weight world champion Andre Ward discusses how important winning Saturday’s fight in Las Vegas is for Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Terence Crawford.
