The stage is set for one of boxing‘s most anticipated showdowns in recent history. As Terence Crawford prepares to challenge Canelo Alvarez for the undisputed super-middleweight crown, he’s not just stepping up in weight — he’s raising the stakes with a thunderous promise: he plans to be the first to knock out the Mexican icon.
The bout, scheduled for September 13 in Las Vegas, has all the ingredients of a modern-day classic. Crawford, an undefeated four-division champion, is aiming to do what no fighter has accomplished in Canelo’s 20-year professional career. And as the two legends gear up for their clash, Crawford isn’t shying away from bold declarations.
“Canelo’s got a granite chin, he’s tough, he’s durable,” Crawford admitted during a press event in Riyadh. “But we’ve seen him hurt a couple of times and given the right circumstances, anybody can get knocked out.“
A collision of eras and legacies
Crawford’s ambition isn’t just about titles or accolades — it’s about legacy. At 37 years old, the American sees this fight as a defining moment. “This is my mega fight. This is my moment,” he said, emphasizing that while Canelo got the opportunities to face names like Mayweather, Pacquiao, and De La Hoya, Crawford now sees this bout as his turn to headline a generational event.
The numbers are staggering. Canelo, with a record of 63-2-2 and 39 knockouts, remains unbeaten at 168 pounds. Crawford enters the fight at 41-0 with 31 knockouts, moving up two full weight classes. Both fighters bring Hall-of-Fame resumes into the ring — and both know what’s at stake.
“Three-time undisputed, three different weight classes, going up two divisions… Everything is on the line in this fight,“ Crawford declared. “When you look at it, we did this together with the work that he did and the work that I did.”
Respect, confidence, and a clash of styles
Despite the intensity, the mutual respect between the fighters was evident. Canelo acknowledged Crawford’s skills, but stayed firm in his prediction. “He’s a great fighter, but he’s not Canelo,” the Mexican said. “They only focus on my power, but I have more than that. He’s not going to beat me, don’t worry about it.”
That comment drew a smile from Crawford, who calmly responded: “For sure them belts are coming home with me.”
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Who wins the super-fight on September 13?
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For now, the countdown begins. Two of boxing’s elite prepare to meet under the bright lights of Las Vegas, each carrying their own legacy, pride, and promise into the ring.