Tensions are running high between Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez and Terence Crawford months ahead of the highly anticipated fight that fans around the world are counting down to. Since the start of the promotional tour for their September 13 clash, both fighters have traded jabs-verbally, for now. Confident in their chances, they’ve taken every opportunity to discredit one another, only fueling the fire for what now looks like a must-see showdown.
On the line will be Canelo’s WBC, WBO, WBA, and IBF super middleweight titles.
Crawford’s jokes don’t sit well with Canelo
Things took a turn when Terence Crawford began taunting the Guadalajara-born champion, eventually stepping into Canelo’s chest. Álvarez responded by shoving Crawford hard, prompting a quick intervention by those present to prevent the scuffle from escalating.
After the incident, Crawford was seen laughing and grinning directly at the Mexican fighter, while Canelo had to be restrained by several people. It was a brief but highly charged moment, with emotions clearly boiling over.
More than just belts on the line
Canelo’s recent performances have failed to impress many fans across the globe. From the choice of opponents to his in-ring displays-often described as underwhelming-his recent fights have lacked real challenge.
There has been growing speculation that Álvarez is being handed “tailor-made” opponents to preserve his reign. But with Crawford, the narrative could finally shift.
One stat worth noting: Canelo hasn’t knocked out an opponent since November 6, 2021, when he stopped Caleb Plant. Has he lost the power that once defined him? Judging by recent performances, it certainly seems possible-but we’ll know more after the next bout.
Álvarez remains confident, saying:
He won’t beat me, don’t worry about that… I think this fight will go down in the boxing history books, that’s for sure
I know [Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority chairman] Turki [Alalshikh] is in your corner, but it’s going to be very difficult [to beat me]. He’s going to be very upset that day.
In response, Crawford had some words of his own for Canelo:
Those belts are coming with me, they’re coming home with me”… “I’ll take them, and there’s nothing you can do on fight night, I promise you.
Terence Crawford’s record speaks volumes
Crawford enters the bout with a pristine 41-0 record, including 31 knockouts-11 of them in his last 12 fights. The former undisputed champion at both welterweight and super lightweight is aiming to make history by becoming the first man to unify all four belts in three separate divisions.
So, who are you backing in this fight that’s sure to spark fireworks?
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