Boxing fans are counting down the days until Saturday, September 13, when Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford will step into the ring at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. This blockbuster fight is shaping up to be one, if not the last, in Crawford’s career. Canelo is coming off a commanding victory over William Scull in May, which helped him defend his undisputed super middleweight crown. Meanwhile, Crawford kept his perfect record intact with a tough win against Israil Madrimov in August in the 154-pound weight class, proving he’s still a force as he moves up in weight.
However, even before the gloves came on, the two exchanged verbal jabs on Shaquille O’Neal’s The G.O.A.T.S. podcast, alongside Tom Brady and Dana White. Canelo didn’t hold back, criticizing Crawford’s résumé and sparking a debate that has everyone talking.
Canelo Doubts Crawford’s Elite Credentials
The star-studded podcast featured NFL icon Tom Brady and UFC president Dana White, and it gave fans a taste of the tension brewing between these two champions. Canelo, ever the confident showman, praised Crawford as a “great fighter” but quickly pivoted to question the caliber of his past opponents. “Name one elite fighter you’ve faced,” Canelo pressed. Crawford shot back with Viktor Postol, a former champion, but Álvarez wasn’t impressed. “Who’s that?” he quipped, dismissing Postol as a nobody.
Crawford argued that a fighter doesn’t need a big name to be top-tier and tossed out Ricky Burns as another example. Canelo shrugged it off, pointing out that a 40-year-old sparring partner had once beaten Postol in his gym. “They’re good fighters, sure, but elite is a different level,” said Canelo, setting the stage for their Vegas showdown. Crawford didn’t back down, coolly replying, “Guess I’ll face an elite one in September.” Canelo smirked and said, “You’ll see what’s up-and I hope they’re paying you well for it.”
Canelo is no stranger to big fights, boasting a 62-2-2 record with bouts against legends like Floyd Mayweather, Gennady Golovkin, and Sergey Kovalev. Crawford is undefeated with a record of 41-0. He brings his own flair to the ring, switching stances mid-fight and racking up knockouts against tough opponents like Shawn Porter and Errol Spence Jr. This clash isn’t just about belts; it’s a battle of legacies.
Podcasts and Social Media: The New Fight Game
What makes this buildup even wilder is how it’s playing out beyond the ring. Platforms like The G.O.A.T.S podcast are changing the game, pulling in millions of listeners who might not catch a standard press conference. Having Tom Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champ, weigh in only amps up the hype. “Fans want the best taking on the best, no matter the sport,” Brady said during the episode. “That’s what gets everyone fired up.” He’s spot on-having voices like his and Shaq’s in the mix turns a boxing match into a cultural event.
Add in social media, where clips from the podcast (like this one) are going viral, and you’ve got a recipe for massive exposure. It’s a far cry from the old days of grainy TV promos, and it’s working-the anticipation for September 13 is off the charts.
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