Boxing fans have wanted to see Alvarez and Crawford face off since last year. The two fighters usually compete in different weight classes, but that hasn't stopped fans from dreaming about this cross-division matchup.
Alvarez recently signed a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season, organized by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh. This agreement changed the expected plans for an immediate Alvarez-Crawford fight.
On May 3, 2024, Alvarez will defend his undisputed super middleweight championship against William Scull. Both fighters will put their belts on the line in this clash.
In a recent interview with Ring Magazine, Alvarez explained his initial hesitation about fighting Crawford:
"You know, I can see that people also want to see that fight. So I think it's starting to make sense. We'll see after May."
Alvarez had worried that critics would say Crawford was too small if he won, or that he lacked power and skill against a smaller opponent if he lost.
Right now, Alvarez is focused on his May fight against Scull. This approach makes sense, as fighters who plan too far ahead often face consequences. For example, Deontay Wilder suffered a crushing defeat against Joseph Parker on December 23, 2023, while looking ahead to an Anthony Joshua fight.
William Scull, Alvarez's next opponent, has a record of 23-0 with 9 KOs. However, he doesn't have many fights under his belt. Oscar De La Hoya, a boxing commentator, doesn't see Scull as a real threat to Canelo.
If all goes well in May, we might see Alvarez, 34, face off against the 37-year-old Crawford later in 2024. Alvarez still has two more fights scheduled for 2026 as part of his Riyadh Season deal.
The potential Alvarez-Crawford fight has got fans excited. We'll have to wait and see if these two champions from different weight classes will finally meet in the ring.