Canelo Alvarez has edged out Terence Crawford in ESPN's ranking of the best boxers this century. The sports network published the list on September 3, adding fuel to the fire of their upcoming showdown.
The Mexican superstar landed at number 5 on the list, while Crawford came in at number 7. This placement has got the boxing world talking and adds even more spice to their September 13 clash at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Alvarez, the undisputed super middleweight champion, has cemented his place in boxing history. His legacy goes beyond just numbers. Crawford, known as "Bud," remains undefeated and has his own impressive resume.
Both men have racked up world titles in eight different weight classes between them. Their combined record stands at 104 wins, 2 losses, 2 draws, and a whopping 70 knockouts. They've also made millions in the process.
For Canelo, there's more on the line. He'll be defending his undisputed super middleweight crown. A win will boost his claim as one of the all-time greats. But even if he loses, his career won't take a major hit.
Crawford faces a tough challenge. He's moving up several weight classes for this fight. If things don't go his way, he's got a built-in excuse about size and weight disadvantages.
ESPN's full top 10 looks like this: Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manny Pacquiao, Bernard Hopkins, Oleksandr Usyk, Canelo Alvarez, Andre Ward, Terence Crawford, Juan Manuel Marquez, Roy Jones Jr., and Naoya Inoue.
Other big names on the list include Oscar De La Hoya at 15, Tyson Fury at 17, Katie Taylor at 21, and Claressa Shields at 23.
The timing of this ranking couldn't be better. It's got everyone talking just days before these two living legends step into the ring. September 13 in Las Vegas will be a night for the history books as two undisputed champs go head-to-head.
