Alvarez, with a record of 63-2-2 and 39 KOs, will defend his undisputed super middleweight title. He's been the face of Mexican boxing for over a decade and is known for his size, power, and relentless pressure in the ring. After being outboxed by Dmitry Bivol in 2022, Canelo's looking to protect his empire and legacy.
Crawford, boasting a perfect 41-0 record with 31 KOs, is moving up two weight divisions for this fight. The undefeated craftsman from Omaha, who unified the welterweight division, wants to prove his greatness across weight classes. His slick adaptability and sharp fight IQ will be put to the test against Canelo's strength.
The fight will take place in front of 65,000 fans with the Las Vegas Strip as a backdrop. BetMGM has Canelo as the slight favorite at -160, while Crawford sits at +145.
Experts are split on who'll come out on top. Amir Khan favors Crawford's fresher legs and slick boxing. Tyson Fury leans towards Canelo, pointing out the size difference at 168 lbs. Eddie Hearn thinks Crawford can win if he fights disciplined, even if it means a "boring fight."
Abel Sanchez, a respected trainer, shared his thoughts:
"Canelo's relentless pressure is going to take its toll over 12 rounds."
On the other hand, Dmitry Bivol, who beat Canelo in 2022, believes in Crawford:
"Crawford looked physically imposing."
The undercard features some exciting matchups too. Callum Walsh will face Fernando Vargas Jr. in the co-main event, while Christian Mbilli takes on Lester Martinez. Prospects Serhii Bohachuk and Ivan Dychko will also showcase their skills.
This fight is part of a bigger deal for Canelo. Saudi matchmaker Turki Alalshikh has guaranteed him over $100 million as part of a four-fight contract. It's the biggest single payday ever promised to a Mexican athlete.
Netflix will broadcast the event, hoping to prove that boxing can stand alongside the NFL, NBA, and Formula 1 in the digital space. They're building on the success of the Paul vs. Tyson fight earlier this year, which drew record-breaking numbers.
Both fighters, now in their mid-to-late thirties, know their careers are on a timeline. The winner of this match will secure their place in boxing history, potentially joining the ranks of multi-division champions like Sugar Ray Leonard and Roy Jones Jr.
With so much at stake, this showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford promises to be a thrilling spectacle for boxing fans around the world.