By Norm Frauenheim

LAS VEGAS – Cinco De Mayo has its own boxing history, a lively legacy that starts with Julio Cesar Chavez in a bloodied line of succession that includes Oscar De La Hoya, then Floyd Mayweather and finally Canelo Alvarez.

A peaceful transition, it’s not. Never has been. From fight-to-fight, it’s ruthless as it is perilous, scarred and scary all at once.

Enter David Benavidez. Since Canelo’s scorecard loss to Terence Crawford, the hunt is on for a new successor, a crown prince ready to crown himself and anybody who stands in his way.

Whether he’s ready and able to be next is what’s at stake Saturday in big move upscale against a credible champion, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez at T-Mobile Arena.

Benavidez insists he is. He uses words like destiny. Zurdo says he will try his best to win. But Benavidez has eliminated the maybe from his language.

He will win, says the Phoenix born-and-forged fighter, a former super-middleweight champion and current light-heavyweight champ who is boldly moving up 25 pounds in a risky attempt to prove that Cinco De Mayo belongs to him.

“A championship in a third division will catapult me into a place along the greats,’’ he said Thursday during a final news conference at the MGM Grand.

He talks the part. Thursday, he looked the part.

He wore a sequined black coat, complete with black gloves, to the newser. It was as if he found the look in Michael Jackson’s old closet. It was one sign perhaps that he’s ready to be The Mexican Monster, a nickname Mike Tyson gave him. He’s ready to dance the Monster Mash all over Zurdo, who holds two titles yet is still the betting underdog.

“At the end of the day, I’m a bad m-effer, and I like to take the risks,’’ Benavidez said with a characteristic edge that he and his brother Jose Benavidez Jr., say was just part of growing up on Phoenix’s west-side streets.

They survived.

They thrived.

Over the last few years of prize-fighting success, some of that edge has moderated. There’s less trash talk, fewer profanities.

“Yeah, you’re right, we don’t trash-talk like we used to,’’ Jose Jr., a former junior-welterweight champion said. “Over the years, we’ve learned to respect opponents more. If they respect the craft, we respect them. You learn that.’’

David Benavidez referred to Zurdo, a former sparring partner, as a friend.

“I want to give a big shutout to Zurdo Ramirez,’’ David Benavidez said Thursday. “He’s always been a friend. I like him. I respect him and the way he goes about his business.

“That said, it’s time to go to war. I’m going to walk into the fire and walk out of that fire a winner. I like Zurdo a lot. But he’s never seen a fighter like me. I’m different.’’

Different enough, perhaps, to possess the Cinco De Mayo mantle and all that it means.

“I plan to fight 10 more years,’’ I want to be there, at the top, proving myself. I still have to do that. This a step in that direction.’’

Still, there are old rivalries, one  intense as ever. For years, a younger Benavidez called out Canelo with one profanity after another. But Canelo would never fight him. That possibility seems to have passed, gone away for good.

But the rivalry has not. It still burns hot. Canelo is expected to be in the arena Saturday. Officially, he’s there to support Jaime Munguia, who is fighting super-middleweight champion Armando Resendiz in the co-main. Munguia is trained by Canelo’s trainer Eddy Reynoso.

But an inevitable question will follow Canelo to his ringside seat. To wit: Is he there to plot his own attempt at reclaiming the date he once owned? Benavidez is promising that he won’t give him that chance.

Even a question about Canelo brought back that old edge in a maturing, wiser Benavidez. The Boxing Hour asked him what he thought about fighting with Canelo in the audience. In part, the bout is a potential passing-of-the-torch, from Canelo to Benavidez. But don’t expect them to shake hands.

As Thursday’s news conference ended, news broke in The Ring that Canelo will come back in September against Christian Mbilli in Saudi Arabia. It’s a sign that Canelo won’t just surrender Cinco De Mayo to Benavidez or anybody else.

“They just announced it today,’’ Benavidez said in response to a question from The Boxing Hour.

“Who wants to see that? You guys want to see that?

“I’m not trying to be a (bleep), bro. But at the end of the day, nobody wants to see that shit. Who’s Mbilli?’’

For now, just somebody else in the way of a Benavidez quest for what he calls his destiny.

By Norm Frauenheim

The echoes from last week’s noisy Terence Crawford-World Boxing Council feud include lots of talk about what’s next for an always contentious business suddenly facing some fundamental change.

Still, it’s a guessing game. The only sure thing is that Crawford and the WBC won’t be exchanging Christmas cards this month. All else remains unpredictable. In other words: Business as usual.

Amid all the personal insults and profanity, however, one thing got lost in the WBC’s decision to strip Crawford of its super-middleweight belt for what it said was a failure to pay a $300,000 sanctioning fee. Crawford denied he had agreed to pay anything at all in an angry rant that made fee sound like just another f-word.

Take the belt, said Crawford, who doesn’t need it any more anyway. His undisputed resume is forever there, witnessed throughout his masterful decision over Canelo Alvarez by more than 72,000 at Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium and a Netflix audience in mid-September.  

The WBC can take the belt.

But not the legacy.

The WBC strip, however, created a path for Canelo to reclaim it.

Canelo, the longtime face of Mexican boxing, has already announced he intends to be back, sometime next year after he recovers from left-elbow surgery, which he underwent in October.

For the first time in years, Canelo will be without a belt, especially the WBC’s green belt, by far the most valued one by fighters throughout the acronym era.

Before the Mexico City-based WBC stripped Crawford, the guess was that Canelo would have to face Crawford all over again in a problematic bid to reclaim the WBC belt, long the crown jewel in a collection that includes WBA, WBO, IBF and — increasingly — The Ring.

Crawford’s skillful victory in September suggests that a second fight would play out the same way. Once again, Crawford would dominate.

In the September showdown’s initial aftermath, there looked to be only one way for Canelo to regain a world title at super-middle. He had to go through Crawford. But the WBC opened an alternate path by stripping Crawford and ordering a Hamzah Sheeraz-Christian Mbilli fight for the vacant belt.

Canelo’s chances at regaining a title? Against Crawford or the Sheeraz-Mbilli winner? Dumb questions. After what happened in September, Canelo’s best shot is the latter, against Sheeraz or Mbilli.

Canelo’s are slim to none against Crawford, who goes into the New Year apparently undecided about his future, yet undisputed in the pound-for-pound debate. He’s the consensus No.1, rare in a business known more for only disputes.

By now, of course, the WBC’s relationship with Canelo is no secret. David Benavidez, a Phoenix born-and-forged fighter and current WBC light-heavyweight champion, was the WBC’s longtime interim champion at 168 pounds.

Interim doesn’t mean much, but it is supposed to come with a mandatory shot at the champion. In this case, it was Canelo. But Benavidez never got that mandatory, and the WBC never enforced it with even a threat to strip Canelo.

The WBC has been ripped for its favorable treatment of Canelo. To be sure, Crawford repeated it in his broadside.

That said – and Crawford said plenty, it’s still not clear whether he’ll be fighting for any kind of belt anymore. Before the WBC stripped him, there had been speculative reports that Canelo wanted a rematch. There were also speculative reports that Crawford would ask for the $100-million-plus purse Canelo received in September.

A sequel might attract streaming services willing to pay a fortune for an escalated episode of drama and trash talk. But heightened hostility between Crawford and WBC might be a hurdle. Could the two ever do business together again?

Reported options for Crawford also include a bid for another title at another weight, 160-pounds. At 38-years-old, however, retirement is still another possibility. Crawford just delivered a singular performance, one that reminded us why boxing was once called The Sweet Science.

It would be hard to top that one and maybe even harder to recreate, especially if Canelo opts to take the easier path.

By Norm Frauenheim

David Benavidez, who is moving up the scale in weight and prominence, didn’t surprise anybody this week when he said he would never fight at super-middleweight again.

He doesn’t have any choice.

Gaining weight and smarts are part of growing up, and the maturing Benavidez is showing a lot of both as he enters his prime at light-heavyweight, a steppingstone toward his hopes of making an enduring statement as perhaps the best of his generation.

Put it this way: At 6-foot-2, Benavidez, who will be 29 on Dec. 17, has a better chance at fighting one day at heavyweight than he has at ever going back to 168 pounds.

The biggest surprise is that he was able to stay at super-middle for as long as he did. He missed weight once, costing him the World Boxing Council’s version of the title in 2020. Over the next three-and-half years, he went on to win six straight bouts as the super-middleweight division’s most feared contender

Truth is, Benavidez is at a weight he probably should have been a few years ago. He actually fought at 175 pounds more than a decade ago – April 2015. As an unknown 18-year-old, he won a fringe NABF title with a first-round stoppage at Celebrity Theatre in hometown Phoenix. Then, he stayed – perhaps overstayed – at 168. A futile wait for a shot at Canelo Alvarez kept him there.

Now, he moves on, beyond a familiar weight and an exasperating wait in his third bout at light-heavy in a title defense against a dangerous gatekeeper, Anthony Yarde, a UK fighter who figures to test Benavidez’ future in his step up the scale Nov. 22 in Riyadh.

Benavidez announced the inevitable in an interview with Fight Hub TV in answer to a question first posed by Saudi Prince and promoter Turki Al-Sheikh at the end of Terence Crawford’s masterful decision over Canelo last month at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium.

“Can David Benavidez still make 168?” Al-Sheikh asked in a tweet.

Definitely not, Benavidez told Fight Hub.

“I’m done,’’ Benavidez told Fight Hub in his formal farewell to super-middle.  “I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Crawford. He put on a hell of a performance. He’s up there on the Mount Rushmore of the greatest fighters of all time. Let Crawford do his thing, bro. At the end of the day, I have no interest in fighting Crawford.

“I have no interest in going down to 168. Yeah, it would be dope, winning all the titles, but I’m way past that at 168. I wouldn’t even go down to 168 for Canelo. I’m just being real with you.”

With his decision over Canelo for the unified title at 168, Crawford did Benavidez a real favor. For too long, Benavidez’ career — and identity — had been defined by his chase for a rich date against Canelo. For now, that’s gone, forced by Crawford’s victory and Benavidez’ natural progression up the scale.

But it’s more than just a step away from Canelo. For Benavidez, it also represents a significant early step into his prime. For him, it’s an opportunity to make — and remake — his identity as a potential pound-for-pound contender.

There’s still a chance, of course, that Canelo comes back from elbow surgery and decides he’s finally willing to fight Benavidez, especially if Benavidez beats Yarde and goes on to a unified light heavyweight title against Dmitry Bivol and/or Artur Beterbiev.

There are lots of questions about what’s next for Canelo, yet there’s a consensus that a fight against Benavidez would still make money. Fans have clamored for Canelo-Benavidez for years. They’re not going away.

If that possibility is resurrected, however, it could be on different terms, this time forged by Benavidez, bigger both in body and name.

By Norm Frauenheim

Unintended consequences, or at least attention and speculation, have been there for Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez in the wake of their fight, one of the biggest in years.

That’s no surprise. More than a reported 42 million watched on Netflix. More than 70,000 watched in person. Everybody walked away wondering what’s next.

From the fighters, however, there’s been mostly silence, especially from Crawford, the winner whose hometown celebration took a wild turn when he was held at gunpoint in a traffic stop just hours after Omaha gave its loyal son a key to the city.

Crawford has yet to comment about what happened early Sunday. If he’s going to say anything, the best guess is that he’ll wait until a possible court appearance, perhaps in December. A crush of speculation and an ongoing in-house investigation by Omaha police suggest that’s the only smart move. Crawford has made a lot of those over the last couple of years.

Meanwhile, Canelo also has been silent about news, reported by The Ring, that he’ll undergo surgery on his left elbow.

At 35 years old, that raises questions, lots of them He’s talked about retiring when he turns 37. But he’s under contract for two more fights with Saudi Prince and promoter Turki Alalshikh, whose seemingly unlimited bankroll is revolutionizing the prize-fighting biz.

The guessing game has Canelo, who will be 36 next July, returning to the ring some time in mid 2026. His next opening bell had been expected in February. Now, it looks as if he won’t fight again until sometime between May and September – Cinco de Mayo and Mexico’s Independence Day on Sept. 16

The biggest question, of course, is against whom? His army of Mexican fans want to see him avenge his scorecard loss to Crawford. But Crawford’s dominance raises questions whether a sequel would be any different.

In hindsight, the cards – 115-113 twice and 116-112, all for Crawford, look to be too close, especially the 115-113 scores.

Canelo never had a chance.

Why would he have one eight to 12 months from now?

Good question, but news of the surgery already is generating some second-guessing about whether Canelo’s left elbow was somehow injured before opening bell.

He never complained about it during or after the fight, yet his partisans already are pointing out that, according to ringside stats, he landed only 16 jabs in losing the undisputed super-middleweight title Sept.13 at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium.

But he’s never been known for his jab. The power in his left hand is considered his best weapon. Would he have had a better chance if it had been attached to a healthy elbow? The answer might be as much marketing as it medical.

The questions are all part of speculation that often leads to a hunger for more.   

For both, there are rich reasons to do it all over again. Count them. Bank them. There are more than 150-million reasons. Canelo collected an astonishing $100-million-plus, according to Alalshikh.

Yet, Canelo, who is getting ready for surgery on Oct. 23, isn’t talking about the reported injury.

He doesn’t have to. Everybody around him is talking about it and how surgery might repair an elbow and the public interest in a rich rematch. 

By Norm Frauenheim

LAS VEGAS – There was no blood. There were no knockdowns. There was only Terence Crawford.

Crawford’s dance, as brilliant as it was defiant, continued Saturday, reaching a peak few others have achieved or even imagined with an upset of Canelo Alvarez in front of a crowd of 70,482 at Allegiant Stadium.

Crawford, booed when he entered the arena and booed for weeks after the fight was announced, did what he was always done in his historic path to undisputed title in three weight classes.

He did it with his feet, frustrating Canelo at almost every turn in winning a unanimous decision. It was 115-113 on two scorecards and 116-112 on the third. Two of the cards appeared to be closer than what the dominant Crawford did in moving across the ring, in and out of harm’s way and into history.

Canelo always seemed to be a step behind, a dance partner that couldn’t quite keep up with the master.

If there was a surprise, it was in Crawford’s footwork. He moved his feet with an agility not seen in almost a decade. For 12 rounds, the 37-year-old Crawford sustained the dance that earned him the undisputed super-middleweight title and a place among boxing’s all-time greats.

If he had been around in another time, the game would have Five Kings alongside the foursome of Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns and Roberto Duran.

In his hometown – Omaha, they simply call him Bud. On this night, however, boxing historians could have called him Sugar. He was that good, a former welterweight and junior-welter champion coming up two weight classes to take down Canelo, one of the most feared punchers in his day,

After it was all over, Crawford (42-0, 31 KOs) went to one knee and looked toward Allegiant Stadium’s ceiling as though he was looking to the heavens.

Thanks, he said

The thank-you was preceded by a confident Crawford who opened the fight in the southpaw style. His right hand led the attack and hinted at imminent alterations. But he never switched up, never went from left-handed to right-handed. But the threat was always there, forcing Canelo to be wary.

Above all, Crawford’s two-handed, ambidextrous threat  threw some hesitancy, if not outright  confusion into Canelo’s tactical plans.

Crawford right hand landed first, followed by a glancing left in the opening round. The crowd roared. Canelo remained cautious.

But in the second round, the popular Mexican hinted, perhaps, at what he had planned. He moved forward, almost stalking and in an almost straight line that led him to his target: Crawford’s midsection.

The body punch landed, forcing Crawford to step to one side and then another. In the third, it began to look as if Crawford was poised to pick up the pace.

In the fourth, he did, landing a couple of quick hands, first a right than a left. Momentum in the fourth, however, suddenly shifted when Canelo landed a straight right hand. Crawford looked at at him and smiled as if to say: You can’t catch me.

Over the next eight rounds, Canelo never could.

Callum Walsh dominates in one-sided decision over Vargas Jr.

Callum Walsh had too much power and too much accuracy.

In the end, he had too much of everything in overwhelming Fernando Vargas, Jr, who has a legendary name but none of his father’s resilient skillset. 

On the scorecards, Vargas (17-1, 13 KOs) never had a chance. The judges nearly scored the 10-round junior-middleweight fight as a shutout for Walsh (16-0, 11 KOs), an agile Irishman who knows his way around the ring.

 It was 99-91 on two cards and 100-90 on the third in the final fight before the Terence Crawford-Canelo Alvarez main event at Allegiant Stadium.

Mbilli, Martinez fight to a bruising draw

It was punishing, a fight full of momentum swings and exhausting exchanges of punches that landed everywhere and from all angles. It was hard to pick a winner.

In the end, nobody could..

Christian Mbilli-Lester Martinez was a draw. The good news is that the super-middleweight fight set the stage for a sequel and perhaps a great new rivalry. The only winner was the gathering crowd for the main event, Canelo Alvarez-versus-Terence Crawford. The early undercards didn’t offer much in terms of drama. Allegiant Arena eats were empty. Knockouts were few. Cheers were muted.

Then, Mbilli and Martinez stepped through the ropes.

In the early rounds, it looked as if Mbilli (29-0-1, 24 KOs) might win easily. He appeared to have an edge in the number and power of inside punches. In the middle rounds, however, Martinez. (19-01, 16 KOs), showed a stubborn streak and and his own brand of body shots and uppercuts. The Guatemalan wasn’t going anywhere. In the eighth and again ninth, it looked as if the body assault had robbed Mbilli of his energy. He looked fatigued.

In the final moments of the tenth and final round, however, Mbilli recovered, scoring repeatedly and often enough to perhaps ensure a draw. One judge scored it for him, 96-94. One scored it for Martinez, 97-93. On the third, it was a draw, 95-95

Can’t wait for the rematchThe punishing fight ended with exchanges of punches and moment

Mohammed Alakel wins unanimous decision

Saudi junior-lightweight Mohammed Alakel (5-0, 1 KO) employed faster hands and feet, scoring quickly and repeatedly for a unanimous decision  overTravis Crawford (7-4) a hard working fighter from (7-4-1) from Corpus Christi, TX in the first fight on the Netflix part of a card featuring Terence Crawford-versus-Canelo Alvarez at Allegiant Stadium Saturday. 

Brandon Adams wins rematch, scores decision over Bohachuk

Brandon Adams wore a gray wig to news conferences and weigh-ins. He shed the costume in the ring and answered questions about his age with a variety of punches.

Body shots, hooks and uppercuts were repeated answers to Serhii Bohachuk, who called the 36-year-old Adams — a Los Angeles middleweight — an old fighter.

Age is just a number, or at least it was for 10 rounds of punishing shots from multiple angles from Adams in a rematch victory Saturday at Allegiant Stadium over Bohachuk (26-3, 24 KOs) , a Ukrainian known for his power. 

In the end, Adams made the 30-year Bohachuk look old.  Adams, who scored an eighth-round TKO of Bohachuk in 2021, landed shots almost at will, winning a unanimous decision in the final fight before the Netflix portion of the Canelo-Crawford card.

Jermaine Franklin wins dull decision

It was unanimous.

On the cards.

And in the seats.

Jermaine Franklin Jr. won the decision. He also shared some of the contempt hurled at Ivan Dychko from a few fans scattered across Allegiant Stadium’s 65,000 seats Saturday on the Canelo Alvarez-Terence Crawford card in a heavyweight matinee Saturday.

Franklin (24-2), of Saginaw MI,  and Dychko (15-, 14 KOs), a two-time Olympic bronze medalist from Kazakhstan, clinched and clutched more than they punched through 10 forgettable rounds. By the fifth, the scattered crowd began to jeer. By the eighth, the boos began to echo through the empty arena.

By the end of the 10th, there were cheers.

Finally, it was over. 

Tsutsumi scores first-round stoppage

Reito Tsutsumi, a Japanese junior lightweight, didn’t need much time, mostly because Javier Martinez didn’t have much of anything at all.

Tsutsumi (3-0, 2 KOs) did it all within 2:18, walking down Martinez (7-3,4 KOs), hurting the Dallas fighter first with a succession of body shots and then finishing him with with straight punches that put Martinez on the canvas, a lonely figure in an empty building early on a card featuring Terence Crawford-versus-Canelo Alvarez fight.

Sultan Almohammed made a succsessful pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Martin Caraballo in a lightweight bout.

In round one, Almohammed dropped Caraballo with a right to the jaw.

Almohammed, 132.5 lbs of Jeddah, SA won by scores of 40-36 on all cardsa and is now 1-0. Caraballo, 133 lbs of Hollywood, FL is 0-1-1….Marc Abrams

Raiko Santana scored a mild upset by stopping Steven Nelson in the opening round of their 10-round light heavyweight bout.

Santana landed a hard right hand that hurt Nelson and a follow-up flurry forced the stoppage at 2:38.

Sanatana Of El Paso, TX is 13-4 with with seven knockouts. Nelson of Omaha, NEB is 20-2…...Marc Abrams

Potential Mexican star, Marco Verde stopped Sona Akale in round our of their six-roumd middleweight bout.

In round one, Verde landed a right hook that put Akale on the canvas.

In round four, Verde continued the assault and referee Mark Nelson stopped the bout at 1:11.

Verde, 158 lbs of Mazaltan, MEX is 3-0 with two knockouts. Akale, 158 lbs of St. Paul, MN is 9-4….Marc Abrams

Follow all the action as Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford get it on in a mega-fight from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The action kicks off at 9 PM ET with a three-fight undercard freturing Christian Mbilli against Lester Martinez as well as Callum Walsh taking on Fernando Vargas Jr,

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED. THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICLLY

Round 1: Right from Alvarez..Jab from Crawford…

ROUND 2 Right to body from Alvarez…Jab from Crawford..

ROUND 3 Left from Crawford…Left…Counter left..

Round 4 Combination from Crawford..Straight left…Right from Alvarez…Rught..Left from Crawford..

ROUND 5 Counter from Crawford..

ROUND 6 Big combination from Crawford…

ROUND 7 Jab…Alvarez right eye is swelling

Round 8 Right from Alvarez…Combination from Crawford…Right from Alvarez..

Round 9 Headbutt by Alvarez..Right from Alvarez…Left from Crawford..

ROUND 10 Right from Alvarez…Combination from Crawford…

ROUND 11 2 rights from Alvarez..ANother..Jab from Crawford..Left…

ROUND 12 Combibation from Crawford..Counter left…hard left from Crawford

116-112 and 115-113 TWICE FOR TERENCE CRAWFORD 

rOUND 1 Combination from Walsh…Right to body from Vargas,,,Right hook from Walsh…Right hook

Round 2 Body combo from Walsh…

Round 3 Combination from Vargas..Body work from Walsh..

Round 4 Body shot from Vargas..Right to bidy..left to body..Combination from Walsh

Round 5 Body shot from Walsh..Jab from Vargas…

Round 6 Straight left from Walsh…Jab from Vargas…Left…Left…

Round 7 Left to body from Walsh…

Round 1: Right from Martinez..Right from Mbilli..Left to body/Right to head,..Left and right from Martinez..Right to body…

ROUND 2 Mbilli trying to crowd Martinez..Uppercut from Martinez..Right from Mbilli..double uppercut from Martinez..Right from Mbilli..Left to body..

ROUND 3 Left hook from Mbilli..Combination to the head..Double left hook..Body combination

ROUND 4 Mbilli landing to the body

ROUND 5 Right to body from Mbilli…Combination…right to head..Left hook..Jab from Martinez…Good uppercut..

ROUND 6 Double left hook from Mbilli..Flurry from Martinez…Uppercut from Mbilli..Hard right from Martinez..Uppercut..Right frim Mbilli..

ROUND 7 Left hook from Mbilli..Uppercut..Uppercut rom Martinez..Uppercut from Martunez..

Round 8 Right from Mbilli..Right to head..Right and left on ropes..Chopping left..Counter right and uppercut from Martinez..Right

ROUND 9 Right from Martinez…Counter uppercut..Right..Big flurry…

OUND 20 Left from Martinnez…Uppercut…Left…Left from Mbilli…Uppercut from Martinez…

97-93 Martinez….96-94 Mbilli….95-95 DRAW

Round 1 Right and jab from Alakel…Right..Left to body..
Round 2 Jab from Alakel…Left hook..Left to body

99-91 twice and 98-92 for Alakel

By Norm Frauenheim

LAS VEGAS – It was called ceremonial. But a huge, roaring crowd called for it to be known as something else.

Something more.

Much more.

It was off the scale, a Woodstock of weigh-ins Friday at T-Mobile Arena for a crowd that gathered in huge numbers and generated noise that echoed up-and-down the Vegas Strip in a sure sign of mounting interest in the Canelo Alvarez-Terence Crawford fight Saturday night at Allegiant Stadium.

The weigh-in, the real one, had already happened, hours earlier in a chilly, quiet ballroom in a luxury hotel at the opposite end of The Strip.

For the record, both Canelo and Crawford weighed the same, each at 167.5 pounds, safely under the super-middleweight’s 168 limit.

There wasn’t an ounce of difference between them, perhaps an indication of just how close this fight for Canelo’s super-middleweight title really is. The late afternoon weigh-in was staged to sell a few more tickets and Netflix subscriptions.

But the crowd, perhaps as big as any in Vegas’ long and colorful boxing history, delivered an exclamation point to anticipation rare in this era of boxing. It’s been called a dying sport. From lower bowl to the upper deck at T-Mobile, however, that obituary sounded premature Friday.

This ceremony wasn’t a funeral. It was a celebration. Even Crawford and then Canelo seemed almost surprised at the roar that greeted them as they walked onto the stage and stepped onto a scale that was little more than a prop.

It came with expectations, all of which will echo throughout the hours before opening bell in a ring that figures to be near the 50-yard line on the Raiders home field.

Canelo, the favorite, spoke to the crowd of Mexican partisans with a promise to do everything.

“I trained for everything,’’ said Canelo, who continues to be a narrow betting favorite. “I’ll need to do everything in this fight.”

He said it in a way that suggested some emerging respect for Crawford and his comprehensive skillset.

Throughout the build-up for the fight, there’s been a sense that Canelo and Crawford are more than just business partners in a bout that reportedly will add at least $100 million to Canelo’s net worth. They like each other. There’s been no trash talk and an absence of dismissive gestures.

Crawford, a two-time undisputed champion at welterweight and junior welter, hears boos only from the Canelo fans. They – fans and boos — were everywhere Friday.

Crawford jumped on and off the scale quickly Friday. He exited the stage, before Canelo spoke. Then, the promoters asked him back for a word.

When he returned, there they were, the boos all over again.

Nobody had to ask him about them. Instead, he was asked:

How are you feeling?

“Lovely,’’ Crawford said as if he were enjoying a deep breath of the noisy element that has motivated him throughout his brilliant career.

Defiance is Crawford’s oxygen.

“I can’t wait for tomorrow,’’ he said.

This time the crowd only roared, as if to say nobody else can either.

Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, the pride of Jalisco, Mexico, and Omaha’s unbeaten southpaw Terence “Bud” Crawford are set to collide this Saturday, September 14, in what has rightly been billed as one of the biggest fights of 2025. Two modern-day icons, ranked No. 8 and No. 3 respectively on ESPN’s current pound-for-pound Top Ten, will square off with the undisputed super middleweight championship on the line.

The showdown lands at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, home of the NFL’s Raiders, a venue that can pack in anywhere from 55,000 to 72,000 fans. The card kicks off at 3 p.m. local time, with the main event expected to begin around 11 p.m. to midnight Eastern. Canelo, 35, enters as the reigning undisputed champion at 168 pounds—a division he made history in by unifying all four major belts. Over his career, he’s also held world titles at welterweight, junior middleweight, and even light heavyweight. With a pro ledger of 63-2-2 and 39 knockouts, Canelo debuted at just 15 years old, scoring a four-round win over Abraham González back in 2005.

Crawford, 37 (he turns 38 later this month), brings an unblemished record of 41-0 with 31 knockouts. A crafty southpaw with blazing hand and foot speed, Bud has already conquered lightweight, junior welterweight, and welterweight, and currently holds a WBA belt at junior middleweight. In recent years, though, his activity has slowed—just four fights in the last four years: Shawn Porter (TKO 10, Nov. 2021), David Avanesyan (TKO 6, Dec. 2022), Errol Spence Jr. (TKO 9, July 2023), and Israil Madrimov (UD 12, Aug. 2024).

Canelo, by contrast, has been busier—nine fights over the same span. His run includes wins over Caleb Plant, Gennadiy Golovkin, John Ryder, Jermell Charlo, Jaime Munguía, Edgar Berlanga, and most recently William Scull. His only setback in that stretch came against Dmitry Bivol in 2022, a decision loss at light heavyweight.

Power vs. Skill

Saturday’s clash boils down to a classic contrast: the raw power of Canelo against the slick skill of Crawford. Most observers expect Bud to box at range, using his movement and counterpunching to blunt Álvarez’s offense. Canelo, meanwhile, will look to cut off the ring and test Crawford’s chin with his trademark right hand and punishing left hook.

The oddsmakers lean slightly toward Canelo, aided by his size advantage. At 5’9”, he stands a bit taller than Crawford and, perhaps more importantly, is the natural super middleweight in this matchup. As the old saying goes: “A good big man beats a good little man.” Whether that boxing axiom holds true once again remains to be seen—but one thing’s certain: Las Vegas is bracing for a fight that could define an era.

Share this:

By Norm Frauenheim

LAS VEGAS – First, there was Terence Crawford, dressed in a white top and a friendly smile.

Then, there was Canelo Alvarez, his eyes hidden by sunglasses darker than the undershirt he was wearing.

For about the next hour, both answered questions, talked philosophy, exchanged a few promises and threats.

There were a lot of roles on stage at T-Mobile Arena throughout a news conference Thursday, and both fighters played them well for a super-middleweight fight hard to predict, yet loaded with story lines and opinions

Sometime after opening bell at nearby Allegiant Stadium Saturday night, however, neither the opinions nor the stories will matter much in a ring near the 50-yard line of the NFL Stadium.

That’s when Canelo and Crawford will take matters into their own hands – hands as dangerous as any over the last decade of prize-fighting

Boxing newsers are always part of the show, of course. They set the stage for feints and perhaps a little bit of psychology.  Rhetorical jabs before the real ones.

Crawford and Canelo were there, each with an answer for whatever was asked in front of a crowd that has already made up its mind.

For Crawford, that means changing minds.

For Canelo, it means affirming what many already think in the remaining hours before the Netflix-streamed bout.

No matter what else was said Thursday, Crawford and Canelo were in the place they’ve been since their intriguing super-middleweight fight was announced several weeks ago.

Crawford is the underdog, defiant and yet seemingly happy to be in the role.

“They say I’ve fought nobody, they say I can’t sell, they say I’ve got no personality,’’ Crawford said with the defiant edge that has helped him forge a career with skeptics but no losses

For the last decade, Crawford has proven everybody wrong. It was clear Thursday that he intends to deliver some definitive say-so against Canelo, who has played the popular favorite throughout most of his career.

It was no surprise that Canelo was the crowd favorite at Thursday’s newser. He’s been a powerful favorite for about as long as Crawford has been doubted.

The news-conference crowd amplified its expectations Thursday. It is betting Canelo’s long reign as Mexico’s best fighter since Julio Cesar Chavez will continue.

Canelo said he doesn’t listen to cheers or criticism. Maybe not. Go ahead, he says, and debate about his place in Mexican history, which has for long started and ended with Julio.

“In the end, the people will decide,’’ Canelo said. “The numbers will be there or they won’t.’’

For now, however, the numbers are in the seats, there at least in terms of support for Canelo in his risky date as the bigger man in defense of his undisputed super-middleweight. 

Those numbers also add up to what might be an astonishing paycheck. There’s talk that Canelo will collect $100-million for fighting Crawford

Wrong, Saudi Prince and promoter Turki Alalshikh said Thursday.

“Our contract is for more than that,’’ said Alalshikh , who negotiated a three-fight deal in an 11^th hour offer that convinced Canelo to agree to the Crawford fight.

Like the purses perhaps, Crawford, it’s thought, will enter the ring smaller. He’s a former undisputed welterweight and junior-welter champion, who is jumping up the scale from junior-middleweight to fight Canelo.

The Canelo chants, like the expectations, were bigger Thursday, echoing throughout the building like an old lyric.

Crawford heard them and smiled. He’s been there. Defiance has been his lifestyle. He’s good at it, and he intends to be just as good for at least one more time.

But defiance isn’t a physical attribute. It’s not included on any tale-of-the -ape. There’s no way to measure it. Canelo’s experience and documented power at a heavier weight might just be too much for Crawford.

It’s easier to defy skeptics than it is a left counter. In the end, it might prove to be that stark, that simple, no matter what else was said Thursday. In boxing, some roles never change.

Ahead of this weekend’s legendary showdown between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Terence “Bud” Crawford, the action will kick off on DAZN with the debut of two new exclusive programs in partnership with Ring Magazine. First up on Wednesday, “Inside the Ring” airs its opening episode from Las Vegas, followed up by the premiere of  “The Underdog” boxing series on Thursday, which will feature rising contenders, prospects, and the occasional underexposed champion. 

Hosted by veteran sports commentator Max Kellerman, The Ring senior insider Mike Coppinger and former NFL star LeSean McCoy, “Inside the Ring” launches HERE at 2 p.m. ET with Alvarez and Crawford set to appear along with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and Dana White. Welterweight star Ryan Garcia will join the show as a contributor this week as well. Beginning September 15, the show will air weekly from its studio in Los Angeles every Monday exclusively on DAZN.

“The Underdog” series will come to fans live from the Fontainebleau Las Vegas’ BleauLive Theater,  with WBO Flyweight Champion Anthony Olascuaga (9-1, 6 KOs) defending his title against top contender Juan Carlos Camacho (19-1, 8 KOs) in the inaugural main event. The undercard will see a host of prospects step into the ring, including junior lightweights Justin Viloria (9-0, 7 KOs) and Joshafat Ortiz (13-1, 6 KOs), junior middleweights Jalil Hackett (9-1, 7 KOs) and Elijah Vines (8-0, 7 KOs), junior featherweights Emiliano Alvarado (8-0, 5 KOs) and Juan Garcia (7-0, 2 KOs) and cruiserweights Jamar Talley (3-0, 3 KOs) and Isaiah Thompson (11-4-2, 10 KOs). Check out all the action on Thursday HERE.

Before Canelo and Crawford begins on Saturday, a historic matchup will take place across the pond as Lewis Crocker (21-0, 11 KOs) and Paddy Donovan (14-1, 11 KOs) rematch for the vacant IBF Welterweight Championship in the first-ever world title fight between two boxers from the Island of Ireland. Beginning at 2pm ET exclusively on DAZN, Crocker and Donovan will meet inside Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast. The pair first met in March of this year in a Final Eliminator for the IBF championship, with Crocker taking a controversial disqualification win at the end of the eighth round after Donovan was ruled to have punched after the bell, despite being well ahead on points.

Earlier this week, heavyweight power punchers Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) and Fabio Wardley (19-0-1, 18 KOs) came face-to-face at the launch press conference ahead of their October 25 bout from London’s O2 arena, available exclusively on DAZN PPV. The press conference replay can be found on the DAZN Boxing YouTube. Parker and Wardley will put their WBO and WBA interim straps up for grabs, with the winner in line to face Oleksandr Usyk. 

Coming up later this fall, undefeated WBC interim champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. (23-0, 21 KOs) will defend his super welterweight title against number one contender Erickson “The Hammer” Lubin (27-2, 19 KOs), live worldwide exclusively on DAZN from Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas on Saturday, November 8. 

NEWS & SOCIAL

• Inside the Ring: How to watch brand new boxing show on DAZN
• What’s cooler than being cool? @canelo & @tbudcrawford fly on fight week 
• The guest list for the FIRST-EVER episode of Inside The Ring    Turki Alalshikh  Canelo Alvarez  Terence Crawford  Dana White @InsideRingShow | Launching Sept. 10 | LIVE on DAZN & The Ring’s Socials 
• Why didn’t the Canelo fight happen?  David Benavidez sets the record straight  Ring IV: Night Of Champions | Nov 22 | Live exclusively on DAZN | @ringmagazine
• Two heavy hitters. One ring.Who’s hitting the canvas first?  #ParkerWardley | Oct 25 | Live exclusively on DAZN | Available to Buy Soon
• First Face Off: Parker vs. Wardley. This is going to be war 
• The Voice of Boxing is back! Max Kellerman will host @InsideRingShow – a new weekly show premiering Sept. 10. You can watch it live exclusively on DAZN and The Ring’s social channels New weekly episodes airing every Monday at 2pm ET/11am PT 
• A sneak peak at the making of boxing’s new weekly premier show, Inside The Ring  Featuring @max_kellerman, @mikecoppinger and @shadymccoy InsideTheRing | Launching Sept 10th | @InsideRingShow 
• ??“This is ??? or ???????” Wardley ready for the fight of his life…
• There’s ?????? to this  @joeboxerparker is ready to prove he’s the heavyweight division’s best 
• Just under  weeks out  @conorbennofficial fit and firing 

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (September 8, 2025) – Never in his wildest imagination did super middleweight Steven “The Savage” Sumpter (11-1-1, 9 KOs) dream he’d be fighting in Las Vegas as part of the festivities for the 2025 boxing event of the year, “Canelo vs. Crawford.

Sumpter will be, though, this coming Wednesday night in the first of back-to-back shows at Fontainebleau Las Vegas leading up to the boxing event of 2025 – “Canelo vs. Crawford” on Netflix – at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

The Pittsfield (MA) boxer will embrace the underdog role on “The Underdog,” presented by Zuffa Boxing, in a 10-round fight against Bek Nurmaganbet (14-0, 12 KOs).

“I never dreamed I’d be fighting on a platform like this,” Sumpter admitted. “I knew it would take steps to move up, but I never thought I’d be fighting on a show in Las Vegas leading into ‘Canelo’ versus Crawford’.

“An impressive win will open a lot of doors for me. The whole world will know who I am, and I’ll be able to challenge the guys at the top of the light heavyweight division. It will literally change my whole life, but I never really think about that.”

Nurmaganbet, ranked No. 11 by the World Boxing Association, was a celebrated amateur boxer in Kazakhstan. He was the 2018 Kazakhstan National Champion as well as the gold medal winner at the ASBC Elite Boxing Championships.

“I’ve been in the ring with better caliber guys than him,” Sumpter noted. “I sparred with (2-time light heavyweight world champion) Jean Pascal (37-8-1, 21 KOs, for this fight. At my (Springfield) gym, I’ve sparred Rohan Polanco and he’s a welterweight but hits like a light heavyweight. Carlos Gongora (23-3, 17 KOs) and I was Steven Butler’s (36-5-1, 30 KOs) main sparring partner for his last fight (WKO4). I know what to do.”

There’s always an increased risk of getting headbutted, of course, when a pair of southpaws like Nurmaganbet and Sumpter fight. Sumpter isn’t concerned at all, though.

“I know he’s a 6’ 1” southpaw and a good boxer,” Sumpter added, “I’m not concerned with headbutting because we’re both southpaws. I can expose his European style. He doesn’t like mixing it up inside. He wants to stay on the outside, so I need to apply pressure and dictate the pace, not him, from the start. “

Sumpter is the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) USA Silver super middleweight champion and former New England light heavyweight title holder.

“I’m going in confident of doing what I do,” Sumpter concluded, “and coming out with the win.”

INFORMATION:

Facebook: /StevenSumpter

Instagram: @anthonyvelazquez_

PHILADELPHIA – [Sept. 3, 2025] – Joe Hand Promotions, the nation’s leading provider of live sports content to commercial establishments, today announced a partnership with Netflix to deliver one of the most anticipated boxing events in recent history—Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence “Bud” Crawford on Saturday, Sept. 13—to bars, restaurants, casinos and other commercial venues throughout the U.S. and Canada. At commercial establishments, the Netflix broadcast will be available via DirecTV for Business, DISH and streaming.

This collaboration marks the third time a Netflix live sporting event of this scale will be distributed across the commercial marketplace following last November’s record-setting Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson event—which was distributed by Joe Hand Promotions to more locations than any other boxing event on record—and this summer’s Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3 event. This alignment ensures that fans can experience one of boxing’s most historic matchups in a shared, high-energy setting.

In addition to distribution, Joe Hand Promotions brings significant marketing support to its commercial partners, equipping establishments with customized promotional tools and resources to help drive customer traffic and maximize event visibility. This support not only amplifies exposure for marquee events, it also adds value by ensuring that the fight is showcased in front of the broadest possible audience.

“As Netflix expands its live event offerings, this partnership provides an unprecedented opportunity to bring one of the biggest fights in the sport to fans in a communal environment,” said Joe Hand, Jr., president of Joe Hand Promotions. “Canelo vs. Crawford is more than a fight — it’s a global sporting event, and we’re thrilled to help deliver it to audiences across North America.”

Fans looking for a location to watch the event can use Joe Hand Promotion’s proprietary bar finder tool, OnTap Sports, to find licensed venues near them, searchable by event and region.

For commercial establishments interested in licensing the events, visit www.JoeHandPromotions.com or call 1-800-557-4263.

#  #  #

About Joe Hand Promotions

Joe Hand Promotions brings fan communities from mainstream sports and entertainment into the top corporate and independently owned bars and restaurants, theaters, casinos, and other commercial establishments to provide the best viewing experience outside of the arena. As the commercial content partner for some of the nation’s top live-sports media properties, Joe Hand Promotions is the leader in the out-of-home live sports and entertainment media distribution industry. For over 50 years, Joe Hand Promotions has seamlessly connected commercial establishments with live sports, which has successfully driven traffic and increased revenues, time and time again. The Joe Hand Promotions team is more than the distributor, but also the advisor in this fast-growing industry.

By Norm Frauenheim

Pressure is for tires, Hall of Fame pundit Charles Barkley once said famously.

A couple of weeks before opening bell, however, there’s more than just hot air evident in the anticipation building for the Canelo Alvarez-versus-Terence Crawford fight Sept. 13 in front of an expected football-sized crowd at Las Vegas Allegiant Stadium.

Alongside big money, lots of legacy is at stake for fighters already wealthy, yet still pursuing proof of what they’ve done and who they’ve become.

Legacy, of course, is overused enough to be meaningless these days. Just about everybody has one. But the size and significance of Canelo-Crawford puts a spotlight on careers that will meet in a collision that promises to provide a real answer.

Who’s the best of their generation? That’s the simple question. Crawford is 37; Canelo is 35. They come from different weight classes, are from different places, are motivated by different opinions and answer to different fan bases.

Over the years, however, they have emerged as rivals despite that difference in weight, which ironically might be what determines the answer.

But the weight was close enough to be negotiable. Only the date, place and purse remained. Where better than in a four-sided ring where two fighters will seek to be the definitive best of an era they defined? It doesn’t happen that often.

Forget those historical parallels, which have often turned boxing into little more than an exasperating video game.

To wit: How would Oleksandr Usyk, the best heavyweight of this era, have done against Muhammad Ali? Okay, it’s a fun argument, but still mere fantasy. There’s no answer. Never will be. But one is possible in Canelo-Crawford. It’s what makes Canelo-Crawford special. It’s not virtual reality. It’s blood-and-guts real, rare in this day and perhaps in any other.

That’s where the pressure starts. It’ll be there, building throughout next week, fight week, weigh-in, opening bell and post-fight conversation.

For now, it also explains all of the talk preceding the bout between Crawford, an all-time great at welterweight who is coming up from junior-middleweight and jumping two divisions to fight Canelo, the greatest super-middleweight in history.

The biggest risk — in the ring, at least — appears to be in Crawford’s corner, simply because he’s never taken, much less endured, a punch in a sanctioned bout from a true 168-pound fighter.

How will Crawford react when Canelo lands the power that is his trademark? There’s no answer until it lands. That uncertainty sums up the odds. Since the fight was announced, they’ve never changed. Canelo was a slight favorite then. He’s a slight favorite now.

It’s a reflection of an old, reliable guide in a game that has seen it all. To wit: In a fight between two good fighters, always bet on the bigger one.

The documented difference in weight might force Crawford to take a chance. If he hopes to win, he’ll have to step into Canelo’s dangerous wheelhouse at some point. By any definition, that’s a huge risk.

Yet, Crawford might be the personification of what, who Barkley was talking about with his dismissive take on pressure.

Crawford has been known for his cool, calculating demeanor throughout his reign as a four-division champion, including undisputed at 140 pounds (junior-welterweight) and 147 (welter). Ringside commentators like to say Crawford has the It factor. It is in his composure. It is overall poise

In Boxing Speak, Crawford is also known for another intangible called Ring IQ. There’s no exam to measure that, other than his unbeaten record. Let’s just say he knows what he’s doing with a versatile, two-handed style that includes unerring anticipation and a keen predatory instinct. If there’s a weakness, he’ll find it.

And attack it.

If there’s a weakness in Canelo, it appears to be his endurance, especially in the later rounds against fighters known for agile footwork. Crawford’s middleaged feet don’t move at the rate they did a decade ago.

But Canelo’s scorecard loss in May 2022 to light-heavyweight Dmitrii Bivol – perhaps mandatory viewing in Crawford’s video library – showed what’s possible in the late rounds. Canelo gets tired.

If that fatigue factor persists, there’s an opportunity for Crawford if he can withstand – survive – Canelo’s power through the first six to eight rounds. That’s an IF, as big as it is decisive.

Bivol threw punches at varying angles as he moved in-and-out of harm’s way in the late rounds of a decision over Canelo. Canelo was slow to react, slower to recognize, the angles on Bivol’s punches.

Angles are one of Crawford’s unequalled specialties, an aspect augmented by his ability to switch hit. The ambi-dextrous Crawford can fight left-handed, right-handed and makes the switch from one to the other and back in quicksilver fashion.

A tired Canelo might not see what’s coming. But Crawford, who will have to prove he can endure early power shots to the body and upper arms, might have to battle through some early rocky moments just to take the fight into that late stage when Canelo has proven to be vulnerable.

Pick here: Crawford will, getting up from an early knockdown to win a narrow decision.

Las Vegas (August 27, 2025) – The Ring is proud to announce the launch of The
Underdog, a groundbreaking new fight series designed to spotlight boxing’s brightest
young prospects and rising contenders in highly competitive, 50-50 matchups.
The debut teaser event will take place inside BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las
Vegas on Thursday, September 11, during the buildup week to the blockbuster fight event
headlined by Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Terence Crawford, and will be streamed
exclusively live worldwide on DAZN. This special card will give fans a first look at what’s
to come before the monthly series officially launches in January 2026. Tickets go on sale
today, Wednesday, August 27, starting at $50 online at Ticketmaster by clicking HERE
Headlining September’s opening event is an electrifying clash as WBO Flyweight World
Champion Anthony Olascuaga (9-1, 6 KOs) defends his title against dangerous number
one contender Juan Carlos Camacho (18-1, 8 KOs).

The undercard will showcase rising prospects matched in competitive bouts designed to
deliver action from start to finish including a lightweight bout between Justin Viloria (9-0,
7 KOs) and Joshafat Ortiz (13-1, 6 KOs), a junior middleweight clash involving Jalil
Hackett (9-1, 7 KOs) and Elijah Vines (8-0, 7 KOs), Emiliano Alvarado (8-0, 5 KOs) and
Juan Garcia (7-0, 2 KOs) in a super bantamweight bout, while Jamar Talley (3-0, 3 KOs)
takes on Isaiah Thompson (11-4-2, 10 KOs) in a cruiserweight battle.

“The Underdog is all about giving fans the fights they want: competitive, unpredictable
matchups that highlight the next generation of stars,” said Rick Reeno, CEO of The Ring.
“September’s teaser event is a preview of what’s to come and, starting in January next
year, fans can expect must-watch action every month.”

In addition to staging at least one event per month starting in the new year, The Underdog
will soon unveil creative innovations aimed at reimagining the sport and enhancing the
fan experience.

Event Details
Event: The Ring Presents: The Underdog (Debut Teaser Event)
Date: September 11, 2025
Venue: BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Broadcast: Exclusively live worldwide on DAZN
Accreditation: All media with credentials for the Canelo-Crawford fight week will
automatically have access to this event

About The Underdog
The Underdog is a new boxing series presented by The Ring, designed to showcase the
next generation of champions through competitive matchups that keep fans on the edge
of their seats. Officially launching in January 2026, the series will deliver monthly events
featuring high-stakes fights, innovative formats, and bring fresh energy to the sport of
boxing. This series will be broadcast exclusively live worldwide on DAZN.
About DAZN

As a world-leading sports entertainment platform, DAZN streams over 90,000 live events
annually and is available in more than 200 markets worldwide.? DAZN is the global home
of European football, women’s football, boxing and MMA, as well as the NFL
internationally. The platform features the biggest sports and leagues from around the
world – Bundesliga, Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1, Formula 1, NBA, Moto GP, and many more,
including FIFA Club World Cup 2025. DAZN is transforming the way people enjoy sport.
With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, play, buy, and connect live and
on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN.?
The company partners with leading pay-TV operators, ISPs and Telcos worldwide to
maximise sports exposure to a broad audience.

DAZN is a global, privately owned company, founded in 2016, with more than 3,000
employees. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit?
www.dazngroup.com.?

About Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Fontainebleau Las Vegas is a 67-story, vertically integrated luxury resort that brings a
legacy of timeless elegance and unparalleled service to the Strip. Certified by the Green
Building Initiative with three Green Globes, the resort’s thoughtful design allows guests
to move effortlessly among 3,644 luxury hotel rooms and suites, 550,000 square feet of
customizable meeting and convention space, 150,000 square feet of gaming space, a
collection of world-class restaurants and shops, exquisite pools, vibrant nightlife, and
vitality-enhancing spa and wellness offerings. Located at 2777 S. Las Vegas Blvd.,
adjacent to the acclaimed Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall expansion,
Fontainebleau Las Vegas is created by Fontainebleau Development in partnership with
Koch Real Estate Investments.

#

Las Vegas, August 22, 2025 –There are just three weeks to go before the blockbuster showdown between undisputed super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Álvarez (63-2-2, 39 KOs) defends the unified super middleweight championship against undefeated four-division superstar Terence Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs), promoted by HE Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and President of the Saudi Boxing Federation, and Riyadh Season, along with UFC President and CEO Dana White and Sela. With the full undercard announced earlier this week, Netflix has now confirmed a host of well-known veteran voices from the world of combat sports to call what some are describing as ‘the fight of the century’ at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 13.

The highly anticipated bout will stream only on Netflix live globally to its 300+ million subscribers at no additional cost.

Fight fans tuning in for the historic battle between boxing’s most dominant forces will be treated to a broadcast team composed of the most prominent voices in combat sports.

Veteran UFC commentator Jon Anik will call the action alongside famed fight analyst Max Kellerman and International Boxing Hall of Famer and highly acclaimed boxing analyst Andre Ward. Legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer will bring his unmistakable voice to the Netflix main card, while boxing mainstay Joe Martinez will handle the preliminary card.

The desk team will seebeloved TV personality and boxing aficionado Mario Lopez joined by former light heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver, acclaimed boxing writer and analyst Mark Kriegel and senior boxing insider for Ring Magazine Mike Coppinger.

Seasoned boxing reporter Jim Gray and UFC reporter Heidi Androl will offer in-depth coverage and interviews. Respected trainer and former boxer Skipper Kelp will serve as coaching analyst and provide his unofficial scorecard throughout the night.

The Canelo vs. Crawford main card will kick off live only on Netflix at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET and features four thrilling contests. Prelim bouts will start at 2:30 p.m. PT / 5:30 p.m. ET and will stream on Tudum.com, TKO YouTube and WWE YouTube. Fans who have a ticket to the event will be able to enter Allegiant Stadium starting at 1:30 p.m. PT.

Netflix main card:

• Álvarez (63-2-2, 39 KOs, fighting out of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico) defends his unified super middleweight championship against undefeated four-division superstar Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs, fighting out of Omaha, Nebraska)
• Undefeated phenoms collide as Callum Walsh (14-0, 11 KOs, fighting out of Cork, Ireland) faces Fernando Vargas Jr. (17-0, 15 KOs, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nevada) who has gone the distance just once in 17 fights in a super welterweight co-main event
• WBC Interim super middleweight world title holder Christian Mbilli (29-0, 24 KOs, fighting out of Quebec, Canada by the way of France) squares off with WBA’s No. 3 and WBC’s No. 7 ranked Lester Martinez (19-0, 16 KOs, fighting out of San Benito Peten, Guatemala) in a super middleweight bout
• Mohammed Alakel (4-0, 0 KOs, fighting out of Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) takes on John Ornelas  (5-2-1, 2 KOs, fighting out of San Diego, California) in a lightweight bout

Preliminary bouts on Tudum.com, TKO YouTube and WWE YouTube:

• Serhii Bohacuk (26-2, 24 KOs, fighting out of Los Angeles, California by way of Vinnytsia, Ukraine) faces off against Brandon Adams (25-4, 16 KOs, fighting out of Watts, California) in a middleweight bout
• Ivan Dychko (15-0, 14 KOs, fighting out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by way of Kazakhstan)locks horns with Jermaine Franklin (23-2, 15 KOs, fighting out of Saginaw, Michigan) in a heavyweight bout
• Reito Tsutsumi (2-0, 1 KO, fighting out of Narashino, Chiba, Japan) goes toe-to-toe with Javier Martinez (7-2, 4 KOs, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) in a super featherweight bout
• Sultan Almohammed (0-0, out of Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) battles Martin Caraballo (0-0-1, fighting out of Hollywood, Florida) in a super lightweight bout
• Steven Nelson (20-1, 16 KOs, fighting out of Omaha, Nebraska) meets Raiko Santana (12-4, 6 KOs, fighting out of Pinar del Rio, Cuba) in a light heavyweight bout
• Marco Verde (2-0, 2 KOs, fighting out of Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico)kicks off the night against Marcos Osorio Betancourt (11-2-1, 8 KOs, fighting out of Canóvanas, Puerto Rico) in a super middleweight bout

All bouts are live and subject to change.

Canelo vs. Crawford tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Fans seeking unparalleled access to this historic event can explore VIP packages from On Location, the Official VIP Experience Provider of Canelo vs. Crawford, combining tickets with one-of-a-kind experiences. On Location’s ticket packages include unprecedented behind-the-scenes access such as ringside photos on fight night, premium all-inclusive hospitality, an afterparty following the fight, the official Canelo vs. Crawford fight poster and more. VIP packages are on sale now, visit onlocationexp.com/canelocrawford for more information.

Members of the media can apply to attend the event here.

Before this momentous night, go inside Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford’s training camps and personal lives as they prepare for their once in a lifetime super middleweight matchup. Countdown: Canelo vs. Crawford streaming only on Netflix beginning September 4 showcases the unparalleled collision of talent and skill as the world eagerly awaits who will claim victory live on Netflix September 13.

About Riyadh Season
Saudi Arabia’s capital embraces one of the world’s biggest entertainment events every year during winter. Since the launch of Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting activities, and other unique cultural events. Most recently, Riyadh Season 2024 reached a major milestone after the number of visitors for the year exceeded 20 million for the first time.

September’s Las Vegas fight night follows on from a host of memorable boxing showdowns from Riyadh Season including the first undisputed heavyweight title fight of the 21^st Century between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, two undisputed light heavyweight title clashes involving Artur Beterbiev and Dimitry Bivol, Canelo Alvarez making his Riyadh debut to reclaim the undisputed super-middleweight championship crown against William Scull, Terence Crawford becoming a four-division champion by defeating Israil Madrimov in Los Angeles and Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois in front of a record crowd at London’s Wembley Stadium.

About Netflix
Netflix is one of the world’s leading entertainment services, with over 300 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, films and games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time.

About Allegiant Stadium

Located adjacent to the world-famous Las Vegas Strip and home to the Las Vegas Raiders, Allegiant Stadium is an award-winning global events destination. A state-of-the-art, multipurpose venue with a capacity of 65,000, Allegiant Stadium has hosted world-class music artists such as Garth Brooks, The Rolling Stones, Guns N’ Roses, Taylor Swift and BTS with more legendary concerts to come. The fully enclosed stadium is also home to the UNLV Rebels football team and has hosted premier sporting events such as the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final, Pac-12 Championship Game, Las Vegas Bowl, and WWE SummerSlam. The venue hosted NFL Pro Bowls in both 2022 and 2023, and Super Bowl LVIII in February of 2024 – the first in Las Vegas history and hosted WrestleMania 41 in April of 2025. Allegiant Stadium is committed to giving back to the community through numerous diversity, inclusion, and community outreach initiatives. In addition, Allegiant Stadium is proud to be both LEED Gold certified and powered by 100% Nevada-sourced renewable energy and is dedicated to implementing sustainable practices and programs. For more information on Allegiant Stadium, visit www.allegiantstadium.com or follow us at @allegiantstadm on X and @allegiantstadium on Instagram

Las Vegas (August 20, 2025) — Boxing promotional powerhouse Top Rank has confirmed that they will appear at the Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Expo will also coincide with the mega fight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, which will take place later that evening at Allegiant Stadium.

Top Rank and the Top Rank Knockouts ring card girls will hold a Meet & Greet with autographs and photos from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the fan event held over Mexican Independence Day weekend.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at: 

https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2025

Top Rank and The Knockouts are making their second appearance at this year’s Expo. They will be taking photos with boxing fans and selling merchandise at their booth.

About Top Rank

Innovation has been the standard at Top Rank since it was established in 1973 by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. The boxing industry’s leading promotional company, Top Rank has shaped, developed, and promoted the careers of top international pay-per-view superstars and Hall of Famers, including Muhammad Ali, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Vasiliy Lomachenko and Tyson Fury.

About Box Fan Expo

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to meet the stars of boxing that represent the past, present and future of the sport. With hosted autograph signings, meet-and-greets with current and former boxing world champions, limited edition merchandise for sale, giveaways and more, this is the ultimate event for fans of the sport.

Past boxing stars that have participated include: Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Lennox Lewis, Julio Cesar Chavez, Roy Jones Jr., Juan Manuel Marquez, Sugar Ray Leonard, Tommy Hearns, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, David Benavidez, Teofimo Lopez, Andre Ward, Ryan Garcia, Claressa Shields, Fernando Vargas, Edgar Berlanga, Oscar Valdez, Marcos Maidana, Devin Haney, Mikey Garcia, Errol Spence Jr, Rolando Romero, Sergio Martinez, Tim Bradley, Jose Ramirez, Shawn Porter, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Abner Mares, James Toney, Jessie Vargas, Floyd Mayweather sr., Vinny Paz, Mia St. John, Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Seniesa Estrada, Jorge Linares, Leo Santa Cruz, Chiquita Gonzalez, Badou Jack, Nico Ali Walsh, Terry Norris, Riddick Bowe, Earnie Shavers, Michael & Leon Spinks, Brandon Rios, Anthony Dirrell, Danny Jacobs and many more…

Exhibitors include boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry as a whole.

Throughout the next few weeks leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite:

https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2025

To request information on exhibiting and sponsorship at the Expo:

For media credentials:

 Contact us:

 Telephone number: (702) 997-1927 or (514) 572-7222

 For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

 More information on Box Fan Expo visit: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

 Follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter and Instagram at: @BoxFanExpo

 Follow Box Fan Expo on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

By Norm Frauenheim

Netflix and Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium are sure signs that Canelo Alvarez-versus-Terence Crawford is transforming itself into an event, bigger than just boxing.

Netflix’s subscriber base, 301 million and counting, alongside the NFL brand attached to the Raiders’ home field is a powerful marketing combo, a chance perhaps to bring back some of that so-called cross-over crowd that continued to exit the boxing audience with ESPN’s final card last week.

With the Sept. 13 opening bell still six weeks away, anticipation for Crawford-Canelo has already been building for weeks. Unlike the sad spectacle of watching Jake Paul against aging Mike Tyson in Netflix’s last bit of boxing theater inside the Dallas Cowboys home in November, Crawford-Canelo is genuine.

At least, it can be.

That, of course, is the mandatory caveat, always there, attached to a sport as risky as it is resilient. Buyer beware. Nevertheless, Canelo and Crawford represent a rare opportunity to unify fans, hard core and casual.

It doesn’t happen often enough in any era, even a good one. But here we are, Crawford and Canelo, two of the best fighters from the same generation from different weight classes meeting in a fight that could determine the best of a passing era.

Some promoter somewhere will no doubt dust off the cliched label and call this one another fight to save boxing. It’s not, of course. Boxing has always been beyond saving, anyway. Still, this one has a chance to be a keeper

For Crawford, it’s a chance to prove he was as good a welterweight as any in any era, including the one defined by Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns and Roberto Duran.

For Canelo, it’s a chance to deliver the proof to what he’s been saying all along. History’s only undisputed super-middleweight champion has long argued he’s the best. Period. A definitive victory over Crawford would be the proof and perhaps the piece that would allow him to say he’s the best in Mexican history, better than even the iconic Julio Cesar Chavez.

The stakes, like the purses, are enormous, heightened by the fighters’ ages. Crawford is 37. Fifteen days after the fight, he’ll be 38. Canelo celebrated a birthday on July 18. He’s 35. Both are leaving their primes. This is a chance for each to recapture the best of what made them great.

By now, their respective advantages and disadvantages have been analyzed to the point of redundancy. On the scale, the bigger, heavy-legged Canelo has all the advantages. He also more to lose.

Crawford, who is moving up two weight classes after winning at junior-middle more than a year ago, is quicker with a quicksilver ability to switch from right to left and back. Yet, he’s at a bigger risk of getting knocked out, a danger and perhaps a final punctuation to a Hall of Fame reign that could leave some doubts about his pursuit of a genuine legacy.

All and more are the backdrop to expectations that might be difficult – perhaps impossible – to fulfill. But that’s why Netflix will be there in a 65,000-seat stadium. It’s not exactly winner-take-all, but it has that kind of feel to it. Appropriately, it’s also a fight that could go a couple of ways.

The best and worst examples in modern history:

·    Manny Pacquiao’s star-making stoppage of Oscar De La Hoya in December 2008 at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand.

·    Errol Spence Jr.’s unanimous decision over Mikey Garcia March 16, 2019 at the Cowboy’s A&T Stadium in Arlington, TX.

Both were fights between the best in different weight classes. In each, the lighter fighter was jumping two divisions — Pacquiao from lightweight to welterweight to face De La Hoya, who dropped down from 154 pounds to 147 and Garcia from lightweight to welter against Spence.

Pacquiao-De La Hoya was the keeper. It ended with De La Hoya, beaten and finished on the stool at the start of the ninth. De La Hoya, a six-division champion, retired and Pacquiao, an eight-division champion went on to stardom still evident. At 46-years-old, he still filled the MGM Grand with fans chanting Manny in a controversial majority draw with Mario Barrios last month.

Spence-Garcia was the dud. Garcia was known for his footwork and versatile skillset. But his brother, trainer Robert Garcia, warned him about moving up two weights against the then-emerging Spence, who seven months later was badly hurt in a scary auto accident. Garcia should have listened to his brother. Spence dominated in every conceivable way, winning on scorecards – 120-108, 120-107, 120-108 — that reflected a bout best forgotten.

Keeper or dud? The only sure thing about Canelo-Crawford is that it’ll be an event. Boxing could use one. Could use a keeper, too.

NOTES

It was evident that Oscar Valdez Jr. (323, 24 KOs) had decided to fight on when it was disclosed last month that he was leaving trainer Eddy Reynoso and re-joining Manny Robles, his first pro trainer.

His first step back into the ring after a punishing rematch loss to Emanuel Navarrete in Phoenix in December is planned for Sept. 6, according to Boxing Scene.

However, no opponent or site has been reported. The expectation is that Valdez, 34, will make his comeback in Mexico. The two-time Mexican Olympian lives in Hermosillo. He grew up in Nogales, a border town south of Tucson, where he has family. He also went to school in Tucson, where he has always been a good draw.

Las Vegas (July 29, 2025) – Two-Time world champion Shawn Porter has confirmed that he will appear at the Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday September 13, 2025 at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Expo will also coincide with the mega fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford, that will take place later that evening at the Allegiant Stadium.

Porter will hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at his booth during the fan event held over the Mexican Independence Day weekend.

?Centered in boxing’s long-time home – Las Vegas – this year’s Expo is a must-do for fight fans coming in for this legendary weekend, with dozens of professional fighters, promoters, and companies involved in the boxing industry. The Expo is the largest and only Boxing Fan Expo held in the United States. A full day of boxing fan experience awaits you! https://boxfanexpo.com – @BoxFanExpo  

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at: 

https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2025

Porter will make his seventh appearance at this years’ Expo and will showcase his LIVE Streaming show “The PorterWay Podcast”. Porter will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. He will also have merchandise on sale at his booth, and fans will have an opportunity to take pictures with this boxing star also known as “Showtime”. @theporterwaypod @ShowtimeShawnP

Porter joins Thomas Hearns, Shane Mosley, Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo, with more Boxing stars to be announced. 

About Shawn Porter

Porter is a retired American professional boxer who competed from 2008 to 2021. He is a Two-time former welterweight world champion, having held the IBF title from 2013 to 2014 and the WBC title from 2018 to 2019. He is particularly known for his aggressive pressure fighting style, physical strength and high work rate. Some of his most noticeable fights came against Danny Garcia, Keith Thurman, Errol Spence Jr., Adrien Broner, Paulie Malignaggi, Andre Berto and Kell Brook to name a few. He currently runs a popular streaming show “The PorterWay Podcast” which allow boxing enthusiast to watch great interviews with some of their favorite boxing celebrities. Porter is also known as a great commentator on many boxing platforms.

About Box Fan Expo

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to meet the stars of boxing that represent the past, present and future of the sport. With hosted autograph signings, meet-and-greets with current and former boxing world champions, limited edition merchandise for sale, giveaways and more, this is the ultimate event for fans of the sport.

Past boxing stars that have participated include: Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Lennox Lewis, Julio Cesar Chavez, Roy Jones Jr., Juan Manuel Marquez, Sugar Ray Leonard, Tommy Hearns, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, David Benavidez, Teofimo Lopez, Andre Ward, Ryan Garcia, Claressa Shields, Fernando Vargas, Edgar Berlanga, Oscar Valdez, Marcos Maidana, Devin Haney, Mikey Garcia, Errol Spence Jr, Rolando Romero, Sergio Martinez, Tim Bradley, Jose Ramirez, Shawn Porter, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Abner Mares, James Toney, Jessie Vargas, Floyd Mayweather sr., Vinny Paz, Mia St. John, Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Seniesa Estrada, Jorge Linares, Leo Santa Cruz, Chiquita Gonzalez, Badou Jack, Nico Ali Walsh, Terry Norris, Riddick Bowe, Earnie Shavers, Michael & Leon Spinks, Brandon Rios, Anthony Dirrell, Danny Jacobs and many more…

Exhibitors include boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry as a whole.

Throughout the next few weeks leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite:

To request information on exhibiting and sponsorship at the Expo:

For media credentials:

 Contact us:

 Telephone number: (702) 997-1927 or (514) 572-7222

 For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

 More information on Box Fan Expo visit: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

 Follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter and Instagram at: @BoxFanExpo

 Follow Box Fan Expo on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

Las Vegas –Two of boxing’s most dominant forces, undisputed super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Álvarez (63-2-2, 39 KOs) and undefeated four-division superstar Terence Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) will face off in a once in a lifetime Riyadh Season fight for the unified super middleweight championship at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 13. 

HE Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and President of the Saudi Boxing Federation, will collaborate with UFC President and CEO Dana White and Sela to promote the highly anticipated showdown.

Canelo vs. Crawford tickets will go on sale this Friday, July 18 at 7 a.m. PT and are available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. Presales will begin on Thursday, July 17 at 7 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register at UFC.com/boxing.

Fans seeking unparalleled access to this historic event can explore VIP packages from On Location, the Official VIP Experience Provider of Canelo vs. Crawford, combining tickets with one-of-a-kind experiences. On Location’s ticket packages include unprecedented behind-the-scenes access such as ringside photos on fight night, premium all-inclusive hospitality, an afterparty following the fight, the official Canelo vs. Crawford fight poster and more. VIP packages are on sale now, visit onlocationexp.com/canelocrawford for more information.

The highly anticipated bout will also stream on Netflix live globally to its 300+ million subscribers at no additional cost. For more information visit tudum.com/cvc and click HERE to set a reminder to watch. Those who do not have a Netflix account can visit netflix.com/signup.

Saul “Canelo” Álvarez (63-2-2, 39 KOs) looks to add Crawford to his legendary resume. Capturing a multitude of titles across multiple weight divisions, and defeating the likes of Shane Mosley, Gennady Golovkin, and Miguel Cotto, Álvarez has done more than enough to solidify himself as one of the best to ever do it. The proud native of Guadalajara, Mexico now turns his attention to the undefeated challenger, Terence Crawford, to cement his legacy even further.

Omaha, Nebraska’s Terence Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) sets out to show why he believes he’s the #1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world with a defining win against Álvarez. The current WBA and interim WBO middleweight champion, Crawford has become a household name by defeating Ricky Burns, Jose Benavidez Jr., Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, and Errol Spence Jr. After successfully moving up in weight to 154 pounds against Israil Madrimov, Crawford now sets his sights on Canelo to secure the biggest win of his career.

About Riyadh Season
Saudi Arabia’s capital embraces one of the world’s biggest entertainment events every year during winter. Since the launch of Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting activities, and other unique cultural events. Most recently, Riyadh Season 2024 reached a major milestone after the number of visitors for the year exceeded 20 million for the first time.

September’s Las Vegas fight night follows on from a host of memorable boxing showdowns from Riyadh Season including the first undisputed heavyweight title fight of the 21^st Century between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, two undisputed light heavyweight title clashes involving Artur Beterbiev and Dimitry Bivol, Canelo Alvarez making his Riyadh debut to reclaim the undisputed super-middleweight championship crown against William Scull, Terence Crawford becoming a four-division champion by defeating Israil Madrimov in Los Angeles and Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois in front of a record crowd at London’s Wembley Stadium.

About Netflix
Netflix is one of the world’s leading entertainment services, with over 300 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, films and games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time.

About Sela
Sela is a world-class live experiences company and recreational powerhouse owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Launched in 1997, Sela became Saudi Arabia’s first official representation company for FIFA-recognized athletes and football stars. Today, Sela has become a dynamic one-stop-shop for creating unforgettable experiences from A-Z across a wide array of genres and sectors.

With its exceptional capabilities and robust global network, Sela conceptualizes and operates live event and venue experiences anywhere around the world, covering all domains between sports, entertainment, and culture. From orchestrating major international sporting events and tournaments including football, tennis, boxing, and motorsports, to creating high-end attractions and masterplanning mega-scale festivals, lifestyle destinations, and exhibition centers – Sela delivers spectacular visitor experiences every day.

About Allegiant Stadium

Located adjacent to the world-famous Las Vegas Strip and home to the Las Vegas Raiders, Allegiant Stadium is an award-winning global events destination. A state-of-the-art, multipurpose venue with a capacity of 65,000, Allegiant Stadium has hosted world-class music artists such as Garth Brooks, The Rolling Stones, Guns N’ Roses, Taylor Swift and BTS with more legendary concerts to come. The fully enclosed stadium is also home to the UNLV Rebels football team and has hosted premier sporting events such as the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final, Pac-12 Championship Game, Las Vegas Bowl, and WWE SummerSlam. The venue hosted NFL Pro Bowls in both 2022 and 2023, and Super Bowl LVIII in February of 2024 – the first in Las Vegas history and hosted WrestleMania 41 in April of 2025. Allegiant Stadium is committed to giving back to the community through numerous diversity, inclusion, and community outreach initiatives. In addition, Allegiant Stadium is proud to be both LEED Gold certified and powered by 100% Nevada-sourced renewable energy and is dedicated to implementing sustainable practices and programs. For more information on Allegiant Stadium, visit www.allegiantstadium.com or follow us at @allegiantstadm on X and @allegiantstadium on Instagram.

The promotional tour for the long-awaited showdown between Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez and Terence Crawford hit a boiling point Sunday in New York City, where the two champions nearly came to blows during a fiery face-off.

Tensions flared early during the press conference, sparked by a sharp exchange of words. Canelo, with a smirk, suggested using a smaller ring to keep Crawford from “running.” The undefeated American didn’t hesitate to fire back: “The only thing I’ll be running into is your head.” That line lit a fuse — Canelo shoved Crawford, forcing security to step in and separate the fighters.

Ironically, just moments before the scuffle, Canelo had shown respect for his opponent: “He’s a legend of the sport, a great fighter. Beating him would be one of the biggest wins of my career.”

Set for September 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the bout will see Canelo put his super middleweight titles on the line, while Crawford — undefeated in 41 fights — looks to make history by jumping up two weight classes.

Sunday’s face-off in New York was just a taste of what’s to come: a clash of styles, egos, and legacies. And if the energy in the ring matches the heat on that stage, September 13 is shaping up to be an unforgettable night in boxing.

By Norm Frauenheim

It’s on the calendar. It’s on the Netflix schedule. It’s on our mind and in our conversations. 

Canelo Álvarez-Terence Crawford is everywhere but on the map. Las Vegas is the destination. But an intriguing fight, moved around and shopped around for weeks, was still without an address Thursday.

By all accounts, the traveling show wants to land at Vegas’ newest showcase. Allegiant Arena and its 65,000 seats beckon for a Sept. 13 fight compelling because it matches two of the biggest names from different weight classes in a bout that’ll determine the best in a passing generation. Crawford or Canelo? It’s worth watching for lots of reasons. Guess here, lots of people will.

Canelo and Crawford “will finally compete against each other in the fight of the century,” Saudi Prince and primary promoter Turki Alalshikh said in a prepared statement

There have been more than a few of those over the last decade. But you get the idea. A fight sold as the best in a century can’t be staged in a modest setting. It belongs on a big stage. The biggest. In today’s Vegas, that’s Allegiant.

What seems to be simple enough, however, isn’t. Remember, this is boxing, where it’s always hard to connect the dots. 

Here’s why: For now, Allegiant is booked on Sept. 13 with a Nevada-Las Vegas’ home football game against Idaho State. It’s been booked for that date for months. Initially, Canelo-Crawford was going to Allegiant the night before, Friday Sept. 12. But Saturday was thought to be a better fit for the size and potential impact of Canelo-Crawford, an all-time welterweight great and new junior-middleweight against a generational great at super-middle.

After talk of Dallas, Los Angeles and other locales, Vegas became the destination, mostly because of Canelo, who is coming off a dull victory over William Scull in front of a dull crowd in Riyadh on a May weekend when Canelo has traditionally entertained his Mexican partisans on Cinco de Mayo. 

Reportedly, Canelo told Alalshikh that he wanted to go back to his home away from home, this time for another traditional date celebrating Mexican Independence. Canelo gets what he wants. So, Vegas, it is.

But Canelo’s clout within boxing circles might not be there in college football. UNLV is coming off an 11-win season. It is enjoying more momentum than it has in years. Put it this way: The Rebels, who have a renewed future and a new coach in ex-Florida head coach and ESPN commentator Dan Mullen, seem to be growing into their new home. 

They drew 139,747 fans over six games last season, a 28-percent increase from 2023. By SEC standards, that’s still small, but for UNLV it’s the kind of momentum the school might not want to interrupt with a schedule change. Reportedly, Alalshikh and promotional partner Dana White are trying to get UNLV to move off the date. 

According to a lot of media reports, White, the UFC chief, is promoting his first boxing show. In classic terms, perhaps that’s accurate. But White did promote Floyd Mayweather Jr. against then UFC star Conor McGregor in August 2017 at Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena. 

It was sanctioned as boxing. Mayweather’s predictable victory — a 10th-round stoppage — added a Rocky Marciano milestone to his official record, putting him at 50-and-0. White knows boxing. Knows mixed martial arts. Above all, he knows promoting.

But boxing and college football are from different cultures. Let’s just say that chaos and control might face each other at the bargaining table, if in fact UNLV is even thinking about moving out of Allegiant on Sept. 13 for a different date or alternate site against Idaho State. 

The game doesn’t figure to be a big draw early in a season full of lofty expectations for UNLV, ranked No. 23 in the Associated Press’ final 2024 poll. But college football is about routine for players/coaches and familiarity for a growing fan base.

Maybe, there will be enough Saudi money for UNLV to move off the date, perhaps to Sept. 12, the day initially planned for Canelo-Crawford. When UNLV announced its updated football schedule in May, one Allegiant game against Hawaii had been moved from a Saturday to Friday, Nov. 22 to Nov. 21.  According to UNLV’s current schedule, a kickoff time against Idaho State has yet to be scheduled, perhaps subject to television.

Amid today’s NIL — Name, Image, Likeness — revolution in college football, Saudi money might be able to secure the services of some prep quarterback seeking seven figures before he moves on to the NFL pay scale.

Then again, maybe not. 

UNLV could tell Canelo-Crawford to go somewhere else. Turns out, there is somewhere else. 

Canelo, Crawford and White could go back to T-Mobile, still available Sept. 13 and reliably familiar, yet somehow not quite as monumental as all of the promise attached to one fight.

Las Vegas (June 11, 2025) – WE ARE BACK!!! The Box Fan Expo has announced its return to Las Vegas and its Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo for fans and the boxing industry. The event will return to the Las Vegas Convention Center on Saturday September 13, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during Mexican Independence Day weekend. The Boxing Expo will also coincide with the mega fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford, that will take place later that evening in Las Vegas.

The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan experience event that coincides with some of the sports’ legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas, including Mayweather vs. Maidana II, Mayweather vs. Berto, Canelo vs. Chavez Jr., Canelo vs. GGG II, Canelo vs. Jacobs, Canelo vs. GGG III and Canelo vs Munguia. 

The Box Fan Expo is thrilled to open its doors to boxing fans from all over the world, as well to all major boxing companies, promoters and industry people during this Mexican holiday weekend. 

Centered in boxing’s long-time home – Las Vegas – this year’s Expo is a must-do for fight fans coming in for this legendary weekend, with dozens of professional fighters, promoters, and companies involved in the boxing industry. The Expo is the largest and only Boxing Fan Expo held in the United States. A full day of boxing fan experience awaits you! https://boxfanexpo.com – @BoxFanExpo  

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at: 

https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2025

The Last Box Fan Expo that took place in 2024 was another huge success. Boxing fans from all over the globe had a chance to meet and greet some of their favorite fighters, including current and former world champions, top fighters of today, and many of the boxing celebrities such as Roberto Duran, Roy Jones Jr., Lennox Lewis, Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Teofimo Lopez, Edgar Berlanga, Claressa Shields, Rolando Romero, Oscar Valdez, Fernando Vargas, Riddick Bowe, Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Vinny Paz, Chiquita Gonzalez, Jessie Vargas, Nico Ali Walsh, Mia St. John and many others …

Those fighters plus more boxing celebrities took pictures, signed autographs for their fans who attended the Box Fan Expo. Fans also had an opportunity to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from fighters and companies involved with the sport of boxing.

Supporting Amateur Boxing 

The Box Fan Expo also played host to the fourth edition of “Box Fan Expo Invitational 2024”. This was an incredible amateur show which showcased several highly ranked and top USA amateur boxers who competed against the best in their division and more importantly in front of all the boxing fans that attended the meet and greet at the Expo. Those invited to compete had a chance to get huge exposure and get noticed by top boxing companies as well as industry people that were present that day during the event. 

The event also honored Barry’s Boxing Center which was founded by Pat and Dawn Barry, with a mission to help the youth of the Las Vegas community, on their path of physical and moral excellence. Barry’s Boxing Center is an environment that exemplifies the values of hard work, and respect. It gives the youths a safe place to go during critical out-of-school hours. In affiliation and coordination with USA Boxing, Barry’s Boxing center persist and insist on promoting safety in boxing as well as the development and encouragement of young men and women in their pursuit of excellence in the sport of boxing both in and out of the ring.

About Box Fan Expo

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to meet the stars of boxing that represent the past, present and future of the sport. With hosted autograph signings, meet-and-greets with current and former boxing world champions, limited edition merchandise for sale, giveaways and more, this is the ultimate event for fans of the sport. 

Past boxing stars that have participated include: Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Lennox Lewis, Julio Cesar Chavez, Roy Jones Jr., Juan Manuel Marquez, Sugar Ray Leonard, Tommy Hearns, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, David Benavidez, Teofimo Lopez, Andre Ward, Ryan Garcia, Claressa Shields, Fernando Vargas, Edgar Berlanga, Oscar Valdez, Marcos Maidana, Devin Haney, Mikey Garcia, Errol Spence Jr, Rolando Romero, Sergio Martinez, Tim Bradley, Jose Ramirez, Shawn Porter, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Abner Mares, James Toney, Jessie Vargas, Floyd Mayweather sr., Vinny Paz, Mia St. John, Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Seniesa Estrada, Jorge Linares, Leo Santa Cruz, Chiquita Gonzalez, Badou Jack, Nico Ali Walsh, Terry Norris, Riddick Bowe, Earnie Shavers, Michael & Leon Spinks, Brandon Rios, Anthony Dirrell, Danny Jacobs and many more…

Exhibitors include boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry as a whole.

Throughout the next few months leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite:

https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2025

To request information on exhibiting and sponsorship at the Expo:

For media credentials:

 Contact us:

 Telephone number: (702) 997-1927 or (514) 572-7222

 For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

 More information on Box Fan Expo visit: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

 Follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter and Instagram at: @BoxFanExpo

 Follow Box Fan Expo on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

HE Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and President of the Saudi Boxing Federation, today confirmed the blockbuster Riyadh Season showdown between pound-for-pound great Saul “Canelo” Álvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs) and undefeated superstar Terence Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) will take place in Las Vegas on Saturday, September 13.

Alalshikh and his Riyadh Season team will collaborate with Dana White and Sela to promote this highly anticipated contest for the unified Super Middleweight championship with Netflix streaming live globally to its 300+ million subscribers at no additional cost.

Ahead of this epic Saturday fight night, Canelo and Crawford will stage a three-city international press tour, kicking off in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Friday, June 20 before heading to the United States for stops in New York at Fanatics Fest on Sunday, June 22 and in Las Vegas on Friday, June 27. Full details below.

HE Turki Alalshikh said: “On September 13, Canelo and Crawford, two legends of boxing, will finally compete against each other in the fight of the century. Alongside Dana White and Sela, we will deliver something truly incredible in Las Vegas for fans around the world to enjoy through Netflix.”

Dana White said: “Turki wants to make the biggest fights that the fans want to see in boxing and this is right up my alley. Are you kidding me that the first boxing fight I’m going to get to promote is Canelo vs. Crawford? It’s literally a once in a lifetime fight. Live on Saturday, September 13, streaming globally on Netflix, two of the GREATEST boxers in the sport will meet in a historic fight from Las Vegas.”

Canelo Alvarez said: “I’m super happy to be making history again and this time on a Riyadh Season Card that will be broadcast on Netflix. On September 13, I’m ready to show once again that I am the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.”

Terence Crawford said: “My perfect record speaks for itself. I am the best fighter in the world and no matter the opponent or weight class, I have always come out on top. On September 13, my hand will be raised once again as the world watches greatness.”

Press Tour Full Details:
Friday, June 20 – Riyadh
Blvd City, Baker Alshidy Theatre

Sunday, June 22 – New York (Fanatics Fest NYC)
Jacob Javits Convention Center – 429 11^th Ave.

Friday, June 27 – Las Vegas
T-Mobile Arena – 3780 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

Members of the media can apply to attend here.

About Riyadh Season
Saudi Arabia’s capital embraces one of the world’s biggest entertainment events every year during winter. Since the launch of Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting activities, and other unique cultural events. Most recently, Riyadh Season 2024 reached a major milestone after the number of visitors for the year exceeded 20 million for the first time.

September’s Las Vegas fight night follows on from a host of memorable boxing showdowns from Riyadh Season including the first undisputed heavyweight title fight of the 21^st Century between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, two undisputed light heavyweight title clashes between Artur Beterbiev and Dimitry Bivol, Canelo Alvarez making his Riyadh debut to reclaim the undisputed super-middleweight championship crown against William Scull, Terence Crawford becoming a four-division champion by defeating Israil Madrimov in Los Angeles and Anthony Joshua v Daniel Dubois in front of a record crowd at London’s Wembley Stadium.

About Netflix
Netflix is one of the world’s leading entertainment services, with over 300 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, films and games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time.

Canelo Álvarez vs. William Scull – 12 rounds, Undisputed Super Middleweight Championship

Canelo Álvarez – 167.1 lbs

William Scull – 166.1 lbs

Álvarez: “This is a beautiful experience for me to be able to come here and fulfill my dream of fighting in another country… I don’t care about the height or size. If you’re a good fighter, it doesn’t matter. I’ve been in there with everybody.”

Scull: “I know exactly what I need to do. I put together a great game plan and I’m going to adhere to it.…I’m going to show everyone what William Scull is made of and take the undisputed championship back home.”

Badou Jack vs. Noel Mikaelian – 12 rounds, WBC Cruiserweight World Championship

Badou Jack – 200 lbs

Noel Mikaelian – 198.1 lbs

Jack: “I’m not 41, he looks 10 years older than me…Every fight is important to me. All of the back and forth about belts doesn’t matter; we’ll find out who’s the best tomorrow night…There are levels to boxing. I take care of my body, so I feel like I’m the young buck in this fight.”

Mikaelian: “This is just another fight. I’m the champion, and I’m gonna defend my belt. I love all the Mexican fans here, they bring boxing to life…Badou is doing what he has to do. He says age is just a number, but he’s 41 and I wish him all the best tomorrow night…He’s a veteran who knows what he’s doing and I respect that and I don’t underestimate him…Tomorrow is my night.”

Jaime Munguia vs. Bruno Surace – 12 rounds, Super Middleweight Rematch

Jaime Munguia – 167.7 lbs

Bruno Surace – 167.7 lbs

Munguia: “I’m very excited, and I can’t wait for the moment where I get back into the ring. I’m ready for this fight… I’m full of adrenaline, and I’ve put in so much work because I know I have to bring this victory home. It’s gonna be a great night.”

Surace: “I know that Munguia is a champion and I’m very excited to share the ring with him again… I’ve prepared well, and I have the will to win. Just like the first fight. I will give everything.”

Martin Bakole vs. Efe Ajagba, 10 rounds, Heavyweights

Martin Bakole – 299 lbs

Efe Ajagba – 240 lbs

Bakole: “We’re saving everything for tomorrow… The talking is over. We have a war tomorrow, and the best fighter will win.”

Ajagba: “I’m very confident and ready to fight. I’m looking forward to Saturday night.”

Richard Riakporhe vs. Kevin Nicolas Espindola, 8 rounds, Heavyweights

Richard Riakporhe – 235 lbs

Kevin Nicolas Espindola – 297 lbs

Riakporhe: “The weight difference is no problem for me… I feel really good. I can eat normally, and I feel healthier. I’m punching hard, so everyone tune in. When I’m in the ring, you know the bombs are gonna go off.”

Brayan Leon vs. Aaron Rocha Guerrero, 6 rounds, Light Heavyweights

Brayan Leon – 169.1 lbs

Aaron Rocha Guerrero – 166.1 lbs

Leon: “I was just showing him one last bit of disrespect during our stare down before we get into the ring tomorrow…This is a very important fight for me, so I’m very excited. I need to show the hard work that I put in and win by knockout. I give him maximum three rounds.”

Marco Verde vs. Michel Galvan Polina, 6 rounds, Middleweights

Marco Verde – 158.7 lbs

Michel Galvan Polina – 159.8 lbs

Verde: “This is very different from the amateurs, and I’m very happy to have the time to recover. This is my pro debut and I need to put on a good show… I want to fight my style. I’m always looking for the counterpunch.”

Mohammed Alakel vs. Alexander Morales, 6 rounds, Super Featherweights

Mohammed Alakel – 134.1 lbs

Alexander Morales – 133.6 lbs

Alakel: “I’m looking forward to this. Just one day to go and I’m excited. All the hard work is done and hopefully I can put on a great performance for my people… There’s no pressure; hopefully I become 4-0 tomorrow.”

Álvarez and Scull hit the scales before a historic Saturday night as they headline an eight-fight card as part of DAZN’s Knockout Weekend Bundle — two back-to-back nights of world-class boxing, available exclusively on DAZN PPV. TONIGHT (5 p.m. ET), Friday, May 2, The Ring Magazine presents FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, a first-of-its-kind five-fight card live from Times Square featuring Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, and Teofimo Lopez. One night later, Canelo vs.Scull headlines an electric Riyadh Season event on Saturday, May 3, as Álvarez and Scull fight for the Undisputed Super Middleweight Title. Fans can watch both events for just $90 (pricing may vary by market). For full details, visitDAZN.com/boxing.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – (May 1, 2025) – Boxing superstar Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs) and the undefeated super middleweight champion William Scull (23-0, 9 KOs) held a tense face-off on Thursday at the final press conference ahead of Álvarez’s Riyadh Season debut for the Undisputed Super Middleweight Championship this Saturday, May 3, live worldwide exclusively on DAZN PPV from anb Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of Riyadh Season. 

Álvarez and Scull sized each other up before a historic Saturday night as they headline an eight-fight card as part of DAZN’s Knockout Weekend Bundle — two back-to-back nights of world-class boxing, available exclusively on DAZN PPV. On Friday, May 2, The Ring Magazine presents FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, a first-of-its-kind five-fight card live from Times Square featuring Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, and Teofimo Lopez. One night later, Canelo vs. Scull headlines an electric Riyadh Season event on Saturday, May 3, as Álvarez and Scull fight for the Undisputed Super Middleweight Title. Fans can watch both events for just $90 (pricing may vary by market). For full details, visit DAZN.com/boxing.

The four-division world champion and future Hall of Famer Álvarez, who was recently appointed as a Riyadh Season ambassador, aims to reclaim the IBF belt from Scull, who secured the title after defeating Vladimir Shishkin in October of the previous year. The Ring Magazine 168-Pound World Champion Álvarez can become a two-time undisputed champion at the weight by adding the IBF to his WBC, WBO, and WBA titles.

The press conference also included WBC Cruiserweight World Champion and three-division champion Badou Jack and WBC Cruiserweight Champion in Recess Noel Mikaelian, ahead of their co-main event clash, plus Mexican star Jaime Munguia and the hard-hitting Bruno Surace, who battle in a hotly anticipated rematch of last year’s The Ring Magazine Upset of the Year, and heavyweight titans Martin Bakole and Efe Ajagba, who meet in an explosive 10-round showdown. The full lineup of action begins on DAZN PPV at 6:45 p.m. ET/3:45 p.m. PT.

Thursday’s event also featured rising Cuban light heavyweight contender Brayan Leon, who squares off against Mexico’s Aaron Rocha Guerreo in a six-round fight,plus 2024 Mexican Olympic Silver Medalist Marco Verde, who competes in a six-round middleweight affair battling Mexico’s Michel Galvan Polina, as well as sensational Saudi prospect Mohammed “Mighty Mo” Alakel, who takes on Alexander Morales in six rounds of featherweight action and veteran contender Richard Riakporhe, who makes his heavyweight debut in an eight-round battle against Kevin Nicolas Espindola. 

Catch the Canelo vs. Scull weigh-in tomorrow at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT on the DAZN Boxing YouTube. See below for what the fighters had to say at Thursday’s press conference:

Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez

“I love boxing, and I’m very excited to be here. It’s one of my dreams to fight in other countries, and now I’m about to do it. I’m motivated like I always am.

“At the beginning, the time change and the weather was a little bit difficult. But that’s why I came three weeks early. I’m ready now. 

“Being undisputed means a lot. It’s history for my career and that’s what I want. That’s what motivates me. 

“I expect that he’ll be difficult in the beginning, just like in the Erislandy Lara fight. But I’m a different fighter now and he’s gonna feel it on Saturday.

“I hope he goes for it, but I don’t think he will. He says he’s gonna eat me, but the only thing he’s gonna eat are these fists. Everybody talks up here, but when they’re in the ring, it’s something different.”

William Scull

“We’re going to take this fight round by round. I’m a boxer who can manage all types of distances in the ring. We’ll have to see how that plan develops. 

“I left Cuba 23 years ago, and since then I’ve gone on to fight in 24 countries. I’ve always gone into situations where I’m being underestimated. I don’t really care what people say. I’m coming to show that ‘yes, you can.’

“You’re always ready for the possibility of something like this fight coming along. I have to thank Team Canelo for accepting this fight. We’re going to give everyone a great show.”

Eddy Reynoso, Canelo’s Manager & Trainer

“A lot of people talk about the time change fighting here, but when you work with somebody as disciplined as Canelo is, who has all that experience, he can adjust to any type of timetable. He’s a fighter, he’s a champion, and he’s always shown that. 

“Even when Canelo was in the gym as a teenager, he always had that hunger to continue growing in the sport. He’s in better shape now than some fighters who are 20. He’s an example inside of the ring and outside it. 

“Without a doubt the Cuban boxing school is one of the best. It’s produced some wonderful champions and trainers. What we need to do on Saturday is impose the Mexican boxing school on him. Scull is a great fighter and a wonderful champion who comes from a great background, but we have plans and we’re coming to win.”

Franquis Aldama, Scull’s Trainer

“I have 100% confidence in William Scull. He has to do what he’s always done before, and that’s go out there and just fight.

“This training camp has been fantastic. It went really well and he’s gonna show that to everyone on May 3.”

Frank Warren, Queensbury Promotions

“Riyadh is where the biggest fights in boxing happen and now the biggest fighter in the world is here. It’s a perfect marriage.”

Richard Schaefer, Team Canelo

 “We knew back in the day when he was 17 years old that Canelo was a superstar in the making. He has God-given talent, and we knew he was special. Through hard work and dedication, he really propelled his career. Today he is the face of boxing and, in my opinion, the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world.”

Ingo Volckmann, Scull’s Promoter

“I’m very proud to be here with William Scull. We’re prepared to take advantage of this opportunity against the biggest fighter in boxing. William Scull is a champion as well, and he’s gonna try his best to take the belts. 

“Scull is a champion, and he’s trained very well. He has 300 amateur fights in Cuba, and we’ve had so many good rounds in training. I’ve never seen him in such good condition like he is now, so everything is possible.”

Badou Jack

“I’ve been in the gym and training hard every day to get back into the ring… It’s been very frustrating, but I always stayed disciplined. Now we’re back like I never left.

“I was preparing for another fighter, but I expect a tougher fight from Mikaelian. We could have picked an easy fight, but we picked him. We needed to face him to get to a unification fight anyway, so I just said, why not?” 

Noel Mikaelian

“I am the full world champion. There’s an agenda being pushed, and I’m here to prove that this agenda is just politics. That’s the only reason I’ve been out of the ring, but I’m grateful to be here now.

“I was preparing to fight at the end of May anyway, and when this fight became available, I stepped in. It’s a great opportunity. Jack is a great name, and it’s a pleasure to share the ring with him and put that name on my record.

“I don’t care about short notice. I always find a way, and I’m going to find a way this time as well.”

Jaime Munguia

“I’m delighted to be here and all I can say is that we’re conscious of what we’re going into. I promise everyone a great fight on Saturday. 

“In our first fight we went out and committed a grave error of going forward with my hand down. The shot connected, and what happened, happened. But I have no doubt we’ll get my hand raised in the rematch.

“It was a huge change from the last fight, and I’ve adapted a lot now that I’m training with Eddy Reynoso. I believe that I’ve advanced a great deal and developed my style in the way I want. It’s the best camp I’ve ever had.”

Bruno Sarace

“My life has changed since the win and now I’m fighting on this huge card. I know what I have to do to keep going and I’m excited to be fighting Munguia again.

“People talk a lot about luck, but if you know boxing, you know why I’m here again. I’m going to prove that there was no luck.

“This training camp was all about hard work. Munguia is a champion, so I know he’s been training hard too. This is gonna be a massive fight.”

Martin Bakole

“I’m done with the talking and I’m ready to face my opponent on Saturday night…The Joseph Parker fight was not my fight, this here on Saturday is my fight and I’m ready for it.

“No one is scared of him. We’re gonna see what he can do on Saturday. He’s just talking right now. 

“I’m asking Ajagba to be tough, because he’s going to get punishment.”

Efe Ajagba

“I’m looking forward to this fight. This is nothing new to me and I can’t wait. 

“I was not fully prepared for the Frank Sanchez fight, but this fight is going to be different. I’ve done everything I needed to do to be prepared…I want to bring out the beast in me. I’m going to stick to my game plan and get the victory.

“He keeps talking, but I’m gonna close his mouth.”

Brayan Leon

“Training alongside Canelo has been a tremendous experience. He’s one of the greatest fighters in history and being with him has me feeling very prepared. 

“I would describe myself as a strong and aggressive fighter. We’re going to do everything we can to make it seven knockouts on Saturday.”

Marco Verde 

“I’m very thankful to Eddy Reynoso, I couldn’t be happier to have this opportunity. I’m gonna take full advantage of it. 

“When I started boxing, I knew it was for me and I felt like it was in my blood. I believe that I have a big future in the sport.

“Fans can expect a great fight. We’re both prepared, and I’ve had a great training camp that has me ready for a strong six rounds.”

Mohammed “Mighty Mo” Alakel

“It feels great and I’m always thankful for these opportunities. I’ve been working really hard and hopefully I can put on a great performance for my people. 

“I’ve learned a lot from [trainer] Joe Gallagher. He’s helped me stay disciplined in the gym and has shown me what hard work really is. I’m very grateful. 

“If you work hard, the sky’s the limit. I’ve been working really hard and that’s the most important thing…I’m going to put on a great performance.”

Richard Riakporhe

“Right now the heavyweight division in the UK is booming. Now is the perfect time for me to be a part of it. There are so many fights to be made, on every single level. That’s why we’re here.

“When I began boxing, I always wanted to be a part of the heavyweight division. I see it as the pinnacle of boxing. 

“Not having to cut weight feels like cheating. To be able to fuel myself, I feel like I’m much more energetic, especially during fight week. I’m feeling fantastic.”

#      #      #

ABOUT DAZN
As a world-leading sports entertainment platform, DAZN streams over 90,000 live events annually and is available in more than 200 markets worldwide.? DAZN is the global home of European football, women’s football, boxing and MMA, as well as the NFL internationally. The platform features the biggest sports and leagues from around the world – Bundesliga, Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1, Formula 1, NBA, Moto GP, and many more, including FIFA Club World Cup 2025. DAZN is transforming the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, play, buy, and connect. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN.? DAZN is a global, privately owned company, founded in 2016, with more than 3,000 employees. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit? www.dazngroup.com.? 

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – (April 29, 2025) – Boxing superstar, global icon Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs) and the undefeated super middleweight champion William Scull (23-0, 9 KOs) officially kicked off fight week events on Tuesday, making their Grand Arrivals before Álvarez’s Riyadh Season debut for the Undisputed Super Middleweight Championship, this Saturday, May 3, live worldwide exclusively on DAZN PPV from anb Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of Riyadh Season. 

Álvarez and Scull both promised great action and history in the ring on Saturday night as they headline a eight-fight card as part of DAZN’s Knockout Weekend Bundle — two back-to-back nights of world-class boxing, available exclusively on DAZN PPV. On Friday, May 2, The Ring Magazine presents FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, a first-of-its-kind five-fight card live from Times Square featuring Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, and Teofimo Lopez. One night later, Canelo vs.Scull headlines an electric Riyadh Season event, on Saturday, May 3, as Álvarez and Scull fight for the Undisputed Super Middleweight Title. Fans can watch both events for just $90 (pricing may vary by market). For full details, visit DAZN.com/boxing.

The four-division world champion and future Hall of Famer Álvarez, who was recently appointed as a Riyadh Season ambassador, aims to reclaim the IBF belt from Scull, who secured the title after defeating Vladimir Shishkin in October of the previous year. The Ring Magazine 168-Pound World Champion Álvarez can become a two-time undisputed champion at the weight by adding the IBF to his WBC, WBO and WBA titles.

The Grand Arrivals also included WBC Cruiserweight World Champion and three-division champion Badou Jack and WBC Cruiserweight Champion in Recess Noel Mikaelian, ahead of their co-main event clash, plus Mexican star Jaime Munguia and the hard-hitting Bruno Surace, who clash in a hotly anticipated rematch, and heavyweight titans Martin Bakole and Efe Ajagba, who meet in an explosive 10-round showdown. The full lineup of action begins on DAZN PPV at 6:45 p.m. ET/3:45 p.m. PT.

Catch the rest of Canelo vs. Scull fight week events daily at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT on the DAZN Boxing YouTube. See below for what the fighters had to say about their showdowns on Tuesday:

Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez

“I feel great. I feel like I’m at home, and I’ve trained really well. This is something new for me and I’m very grateful. This is one of my dreams to fight in other countries. I’m enjoying everything about it.

“I’m always looking for the best and I know really good things are coming for me.

“This is important for me because Mexican fighters go to other countries as opponents. Now I’m here as the ‘A-side’ in Saudi Arabia and that opens the door to other fighters from Mexico, and I’m proud to do that for my country.

“I’m here to make history, and it motivates me even more at this point in my career. I’m proud to bring the Mexican flag everywhere I go and represent my country.”

William Scull

“I’m very thankful for this opportunity, and I’m very happy to be here in Saudi Arabia. I’m enjoying every minute before I get to business on Saturday.

“I have the utmost respect for Canelo, but I’m here for one reason and that’s to win. That’s it. I’m gonna eat him.

“I’m focused on what I have to do. I’m very excited because I’m here to shut some mouths and do exactly what I need to do on Saturday.”

Badou Jack

“I’m just glad to be back in the ring. I had a bit of a layoff, so I’m very excited and can’t wait until fight night.

“I don’t think the layoff will be a factor. I think it’s a good thing. It wasn’t my choice, things happen, and now thanks to His Excellency, I have the opportunity to fight again.

“This is a lifestyle. You can’t just train when it’s training camp. You have to train all year round, live clean, sleep good, recovery and everything.

“This is a tough fight. He took the fight on three-and-a-half weeks’ notice, but he was already in training camp. So I think he’ll be ready and I know I’m ready.

“I’ve fought everybody in the world, whether it’s super middleweight, light heavyweight, or cruiserweight. Just tune in, I’m definitely ready.”

Jaime Munguia

“We’re very grateful for this opportunity and we’re very excited, not only because we’re here in Riyadh, but because we got this rematch. It’s nothing but excitement.

“We’re going to do things a lot better in this fight. We’re going to be alert and paying attention to everything in the ring, because we want to give the fans the fight they deserve.”

Bruno Sarace

“The knockout of Munguia was an unbelievable moment, and I have the will to do it again.

“I think the pressure is not with me. He has to avenge his loss, and I just have to give my best. The pressure is on his side.

“I’ve prepared like a champion, and I come like a champion. Everything is different, and I’m going to show everyone the new version of me on May 3.”

LONDON, 16 April 2025 – DAZN Group, the global sports entertainment company and leading destination for boxing fans worldwide, today unveiled an exclusive knockout weekend bundle offer for two of the biggest nights of boxing in recent history: the historic Friday, 2 May three-fight Ring Magazine card in Times Square starting at 6pm ET and the highly anticipated Riyadh Season debut of Saúl “Canelo” Alvarez on Saturday, 3 May starting at 7pm ET. 

In a broadcasting first, both events will be available worldwide exclusively on DAZN PPV over Cinco de Mayo weekend together for only $90 (pricing varies by market). Events can be purchased individually for $59.99, but the bundle offers fans a chance to experience boxing’s biggest weekend at unbeatable value.

With Canelo headlining on one night and a Times Square takeover on the other, the bundle brings together two global events that tap into the energy, scale, and storytelling fans expect from a fight weekend. It’s a rare moment where boxing becomes a cultural event — and DAZN is putting fans at the center of it.

“This bundle is a prime example of how DAZN is reshaping the future of fight sports,” said Pete Oliver, CEO, Growth Markets at DAZN. “We’re bringing together two of the most anticipated events of the year — a first-of-its-kind fight night in Times Square and Canelo’s return in Riyadh — and making them more accessible than ever. Our goal is to deliver premium boxing experiences to fans around the world, whether they’re following rising prospects or watching global icons. This is a major moment for the sport, and DAZN is proud to lead from the front.”

The action begins Friday, 2 May, live from Times Square in New York City, with a three-fight, star-studded card featuring some of boxing’s most electric personalities. Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs), one of the sport’s most recognisable figures, headlines the night as he challenges Rolando “Rolly” Romero (16-2, 13 KOs) for the WBA Welterweight Title in what promises to be a clash of power and charisma. In the co-main event, undefeated two-division world champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) faces former unified titleholder Jose Carlos Ramirez (29-2, 18 KOs) in a battle of elite super lightweights. Rounding out the lineup, Teofimo “The Takeover” Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs), the reigning WBO Super Lightweight Champion and former unified lightweight king, defends his title against unbeaten contender Arnold Barboza Jr. (32-0, 11 KOs). Presented in partnership with SNK Corporation, Golden Boy Promotions, and Matchroom Boxing, this historic card marks the first-ever Ring Magazine event held in the United States and brings boxing to one of the most iconic backdrops in the world.

One night later on Saturday, 3 May, global superstar Saúl Álvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs) makes his debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, facing the undefeated super middleweight champion William Scull (23-0, 9 KOs) at the ANB Arena. This main event pairs a generational icon with a hungry, unbeaten challenger — a classic collision of legacy and ambition on boxing’s biggest stage. As Canelo continues his reign at the top of the sport, Scull arrives with everything to gain and nothing to lose — making for a high-stakes showdown with global implications.

The action doesn’t stop there. The undercard features one of the most competitive lineups of the year, stacked with champions, grudge matches, and rising stars. Former world champion Jaime Munguía (44-2, 35 KOs) looks to avenge a stunning knockout loss in a rematch with undefeated Argentine Bruno Surace (26-0-2, 5 KOs) after their first bout ended in round six and sent shockwaves through the division. Heavyweights Martin Bakole (21-2, 16 KOs) and Efe Ajagba (20-1, 14 KOs) collide in a high-risk clash that could vault the winner into title contention. WBC Cruiserweight Champion Badou Jack (28-3-3, 17 KOs) makes his first defense against Canadian knockout artist Ryan Rozicki (20-1-1, 19 KOs), known for his aggressive style that is a fan favourite. In a light heavyweight battle of grit and momentum, rising Cuban prospect Brayan Leon (6-0, 6 KOs) puts his perfect record on the line against Mexican veteran Aaron Rocha Guerrero (11-3-1, 7 KOs). And in his long-awaited professional debut, middleweight Marco Verde looks to make an early statement against the experienced Michel Galvan Polina (4-5-3, 2 KOs). From redemption arcs to breakout moments, the 3 May card delivers a full night of storylines — all unfolding live on DAZN.

In recognising the importance of these back-to-back marquee events, DAZN has put fans first and offers a bundle that allows subscribers to enhance their streaming experience and take in fights that will change the course of the boxing and broadcasting landscapes. 

For additional information, please visit DAZN.com/boxing.

– ENDS –

ABOUT DAZN
As a world-leading sports entertainment platform, DAZN streams over 90,000 live events annually and is available in more than 200 markets worldwide.? DAZN is the global home of European football, women’s football, boxing and MMA, as well as the NFL internationally. The platform features the biggest sports and leagues from around the world – Bundesliga, Serie A, LALIGA, Ligue 1, Formula 1, NBA, Moto GP, and many more, including FIFA Club World Cup 2025. DAZN is transforming the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, play, buy, and connect. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN.? DAZN is a global, privately owned company, founded in 2016, with more than 3,000 employees. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit?www.dazngroup.com.? 

By Norm Frauenheim

Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford will share a ring and not much else on a projected day in September. In part, the differences are what make their planned fight so intriguing. 

Canelo has a documented advantage on the scale and perhaps another one among fans. Shifting odds, reported here last week https://www.15rounds.com/2025/03/30/canelo-crawford-interest-builds-as-odds-continue-to-favor-canelo/, suggest the public increasingly favors Canelo.

Then, there are the intangibles, hard to define, nonetheless there on social media in a tireless debate that only figures to get noisier by multiple octaves. 

It’s a fight with a genuine chance to remind us that legacy — rendered irrelevant by overuse — can still mean something. Put it this way: Canelo, bigger and wealthier, is fighting to preserve his; Crawford, smaller and less popular, is fighting to guarantee his own. 

It’s not that simple, of course. It never is amid the inherent chaos sure to happen before any conflict. It’s messy, a drama expected to exasperate and entertain. But the stakes are there, clearcut in a fight between two of the best in their generation. A younger one is emerging. Canelo-Crawford represents a passing-of-the torch, that last major bout for fighters who’ll reunite in Canastota NY at a Hall of Fame induction in about five years. The winner of this one can claim to be the best of his day. In a time that will be remembered for a risk-to-reward ratio and fights that didn’t happen, it just doesn’t get much better than that.

On the scale and their resumes, we know the differences. Crawford is unbeaten at 140, 147 and 154 pounds in a reign that includes undisputed titles at junior-welter and welterweight. Canelo has lost twice, going upscale from 154 to 160, 168 and 175 pounds. 

At 168, it’s safe to argue that nobody has ever been better than Canelo. At 147, there’s an argument that Crawford could have been an all-timer, among the best in the fabled welterweight division, good enough to perhaps be a fifth king in the four-sided rivalry so powerfully captured by the late George Kimball in his book, Four Kings, about Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Roberto Duran and Thomas Hearns.

The respective arguments are there, an inseparable part of what is also at stake.

For now, Crawford and Canelo enter the ring with only one thing in common: A victory over Amir Khan. On paper, at least, the Khan fights settle nothing. Both Canelo and Crawford scored sixth-round stoppages over Khan, Crawford winning by TKO in April 2019 at welterweight and Canelo by KO in May 2016 at a 155-pound catchweight.

Crawford knocked down and nearly knocked out Khan in the first round. But the fight ended in controversy. After an apparent low blow, Khan’s corner said he could not continue. Canelo simply overwhelmed Khan in the sixth walking through his punches and knocking him unconscious. Yet, Khan was competitive in the early rounds. 

At the time of stoppage, Canelo trailed, 47-46, on one card. He led 49-46 and 48-47 on the other two. 

Other than the low blow, there was no argument about the scoring for Crawford-Khan. At the time of stoppage, Crawford was on his way to a runaway decision — 49-45, 50-44, 49-45.

In the buildup to Canelo-Crawford, the scorecards figure to be part of the story, an item in the debate. But the two fights were separated by three years. Khan was a different fighter in each. So, too, were Canelo and Crawford, now at the end of their primes. Canelo is 34. Crawford will be 38 on Sept. 28.

In the end, however, there will be a parallel that will further the intrigue and perhaps set the stage for what follows. Floyd Mayweather Jr., a dominant face of the generation before Canelo-Crawford, looms as a significant point of comparison.

Canelo has fought him, losing a decision in 2013 that proved to be a lesson and a milestone for the business-like way Canelo turned himself into boxing’s biggest pay-per-view draw over the next 12 years. Crawford has not fought Mayweather and presumably never will. 

Since Crawford’s singular display of welterweight brilliance in a stoppage of Errol Spence Jr. in July 2023, fans and media wonder at how Crawford, a dynamic finisher at welterweight and still unbeaten, would have done against Mayweather, who retired unbeaten as one of history’s greatest defensive fighters. We’ll never know.

But Canelo-Crawford — who wins and how it happens — figures to produce documented history and an intriguing look about how different eras compare. That’s real legacy.