Sept. 11-12, Fightweek Canelo vs. Crawford, Diary #3 & #4: Press conference, “Underdog” fight night with star buildup and public weigh-in.
Las Vegas is in the grip of boxing fever – and I get to be right in the middle of it. My day starts with an invitation from coach Pat Barry to his traditional Barry’s Boxing Gym. The setting there is pure “old school”, a place where history was made. In the podcast, we talk about my career as a trainer, about special fights and, of course, about the big spectacle: Canelo versus Crawford.
Canelo has an advantage with the fans
Immediately afterwards, I’m off to the T-Mobile Arena, where the official press conference is taking place. As usual, the first thing I have to do is queue for accreditation. The show starts at 5 pm sharp. Fighters from the undercard answer questions, but the atmosphere only really gets going when “Bud” Crawford takes to the stage. The boos from the crowd are unmistakable – a contrast to the frenetic cheers Canelo receives shortly afterwards. I take the opportunity to ask both stars a question about their first fights and the long road they have traveled to get here. The audience responds with respect, and for a moment the arena is free of boos.
A highlight follows immediately: “Ring Magazine” presents an additional fight night at the Fontainebleau Hotel under the motto “The Underdog”. The BleauLive-Theatre will be transformed into a spectacle to remember with “Street Fighter”-style stage decorations, DJ sets and lighting effects. Fights at eye level, top-quality merchandise given away and stars such as Roy Jones Jr, Devin Haney and “King” Ryan Garcia can be seen.
Scales: Both fighters within the limit
Finally, the weigh-in is on the program on Friday. It will be official behind closed doors, but the public weigh-in in the T-Mobile Arena will be pure party atmosphere. Both fighters weigh in at exactly 167.5 pounds. One thing is clear: the fight of the year is imminent. The Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas is ready – the time has finally come.
