September 9, Fightweek Canelo vs. Crawford, Diary #1: BOXSPORT expert Andreas Selak has arrived in Las Vegas – and is already making numerous exciting encounters.
After a smooth journey from Munich via Zurich, we arrive in Las Vegas – just in time for the start of the highly anticipated Fightweek between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford (September 13). Joining us is 25-year-old professional boxer Mehmet Avci, for whom this is his first trip to the “boxing capital of the world”.
Gym tour with “Stitch” through Las Vegas
The day in “Sin City” starts with a walk along the Strip before we visit Coach Pat Barry at the traditional Barry’s Boxing Center. Later, we head to the Mayweather Boxing Club, where we meet legendary cutman Jacob “Stitch” Duran. Stitch takes us on a gym tour, which immediately leads to some exciting encounters: In the Bones Adams Gym we meet Kevin Newman II, trained by Roy Jones Jr, and in the Real Boxing Gym former world champion Yordenis Ugas. Super-talented Curmel Moton crosses our path at the DLX Gym.
After my vote-catching, it’s clear that the Canelo vs. Crawford fight is a gigantic business event organized by Turki Al-Sheikh. You can sense this in the Fontainebleau Las Vegas hotel at the latest – with larger-than-life sculptures of the two stars in the lobby and a boxing ring as an eye-catcher.
State of emergency at the “Fontainebleau”
At the official media opening, there is a state of emergency that eclipses even that of Mayweather vs. Canelo (2013). Mexican fans belt out the Vicente Fernandez song “El Rey” as the two pound-for-pound kings walk the red carpet. Canelo thanks Turki Al-Sheikh for bringing such a great fight to the USA. Crawford is calm and confident despite being constantly asked about his weight class change.
A knockout bonus, proclaimed by Turki Al-Sheikh, should provide additional motivation for the two fighters – whether this will work remains to be seen.
The first public undercard fights start tomorrow at the Fontainebleau Hilton. Fight Week has begun – and Las Vegas is shaking.
