Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford are still two weight classes apart. But the two superstars could soon be fighting each other – thanks to string-puller Turki Al-Sheikh.
So far, Canelo Alvarez has only given the new boxing mecca of Saudi Arabia the cold shoulder. The Mexican superstar has remained loyal to “his” hotspot Las Vegas, holding six of his last seven fights in the gambling metropolis. What’s more, Canelo demanded too much money, even by Saudi Arabian standards, for an appearance as part of the “Riyadh Season” directed by boxing impresario Turki Al-Sheikh. Allegedly 150 million dollars if he is to step into the ring against P4P star Terence Crawford.
Behind closed doors
But the tide could now be turning. At the recent “Ring Magazine” awards gala in London, further talks for a Canelo vs Crawford mega-fight are said to have taken place. According to the renowned boxing magazine, Al-Sheikh met with Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford behind closed doors at the magazine’s gala in order to set up a fight between the two superstars.
Thus, “extraordinary efforts are being made to get the fight on the road later in the year”, according to an article in “The Ring”. ESPN reporter Julius Julianis reported something similar. The journalist had reported via the social media platform “X” that there was already a deal in place for a duel in September of this year.
US superstar Terence Crawford was initially crowned undisputed welterweight champion in 2023 with a victory over compatriot Errol Spence Jr. “Bud” then moved up to half-middleweight, where he won the WBA world championship belt with a unanimous points victory over Israil Madrimov on August 3, 2024. Canelo Alvarez most recently held his own against Edgar Berlanga at super middleweight and retained his WBC, WBA and WBO world titles.
Will Scull vs. Canelo come first?
Should Alvarez and Crawford actually meet in September, it would be an absolute dream duel (see also “BOXSPORT Dream Fights 2025”) – and probably the best possible one below heavyweight. However, the 37-year-old Crawford would have to move up two weight classes for this – a very risky undertaking. If the duel between the two exceptional boxers goes ahead in late summer, Canelo would still have another fight date free in May.
The Mexican boxing idol usually fights twice a year – the weekend of “Cinco de Mayo” (May 5) is always a fixed date for him. It is quite possible that his opponent will be William Scull. Against the IBF champion from the AGON stable, all four major super middleweight titles would be at stake, and an “Undisputed” title would also upgrade a subsequent fight against Crawford.
William Scull already boxed on Canelo’s undercard in Las Vegas in May 2024 and won effortlessly. In October, “El Indomable” defeated Russia’s Vladimir Shishkin to win the vacant IBF super middleweight world title. There is also said to be an agreement between AGON promoter Ingo Volckmann and the Canelo camp, according to which Scull will be allowed to fight on an undercard of as well as a fight against Alvarez himself.
Text: Frank Schwantes