Terence Crawford Challenges Canelo Alvarez in High-Stakes Showdown

In a remarkable turn of events, Terence Crawford is set to face Canelo Alvarez on September 16, 2023, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. This matchup marks a significant moment in Crawford’s career as he moves up two weight divisions to challenge the undisputed 168-pound champion. The fight comes after Crawford’s narrow victory in his last bout and represents a bold move against one of boxing’s biggest names.

Crawford first expressed his desire to fight Alvarez approximately 13 months ago during a meeting with Saudi Arabian boxing financier Turki Alalshikh. At the time, Crawford had just celebrated a win and was eager to pursue the high-profile fight, despite concerns about the weight difference and the risks involved. Alalshikh questioned the feasibility of such a challenge, citing Alvarez’s status as a naturally larger and younger fighter.

Despite the odds stacked against him, Crawford remained adamant about wanting the fight. “Boots is not a megafight,” he stated, referring to other potential opponents. “I want Canelo Alvarez.” This determination led to Alalshikh agreeing to pursue the highly lucrative bout, with Crawford reportedly set to earn more than $100 million for this encounter.

For many fighters, securing a fight with Canelo Alvarez can be seen as a career-defining moment. Crawford views it as a chance to rectify perceived wrongs in his career. He has long seen Alvarez as a significant challenge and an opportunity to gain respect and recognition. Reflecting on his journey, Crawford noted, “That’s how we got here.” The fight represents not just a financial opportunity, but a chance for him to validate his place in boxing history.

Crawford’s interest in Alvarez dates back to at least 2015, when he watched Alvarez defeat Miguel Cotto for the middleweight title. At that time, Crawford was a champion in a different weight class and did not see a future matchup as likely. However, as Crawford’s career progressed, he began to envision a fight with Alvarez and sought ways to make it a reality.

In 2021, after attending Alvarez’s fight against Avni Yildirim, Crawford began actively pursuing the idea of a showdown. He met with then-WBO president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel to discuss the possibility, expressing confidence that he could defeat Alvarez despite being in different weight classes. “I can beat him,” Crawford asserted, highlighting his determination and competitive spirit.

The matchup against Alvarez is particularly significant for Crawford, who has consistently studied Alvarez’s fighting style. He has observed that many of Alvarez’s recent opponents have approached their bouts with a survival mentality rather than a focus on victory. This perspective drives Crawford to approach the fight differently; he aims to set the tone early and secure rounds decisively.

Crawford acknowledges the challenges ahead, particularly as he approaches his 38th birthday and faces an opponent with extensive experience. Alvarez, at 35, has fought over 520 professional rounds, including high-stakes bouts against notable opponents such as Gennadiy Golovkin and Floyd Mayweather. Despite this, Crawford remains optimistic about his chances, emphasizing his undefeated record and unique fighting style.

The upcoming fight is poised to draw significant attention, especially given its timing during Mexican Independence Day weekend, which will likely favor Alvarez among the crowd. Crawford is aware of the external factors that could influence the judges’ decisions. He plans to start the fight aggressively to establish control and ensure that he is scoring early rounds impressively.

Crawford’s journey to this pivotal moment encapsulates the determination and ambition that define his career. He is not only seeking a victory but also the respect and acknowledgment that comes with defeating one of boxing’s giants. As the fight approaches, all eyes will be on Crawford and Alvarez, anticipating what promises to be an unforgettable clash in the ring.