The executive at TKO Boxing, Dana White, anticipates a fierce showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford this Saturday night during their 12-round main event at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Spectators are hopeful his prediction is accurate, given the extensive anticipation surrounding this match, despite it not being the contest initially requested by fans.
Crawford’s fighting style leans more towards boxing and strategic movement rather than engaging in direct exchanges in the ring’s center with the undisputed super middleweight champion. Considering his leap of effectively three divisions for this particular fight, it further diminishes the likelihood of the all-out battle promised by White.
The Dubious Legacy Claim
“I genuinely believe that because Crawford is ascending in weight and places such importance on solidifying his legacy, he will aggressively challenge Canelo,” stated Dana White of Zuffa Boxing to Fight Hub TV regarding Saturday’s Alvarez versus Crawford bout.
If establishing a legacy holds such significance for Crawford, why didn’t he remain at 154 pounds to pursue the three titles necessary for undisputed status in that weight category? Alternatively, why didn’t Crawford advance to 160 pounds and challenge the reigning champions for undisputed honors there? This scenario hints that Crawford’s actual motivation is the substantial financial reward he stands to gain from fighting Alvarez.
Numerous fans are of the opinion that Crawford’s primary motivation for moving up to 168 pounds to face Canelo is the $50 million payment offered by Turki Alalshikh. The concept of legacy is perceived as secondary.
Will It Be a Battle?
“You are aware that Canelo excels as a counter-puncher with considerable power, and I foresee a genuine battle,” White commented.
Crawford typically avoids outright slugfests. This has not been his usual approach. He operates as a boxer-puncher, generally avoiding extended exchanges with adversaries. Crawford only engaged in close-quarters combat against Errol Spence Jr. during their July 29, 2023, encounter, as Spence appeared depleted and a mere shadow of his former self. This vulnerability allowed Crawford to aggressively pursue him.
“And I never attempt to exaggerate the appeal of a fight. I anticipate this fight will surpass expectations,” White added.
Beyond the Promoter’s Promotion
Dana also suggested that fans who are not already subscribers should sign up for Netflix to view the Saturday fight. He mentioned that Crawford could have remained in his original weight class and still earned significant money, but he expressed the desire to move up to the super middleweight division to fight Canelo.
One might wonder if the substantial $50 million offer played a role in Terence’s choice to move up for the Alvarez fight.
