Even in cities known for staging some of boxing’s biggest fights, Canelo Alvarez Terrence Crawford’s match is almost alone.
It was the 5-year-old’s first fight at Allegiant Stadium, and Saturday night’s showdown highlights the magnitude of the event affecting both boxers who are trying to further strengthen their Hall of Fame-worthy careers.
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Alvarez (63-2-2, 39 knockouts) is usually when the Mexican tournament at a Las Vegas boxing home would have a majority crowd behind him as he defends his unified super middleweight championship. The 35-year-old is a favorite of -175 on the BetMgm Sportsbook.
“This fight for me is a big one,” Alvarez said. “It’s certainly one of the biggest fights of my career.”
Crawford (41-0, 31 Kos) has risen two weight classes, and the 37-year-old from Omaha, Nebraska has already won two unified division titles. No male fighters have achieved that feat in three classes.
“It’s a massive battle,” Crawford said. “We’re talking about the world right now.”
The story of Alvarez and Crawford in the town of Las Vegas
Known as the “World Battle Capital,” the city is used to holding large matches, but there was no stadium like allegant to house some of the big matches of the past.
Resorts such as the Caesars Palace’s outdoor arena, Mirage and the Las Vegas Hilton held some of the more notable battles of the 1980s and 1990s, then gave way to the MGM Grand Garden Arena and then the T-Mobile Arena.
Top-rank matchmaker Bruce Trumpler, who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2010, booked many of these matches, but he wasn’t involved in the match. UFC CEOs, Dana White and President Riyadh Season, are promoting the card.
“It’s a great battle in Las Vegas history and I think it’s going to be soon,” Trumpler said. “Two champions are fighting. There are a lot of storylines. I hope Crawford gains weight and Canelo solidifies his legacy. But beyond that, it’s a ridiculous match on paper. It’s two contrasting styles, two contrasting fanbase.
Las Vegas Review Journal and Yahoo! It should be noted that sports included the power of the stars in both corners in many other major battles in this city.
Muhammad Ali fought against Larry Holmes in 1980, the amazing Marvin Hagler won Thomas Hearns in 1985, Sugar Ray Leonard met Roberto Duran in 1989, and Mike Tyson faced Evander Hollyfield in 1996 and 1997.
“Crawford doesn’t reach the level of stardom,” Ele said. “If he wins, he’s not as big as Sugar Ray Leonard, even Tyson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar de la Jolla, those guys were just big names.
Alvarez is undoubtedly a bigger draw, a point that Crawford has conceded.
But even Alvarez finds himself fighting in a different era and atmosphere than many previous champions.
“Yes, Canelo is the biggest boxing star today, but boxing is not the same sport as the 1980s,” Ele said. “So, I think it will alleviate that a bit, but without a doubt, I say that this is one of the biggest fights in Las Vegas history.”
Will Alvarez Crawford be a battle for his age?
The ultimate test is what happens in the ring. It could be a night that will soon be forgotten, and it could fall in history.
“There’s a reason there are 50,000 or 60,000 people out there,” Trampler said. “That’s because everyone wants to see it, and it’s going to be a pretty event.
Alvarez has been asked many times in recent years whether he will fight WBC interim lightweight champion David Benavidez.
He was asked again at a press conference Thursday.
“I’m not going to say no to anything,” Alvarez said. “I’ll see later, I’m 100% focused on this fight.”
Those with a Netflix subscription can watch this fight instead of paying $90 or $100 on a pay-per-view.
This was White’s first foray into boxing, and he’s not going to make it his last. The UFC signed a seven-year agreement with Paramount last month, leaving the PPV model to allow Paramount+ subscribers to use numbered cards.
Callum Walsh (14-0, 11 Kos) of Ireland will meet Fernando Vargas Jr. (17-0, 15 Kos) of Las Vegas in the co-main event. The Vargas senior was the super welterweight champions of the IBF, IBA and WBC.
WBC Interim Super Middleweight Christian Mbilli (29-0, 24 Kos) protects the belt against Lester Martinez (19-0, 16 Kos) of Guatemala.
