‘Biggest fight in a decade’: Terence Crawford targets history against Canelo Alvarez

LAS VEGAS – Terence Crawford said he is embracing the magnitude of his upcoming showdown with Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas on Sept 13, calling it the biggest fight in boxing in “probably a decade” as he bids to become the first male boxer to be undisputed in three weight classes.

Crawford, who faces Alvarez for the super middleweight title, said his preparation has remained consistent despite having to move up two weight classes to challenge the Mexican superstar in a bout that will be streamed live on Netflix.

“Same song, just a little higher tone,” he told Reuters in a live-streamed interview on Sept 9 at Fontainebleau Las Vegas hotel.

The 37-year-old American praised Alvarez’s experience while backing his own tools to carry the night. “Canelo is very experienced. I’m very experienced as well. You got two experienced fighters going head-to-head. The best man is going to win,” he said, adding that his footwork and speed could be decisive.

Dana White, who was involved in promoting the fight under the TKO Boxing brand, said on social media that the total money from ticket sales is the third-highest ever in boxing, although details were not shared.

It falls just behind Floyd Mayweather (US$72.2 million) v Manny Pacquiao and Mayweather v Conor McGregor (US$55.4 million).

Anticipation for the bout is high, and Crawford also dismissed concerns about a potential pro-Alvarez crowd at the 65,000-capacity Allegiant Stadium, which is home to the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL).

The fight falls on Mexican Independence Day weekend as well and the Nevada city has a large and growing Mexican population. Alvarez will also be fighting about 2,400km from his birthplace of Guadalajara, and his fans are expected to flock to support him.

“I’ve been in hostile territory before. This is nothing new for me,” he said. “They’re all going to be quiet come Saturday... I’ve been booed before. Hey, listen, they can’t fight for him, so it don’t matter. They can’t fight for him.”

Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) added that beating Alvarez (63-2-2, 39 KOs) would cap a journey that began in the rough neighbourhoods of Omaha, Nebraska, and elevated him to a place in boxing history as the only male fighter to become undisputed champion in two weight classes.

“It definitely would be the highlight of my career, the biggest win of my career by far,” he said, while speaking respectfully of the Mexican champion.

“I admire his whole career. He and his team have done a tremendous job, (after the battle I will wish him) nothing but the best.”

While calling Alvarez his toughest test “on paper”, Crawford also said the true measure would come on fight night. He cited family, legacy and history as his motivations.

“It’s the daughters, it’s legacy, it’s becoming the first male boxer to become undisputed in three weight classes. It’s all of it,” he explained.

Finally, Crawford said his fight week build-up would consist of “media and chill” and predicted how the bout would end: “Victory. A good victory.”

He added that he hopes the aftermath cements his place in the sport. “They’re going to be saying that I’m the greatest of this generation and this era.”

Alvarez arrived about an hour later for the event and he had only simple words for his backers.

“I’m super grateful for all the support that you always provided to me,” said the 35-year-old.

According to Netflix’s website, the press conference before the big clash will be on Sept 11. REUTERS