Terence Crawford has called his upcoming bout with Canelo Alvarez the biggest fight in boxing in “probably a decade” as he prepares to step into the ring on Saturday in Las Vegas.
The 37-year-old American, who will move up two weight classes to challenge Alvarez for the super middleweight title, is aiming to become the first male boxer in history to be undisputed champion in three weight divisions.
Speaking to Reuters on Tuesday, Crawford said he is embracing the moment while staying true to his preparation. “Same song, just a little higher tone,” he said, referring to the challenge of facing Alvarez.
The fight, which will be streamed live on Netflix, will take place at Allegiant Stadium, home of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders. The venue seats 65,000 and is expected to be filled with a predominantly pro-Alvarez crowd, with the bout falling on Mexican Independence Day weekend.
Crawford, however, remained unfazed. “I’ve been in hostile territory before. This is nothing new for me,” he said. “They can’t fight for him.”
Crawford praised Alvarez’s experience, acknowledging the Mexican champion’s long-standing success in the sport, but said he is confident in his own strengths. “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 make the difference.
Crawford enters the contest with an unbeaten record of 41 wins, including 31 by knockout. Alvarez, with a record of 63 wins, two losses and two draws, is widely regarded as one of the sport’s biggest stars.
Victory, Crawford said, would mark the defining moment of a journey that began in Omaha, Nebraska. “It definitely would be the highlight of my career, the biggest win of my career by far,” he said.
He also spoke respectfully of his opponent. “I admire his whole career. He and his team have done a tremendous job,” he said, before adding that he would wish Alvarez “nothing but the best” after the fight.
While describing Alvarez as his toughest opponent “on paper,” Crawford said his motivations are deeply personal. “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.”
As for his fight-week routine, Crawford said it would be “media and chill” before predicting the outcome of the clash. “Victory. A good victory,” he said.
Looking ahead, he hopes the win will confirm his place in boxing history. “They’re going to be saying that I’m the greatest of this generation and this era,” he said.
