After a solid fight against Cuban William Scull, Saul Canelo Alvarez regained the International Boxing Federation (IBF) title and became the undisputed 168-pound champion once again. But the triumph is not the end of a road, but the beginning of an even bigger challenge: a fight against American Terence Crawford, on September 12, 2025.
The victory over Scull, at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, was necessary not only to defend his legacy, but to unlock his next commitment in the four-fight deal signed with Riyadh Season, Sheikh Turki Alalshikh’s ambitious project, which is revolutionizing boxing globally.
September 2025: Canelo vs. Crawford in Las Vegas
Sources close to Canelo’s entourage and the Saudi promoter confirm that the plan is to face Terence “Bud” Crawford on September 12, in Las Vegas, taking advantage of the traditional Mexican Independence Day weekend, a date that the fighter has made his own in the boxing calendar.
Although the two fighters do not compete in the same division, Crawford would move up two divisions (from 154 to 168 pounds) to meet the Mexican.
The fight would not take place in Saudi Arabia, like Canelo’s two previous fights under Riyadh Season, but would return to U.S. territory, with an already anticipated scenario: the Allegiant Stadium.
Crawford: undefeated rival and multiple champion
Terence Crawford, 37, is not just any challenger.
He is the first boxer in history to have been undisputed champion in two different divisions (welterweight and super welterweight), and has an undefeated record of 40 wins, 31 by knockout.
In August 2024, he made his 154-pound debut by defeating Uzbekistan’s Israil Madrimov, and was crowned WBA champion.
His technical, explosive and adaptable style has made him one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
And although the weight difference is real, the physical similarities with Canelo are remarkable: just two centimeters difference in height and similar reach.
Canelo’s legacy is being written fight by fight
For Canelo, this fight represents much more than a defense of his reign: it is an event that could seal his legacy as the greatest Mexican boxer of his era.
With 67 professional fights and multiple titles in different divisions, facing an opponent of Crawford’s caliber -regardless of the natural weight difference- would be a technical and symbolic challenge.
If confirmed, it would be one of the most important fights in recent years, not only for Mexican boxing, but for the global sport, to the point that many are already calling it “the most important fight of the century”.
The fight would have media, sporting and cultural implications that could mark a before and after in the careers of both fighters.
How do they compare physically?
Buzzy
Despite the different divisions, both fighters share remarkable physical similarities:
Canelo is 1.71 m tall and has a reach of 179 cm.
Crawford is 1.73 m tall and has a reach of 188 cm.
The real difference is in the style.
Canelo is a technical fighter with explosive counter-punching power, while Crawford is a master of adaptability in the ring, with solid defense, guard changes and a tactical savvy that has earned him an undefeated record of 40 wins, 31 by knockout.
For Latino fans in the U.S., this fight represents not only a boxing blockbuster, but the opportunity to see the best Mexican of his generation take on today’s most complete opponent.
It will be a duel without excuses, between two absolute champions, with a legacy at stake
QueOnnda.com
