Boxing fans are in for a generational showdown this Saturday at 9 PM. As Canelo Alvarez faces Terence “Bud” Crawford. In what’s being billed as the most-watched boxing event since Muhammad Ali vs. Leon Spinks I, according to Netflix. Taking place at Allegiant Stadium — home of the Las Vegas Raiders. This bout marks the first boxing match ever held at the venue. It’s breaking ground in more ways than one. It also kicks off the new TKO venture, a partnership between Turki Alalshikh and UFC president Dana White. Which aims to revolutionize the sport by breaking down promotional barriers and ensuring the best fighters face each other, regardless of affiliations.

What’s At Stake

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Canelo Alvarez, the reigning undisputed super middleweight champion. Enters the ring with a perfect 11-0 record at 168 pounds and a legacy cemented across four weight classes. Meanwhile, Terence Crawford, already an undisputed champion in two divisions. Is looking to make history by becoming the first male boxer to hold undisputed status in three separate weight classes. A feat only Claressa Shields has accomplished to date. This fight will be streamed live and free for Netflix subscribers. Signaling a massive shift in how major boxing events are delivered to global audiences.

Crawford’s decision to leap from 154 to 168 pounds is a daring one. Known for his elite timing, movement, and ring IQ, he’s dominated every division he’s entered. However, the jump in weight — particularly at age 38 — raises questions about how his body will handle the size and power of a natural super middleweight like Canelo. The Mexican superstar has faced and beaten bigger fighters, even venturing up to 175 pounds in past bouts. His experience, physicality, and pressure fighting present a daunting task for Crawford. Who’s never shared the ring with someone of Canelo’s size and strength.

My Prediction

Terence Crawford is taking a bold step by moving up two weight classes. From 154 to 168 pounds to face Canelo Alvarez. While Crawford’s speed, timing, and movement have made him dominant in lower divisions. There are real questions about whether those attributes will carry up with him. At 38 years old, this is a late stage in his career to be packing on that much weight, and it remains to be seen how his body will respond against naturally bigger fighters. Crawford has never faced anyone close to the size and strength of Canelo, which raises concerns about his durability in this matchup.


Canelo, on the other hand, is a proven force at super middleweight, boasting an 11-0 record at 168 pounds and having even tested himself at 175. He’s knocked down four of his last five opponents at this weight, all of whom were naturally bigger than Crawford. Although his last knockout came in 2021 against Caleb Plant, his power at this weight class is undeniable. Given the size difference, Canelo’s experience against bigger opponents, and the physical wear on Crawford, I believe Canelo’s strength will be too much. I see him breaking Crawford down and earning a TKO victory somewhere between the 9th and 10th round.

Final Thoughts

As the sport enters a new era of matchmaking freedom and platform innovation, this fight could represent more than just a title defense or an attempt at history. It may very well signal a rebirth for boxing itself — one where politics take a back seat and the fans finally get the fights they deserve. Saturday night isn’t just about Canelo vs. Crawford — it’s about what comes next.