Canelo, Crawford face off in Saudi as super-fight promotion kicks off

RIYADH (Agencies): Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Terence Crawford began their three-city media tour in Saudi Arabia, launching the promotional campaign for their undisputed super-middleweight world title bout scheduled for September 13 in Las Vegas. At a press conference in Riyadh, Alvarez played down talk of a close contest, asserting that Crawford, despite his achievements, is not on the same level. “He’s a great fighter, but he’s not Canelo. I have the experience,” Alvarez said. “They only focus on my power, but I have more than that. This fight is going to be one of my best fights on my record.” Crawford, unfazed by the comment, responded confidently: “For sure, them belts are coming home with me.”

Alvarez, 34, boasts 67 professional fights and 27 world-title bouts since debuting at age 15. Crawford, 37, holds an unblemished record in world-title fights, with 19 wins and status as a two-weight undisputed champion. “I’m different. You going to see,” Crawford added. The fight, billed as a generational showdown, will take place at Allegiant Stadium, home of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders. The 65,000-seat venue will also host the first boxing event promoted by UFC president Dana White’s new venture in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh. Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and a key figure in Saudi Arabia’s rapid investment into boxing, shared the stage with the fighters but was the only one fielding questions during the first half of the event. He criticised what he called “Tom and Jerry” fights and told Alvarez and Crawford he wanted a bout that delivers “smashing face.”

White, notably absent from the event, has been involved behind the scenes in reviving the partnership, which had previously stalled. The press conference, heavy on spectacle and dramatic music, ended with a tense face-off between Alvarez and Crawford. Alvarez was the first to look away, though both remained composed throughout. Crawford later described the clash as the fight he’s long sought. “I called Canelo out. He’s the last great fighter of that era — the Floyds, the Pacquiaos, the De La Hoyas. I wasn’t able to get those mega fights. This is my mega fight. This is my moment.” Saudi Arabia continues to face criticism for using sport to bolster its international image, but its growing influence in boxing remains evident, with more events set to follow under Alalshikh’s new promotional banner, including broadcasts on Netflix.