Canelo vs Crawford: Legacy Meets Undefeated in a High-Stakes Showdown
by Tyler Doty | by Tyler Doty
Boxing’s Big Night: Álvarez vs. Crawford at Allegiant Stadium
On September 13, the boxing world heads to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, where more than 65,000 fans will witness a fight worthy of the history books. It will also mark the first time the stadium has hosted a boxing event since opening in 2020. Canelo Álvarez, one of the greatest fighters of all time, faces Terence Crawford, one of the most dominant undefeated boxers in recent memory.
Canelo Álvarez
The Guadalajara-born superstar has already secured his place among the all-time greats. With a record of 63 wins and just 2 losses, Álvarez currently holds all four super middleweight belts (WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO). He’s also recorded 39 knockouts, most of them courtesy of his devastating right hand.
Heading into this fight, Canelo has the clear edge in experience and comfort. Not only has he fought in Las Vegas 21 times, winning over the local crowd, but at 35 years old he’s in peak form. Add to that the fact that this fight is at super middleweight, a natural weight for him, meaning he didn’t have to cut down, giving him a size and power advantage.
Terence Crawford
From Omaha, Nebraska, comes the man widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in America today. Crawford’s résumé includes a spotless 41–0 record, and he’s chasing history: becoming the first boxer of the four-belt era to hold unified titles in three different weight classes at the same time. With 31 knockouts on his record, he brings serious power of his own.
Still, this will be Crawford’s toughest test. He’s moving up two weight classes to fight at 168 pounds, territory he’s never entered before. On top of that, questions linger from his last outing, when he won a unanimous decision over Uzbek fighter Israil Madrimov. Crawford has also had to fend off rumors of a shoulder injury in the lead-up to this bout.
Betting Tips: Álvarez vs. Crawford
- Canelo owns Las Vegas. With over 20 fights there, he’s effectively the hometown favorite.
- Álvarez is more seasoned. He’s two years younger but far more experienced.
- Crawford is unproven at 168. He’s never fought at super middleweight.
- Clash of styles. Canelo thrives on patience and counterpunching, while Crawford is more technical and active with his volume.
Neither man has ever been stopped. Canelo has never been knocked out, and Crawford has never lost.
Where’s the Smart Money?
Canelo is the clear favorite thanks to his experience and comfort at this weight. The Mexican star has a strong chance of finishing the fight before the 12th round, making a knockout victory for Álvarez an appealing bet.
Another solid play is on round totals. Expect Crawford to fight cautiously since he’s new to the division, and Canelo is already known for a measured pace. FanDuel is offering +115 odds on the fight going over 9.5 rounds, which could be a value pick.
