The Fight Of The Century: What To Expect

On September 13, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas will host what many are already calling the Fight of the Century. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Terence “Bud” Crawford will step into the ring for the unified super middleweight title in a matchup that feels like the pinnacle of modern boxing. Both men are champions, both are generational talents, and both understand that what happens on this night will be remembered long after their careers are done.

Canelo enters as the undisputed champion at 168 pounds. His record stands at 63-2-2 with 39 knockouts, built across nearly two decades of fighting the very best. His power, durability, and experience against elite names like Gennady Golovkin, Sergey Kovalev, and Miguel Cotto have made him a cornerstone of the sport. At 35, some question whether he has lost a step, but his ability to control pace and dominate late rounds remains a trademark of his style.

Across from him will be Terence Crawford, the undefeated three-division world champion who is widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter alive. With 41 wins, 31 by knockout, Crawford has shown an unmatched ability to adapt mid-fight, switching stances and dismantling his opponents’ game plans. His demolition of Errol Spence Jr. in 2023 is still fresh in the minds of fans, a performance that elevated him from elite to extraordinary.

What makes this fight fascinating is the clash of physical advantages and skill sets. Canelo is the natural super middleweight, used to carrying power at 168 pounds and punishing opponents with thudding body shots. Crawford, meanwhile, is moving up in weight. He has fought most of his career at lighter divisions but compensates with timing, precision, and the ability to control distance. If Canelo tries to bully him on the inside, Crawford will need to counter with sharp combinations and footwork to create angles.

The sportsbooks reflect how evenly matched this bout feels. As of late August, Canelo is a slight favorite at -185, while Crawford sits at +145. That gap shows respect for Canelo’s size and resume, but it also highlights how many believe Crawford’s speed and IQ can neutralize those advantages. Predictions have been split across the boxing world. Eddie Hearn believes Crawford’s discipline and technical approach will carry him, while fighters like David Benavidez lean toward Canelo, citing his natural size and strength. Even legends like Amir Khan and Dmitry Bivol have weighed in, with both leaning toward Crawford’s versatility as the deciding factor.

The undercard builds anticipation further. Rising Irish prospect Callum Walsh will meet Fernando Vargas Jr., both undefeated and hungry for the WBC interim title. Christian Mbilli faces Lester Martinez in another high-level super middleweight bout, ensuring that fans will see future contenders as well as current kings. Yet no matter how exciting those matchups are, the spotlight belongs to Canelo and Crawford.

The stakes go beyond the belts. For Canelo, a victory would prove that he remains at the peak of the sport despite questions about his age and mileage. It would solidify his standing as one of the all-time greats, someone who defended his throne against every type of opponent. For Crawford, this is a chance to make history. Beating a fighter of Canelo’s stature, at a weight class where he is the smaller man, would erase any doubts about his greatness and place him among the most versatile champions in boxing history.

This fight has everything: legacy, skill, power, and risk. It is rare in boxing to see two fighters at this level actually meet without politics getting in the way. On September 13, fans around the world will witness a bout that defines an era. Whether it ends in a late stoppage or a razor-thin decision, one truth is certain: the winner will not just hold the belts, they will hold the crown as boxing’s undisputed king.