Crawford pursues a historic moment in his super middleweight title clash against Alvarez.
Saul "Canelo" Alvarez stands in the way of Terence Crawford's quest for boxing history this Saturday when they meet in Las Vegas for Alvarez's undisputed super middleweight world title.
Crawford, a champion across four divisions, is moving up two weight classes in an effort to become the first male boxer to achieve undisputed champion status in three different divisions.
With an unbeaten record of 41-0, including 31 knockouts, Crawford has previously secured all four belts available at super lightweight and welterweight.
However, the 37-year-old American will enter the ring at Allegiant Stadium, home to the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders, as the underdog against the legendary Mexican fighter Alvarez.
Alvarez boasts a record of 63-2-2 with 39 knockouts, and he is also a four-division champion, being the only fighter to have claimed a four-belt undisputed title at super middleweight—first in 2021 and again in May when he defeated IBF champion William Scull by unanimous decision in Riyadh.
Even though Crawford is slightly taller than Alvarez and has a longer reach, many believe that Alvarez's weight advantage will be crucial, despite Crawford visibly adding muscle for this matchup.
The fight is being promoted by Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Season, which has signed Alvarez to a four-fight contract, making him the latest in a growing number of boxers drawn to the kingdom for lucrative paydays.
Riyadh Season has partnered with UFC mastermind Dana White to promote the bout, which will be streamed worldwide by Netflix.
"This fight for me is one of the biggest fights in my career," Alvarez stated Thursday night at a press conference attended by thousands of fans at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
After nearly four years without a knockout victory, Alvarez expressed his desire for a definitive win.
"I'll give it everything I have, and if the knockout comes, great," he remarked. "If not, I'm going to demonstrate why I'm the best.
There are many questions about whether even a stronger Crawford will be able to inflict damage on Alvarez.
The Mexican champion seems to have lost a bit of speed in his recent bouts, yet his ability to counter-punch could pose a threat if Crawford feels the need to take the initiative.
Crawford mentioned that he isn't worried.
"I'm feeling fantastic," he stated. "I'm all set. Ready to surprise everyone."
Crawford has fully accepted his role as the underdog, actively addressing his critics leading up to the fight.
- 'A long time coming' -
"I believe people are underestimating everything about me," he remarked. "According to what everyone says, I haven't faced any real competition.
"It's been a long time coming, it's been long overdue," Crawford added regarding the attention he's receiving this week.
"And come Saturday, I'm going to demonstrate to the world what they've been missing."
Crawford is also prepared for a pro-Alvarez audience in Las Vegas, just before the Mexican Independence Day celebration on Tuesday.
One thing Crawford didn't seem to worry about was the rumor circulating on social media this week suggesting he is dealing with a shoulder injury.
He ridiculed the speculation when talking to reporters.
"My shoulder is in bad shape, everyone," he joked in response to a question about the rumors. "But please, don't inform Canelo."
