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“If he fights my sneaker, it’s going to generate a million pay-per-views.” This is how former professional boxer and ProBox TV analyst Paulie Malignaggi views the unified super-middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez‘s influence.

With that level of drawing power, ‘Magic Man’ Malignaggi expects the highly anticipated Terence Crawford vs. Canelo clash in September to be a massive event.

However, one thing he is not sure about is Canelo’s win against ‘Bud’ Crawford, a former two-division undisputed champion. Canelo vs. Crawford has been long in the making. It was thanks to His Excellency Turki Alalshikh that ‘Cinnamon’ finally agreed to share the ring with the Nebraskan. Earlier this year, the super middleweight king signed a four-fight deal with the Saudis, thus setting the stage for the massive clash.

Amir Khan Compares The Power Of Canelo, Terence Crawford And Marcos  Maidana: "He's A Beast" - Seconds Out

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This agreement will see Canelo tackle IBF super middleweight champion William Scullin May for all four belts en route to the massive pay-per-view bonanza against Crawford. But the thing is, a substantial amount of people believe that despite Crawford’s unmatched skills, he would become just another green notch in Canelo’s resume.

This is largely because the 37-year-old Crawford is jumping two weight classes for the fight without a rehydration clause in place—a move that has historically proven difficult for smaller fighters facing naturally bigger opponents. Despite this, Malignaggi believes Crawford holds a clear advantage in one key area. While speaking to Fight Hype recently, ‘Magic Man’ explained his point of view.

“I was originally thinking Crawford might be too small,” Malignaggi said. “I think Crawford is a way more complete fighter than Canelo ever was. The only risk here is Crawford’s small. You think about it though, [Roberto] Duran, was a former lightweight and he was able to beat Iran Barkley eventually.” It’s worth noting that Duran and Barkley fought in 1989, and the fight came to a split decision win for Duran, despite Barkley having defeated Tommy Hearns before that.

Regardless, Malignaggi explained, “This Canelo is not the prime Canelo. This Canelo is also a Canelo who’s trying to steal bags while half-a**ing it. When Canelo has been put in tough situations, in the moments where he’s had to really dig down, what has he done? He hasn’t really dug down and gone for broke. In fights where he’s been losing, he just kind of accepted the loss.”

Malignaggi tried to justify his point by highlighting Canelo’s fight against Floyd Mayweather, noting, “Early on with Floyd too. People will say that he was young, but he never really took a risk in the Floyd fight once he was outclassed. He just accepted like, ‘All right, this guy’s outclassing me.’” He even roped in Canelo’s loss to Dmitry Bivol, suggesting Canelo was in his prime for this fight and couldn’t make that excuse.

It’s worth noting that Terence Crawford struggled to find his rhythm against Israil Madrimov last year due to Madrimov’s unorthodox boxing style. So, what suggests Crawford will be able to handle Canelo, especially at a much heavier weight class where the Mexican star has dominated for years? Crawford relies on agility and his skills, something that may prove daunting in the later rounds when the fighters are fatigued.

Still, Crawford seems to have convinced many that an upset is in the making.

Former two-time unified heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman has weighed in on a potential showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford. Rahman believes Crawford has the skill advantage and will outbox Canelo if they meet in the ring. “In the [Jermell] Charlo fight, I wasn’t really impressed with Canelo,” Rahman told FightHype. “Even though he won it, I really didn’t think he did what I thought he was capable of doing. I feel like that gave Terence a blueprint in how to fight him.”

Rahman also claimed Canelo has received favorable decisions in the past. “I’ve seen Canelo lose fights. They just didn’t take it from him, but I feel that Terence will outbox him.” He further argued that Canelo has become “a little spoiled” by recent opposition, adding, “I think that’s going to be to his disservice in this fight. I think Terence is going to win.”

Having said that, it appears as the days pass, more and more people are starting to believe Terence Crawford can beat Canelo Alvarez. However, such statements about Canelo’s opponents aren’t anything new, it’s just that Crawford is on a completely different level.

Turki Alalshikh teased a major announcement on Friday regarding the highly anticipated boxing fight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, labeled “one of the biggest” in history by the Mexican champion.

The member of the Saudi Royal Court and chairman of the General Entertainment Authority stated that the details about the promoter and platform will be revealed after May 3.

“After the third of May, we will announce the details about the Canelo and Crawford fight, the big fight in the history of boxing,” Alalshikh said on X Spaces. “We will not announce it until the 3rd [before Canelo’s fight against IBF super middleweight champion William Scull], all the details.

Turki Alalshikh Reveals Why Canelo-Crawford Collapsed: "He's Afraid And  Only Wants Easy Fights" - Seconds Out

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“There will be a surprise about who the promoter will be for this big fight, and the platform you will see the big fight.”

Dana White to promote Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford?

Turki Alalshikh: “There’s a surprise about who will be the promoter of this big fight and the platform you will see it on.” pic.twitter.com/uiHGwfAfLH

— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) March 14, 2025

While Alalshikh has hyped the event as the biggest fight in boxing history, it’s fair to question Crawford’s presence in the matchup, considering the former undisputed welterweight champion has never competed at 168 pounds.

It has already been reported that Alalshikh’s TKO Boxing could promote the event and that Netflix could carry the broadcast.

“Canelo will want to focus on his dangerous fight (against William Scull) on the third of May, and after that, we will talk about the future,” Alalshikh said.

Despite skepticism from some boxing fans, the Sept. 13 bout between Alvarez and Crawford in Las Vegas is expected to be a major event.

In Alvarez’s eyes, there is a chance this fight surpasses the 2.2 million PPV buys generated by the clash between him and Floyd Mayweather held on Sept. 2013.

“I think it’s going to be bigger, even than the Mayweather fight [against myself],” Canelo said about the fight. “It’s going to be bigger than that.

“Yes, I think so (it will sell more PPVs). Just look how much he’s accomplished and how much I accomplished. So imagine two fighters with those accomplishments. It’s huge. Huge.”

On March 5, news broke that Turki Alalshikh, UFC president Dana White, and TKO Group Holdings (which is the parent company of the UFC and WWE) agreed to terms on a multi-year partnership to begin a new boxing promotion.

In a statement in the wake of this massive announcement, Dana White is quoted saying of his plans for this new boxing league:

“Everybody knows the format. The best fight the best. You work your way up the rankings and once somebody breaks into the top five, there’s no question who the top five guys are in each weight class and they fight it out. And once somebody holds that belt, you don’t need three letters in front of the belt. Whoever has the belt is the best in the world in that weight class. It’s a very simple model.”

Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford timeline: Will undisputed boxing  champions fight one another in 2024? | Sporting News United Kingdom

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When it comes to the best fighting the best this year, the expected superfight between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Terence Crawford (which Crawford asserted he’s waiting for in September) is the first bout that comes to mind. And during a March 5 episode of The Ariel Helwani Show, boxing insider Ariel Helwani conveyed not only that the Canelo vs. Crawford fight could be attached to this new fight league, but it could also be broadcast on a massive platform.

“Remember what [TKO Group Holdings COO Mark Shapiro] said on that call last week: In addition to… that league, as they’re calling it, we’re also going to be doing superfights. Two this year, two next year. Massive fights,” Helwani said.

“Don’t be surprised if the first one is Canelo Alvarez vs. Crawford. And don’t be surprised if that first one is on a platform like Netflix,” he continued.

Helwani has a track record of only making these sorts of statements publicly if he knows something others do not.

Given that Helwani reported how Canelo didn’t want his now-failed fight agreement with Jake Paul to be broadcast on Netflix, it’s fascinating to hear that this new TKO boxing league could potentially make that happen with his Crawford fight.

Who will go with $150 million, Terence Crawford wants to be the next threat to Canelo’s titles

Following Canelo Álvarez’s recent victory by unanimous decision in his fight against Edgar Berlanga (117-110, 118-109, and 118-109) last night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, several boxers have quickly come forward offering themselves as the next challenger for the Mexican.

Even before the fight, there was speculation about who would be next to try to take Canelo’s WBC, WBA, and WBO titles. Much was said about David Benavidez, Oleksandr Usyk, and surprisingly, also Floyd Mayweather.

However, another boxer who was also mentioned as a potential opponent for Canelo, decided to dedicate a few words to the Mexican after his victory, and that boxer is none other than Terence Crawford.

Too close but far enough

The American was present at The Sphere with Turki Alalshikh to attend the highly expected UFC 306, which took place just 3 kilometers away from the T-Mobile Arena.

Both Crawford and Turki Alalshikh took the opportunity to send a message to the three-time undisputed champion: “We want Canelo next, Canelo come on! We are ready. Canelo – Crawford the biggest fight in boxing. Stay ready”.

READ MORE : “He’s Crazy” Oleksandr Usyk Is Certain Who Wins Terence Crawford vs….

All about the bag

If there’s one thing most boxers have in common, it’s that they prioritize earning the maximum amount of money from a fight above anything else, which is legitimate, but sometimes prevents fans from seeing the most anticipated matchups. Canelo is an example of this, as he shows by asking for $150 million for that hypothetical fight against Crawford. Saul is aware that he is the one who attracts the crowds, so a financial compensation that matches his status is the least he would expect.

Terence crawford

Terence Crawford is a great fighter, obviously, but he’s three weight divisions below. As I’ve already said, I’ve fought against bigger opponents, fighters in my own weight class, smaller opponents, older ones, and younger ones. In the end, I was born to fight, and I’ll fight anyone, but obviously under terms that suit me best. At this point in my career, I’m always going to take the best fights, but ones that are in my best interest” said Canelo.

Either way, this hypothetical battle is what every boxer fan wants to witness. It is just a matter of money. Will we be able to see this clash of titans?

Dana White laughs off Kendrick Lamar-Terence Crawford UFC goof-up; fans circle back to Bud reference in Drake diss track

The September 14 UFC 306 broadcast featured a seriously hilarious identity crisis goof-up. Boxing world champion Terence Crawford, sitting cageside at The Sphere in Las Vegas, was mistaken for Kendrick Lamar and publicly addressed as the “Grammy Award & Pulitzer Prize Winning Musician” on live TV.

Viewers quickly jumped on the meme train, unleashing comical responses to the incident on social media. Former UFC champion Aljamain Sterling also participated in the rib-tickling interaction chain, tweeting: “Terence Crawford evolved into Kendrick Lamar tonight.” Bellator Middleweight Champion Johnny Eblen busted a gut watching the mix-up on TV and shared the scene on X: “Yo they mistakenly thought Bud Crawford was Kendrick Lamar (crying emoji).”

Crawford, too, laughed off the erroneous instance on Instagram and showed the rapper some love by tagging him on the screengrab, with Lamar’s diss track against Drake, “Euphoria” playing along. The six-minute rap battle song ironically also name-drops Crawford, as Lamar says: “He’s Terrence Thornton, I’m Terence Crawford, yeah, I’m whoopin’ feat.”

UFC CEO Dana White responds

When asked in a post-event interview if he was expecting a text from Kendrick Lamar and Terence Crawford, UFC CEO Dana White cheekily said that he had spoken to Crawford about the identity crisis blunder.

“That was pretty bad… He did kind of look like Kendrick Lamar… let’s not f**k around,” a flustered White responded while in stitches. “So when I said we had a flawless production tonight, I take that back.”

Netizens react to the Kendrick Lamar-Terence Crawford mix-up

As the TV screengrab spread like wildfire on X, formerly Twitter, Lamar swiftly started trending on the platform. Netizens cracked up, suggesting that someone was definitely getting fired after the major fumble. Some even joked that this “intentional trolling” was pre-planned, considering Lamar referred to himself as Crawford in his Drake diss track earlier this year.

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“UFC is forever goated Terrance Crawford shown as Kendrick Lamar They weren’t confused about nothing, yall just don’t listen,” a user quipped.

Another X user echoed the sentiment, “Terence Crawford may not be Kendrick Lamar, but Kendrick Lamar is Terence Crawford

Terence crawford

Several others agreed that UFC’s gaffe was “definitely a reference” to Lamar’s “Euphoria.” On the contrary, some questioned, “How can a company as big as The UFC get this one wrong??”

Another person interjected, “Maybe someone thought Terence is real name and Kendrick is his rap name.” Yet another netizen fumed at how people were missing the hilarity of the situation, insinuating it was all part of the plan: “Yall will really deny that grass is green cuz how could this be a mistake?”

“He’s Crazy” Oleksandr Usyk Is Certain Who Wins Terence Crawford vs Canelo Alvarez Fight

Terence Crawford has made it clear that a fight against Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez is his main motivation left in the sport.

The American pound-for-pound star has been targeting the unified super-middleweight champion ever since his career defining victory over Errol Spence Jr last year

When he failed to lure the Mexican into the ring he stepped up to super-welterweight and won the WBA belt on his debut at the weight class against Israil Madrimov.

The man originally willing to financially back the Canelo clash, Riyadh Season’s Turki Alalshikh, has since removed his interest in making it happen but claimed we may never see ‘Bud’ back in the ring if he can’t land the fight.

“I don’t think Crawford will fight anyone except Canelo.

This is my opinion. This is what I feel, but it is about him. We gave him an offer for [Vergil] Ortiz and I don’t know if he will take it or not. We have an agreement to do a big fight for Ortiz if Crawford doesn’t take the fight … But I don’t think [Crawford] will take it.

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If the match-up can be made, then current unified heavyweight champion and fellow pound-for-pound great Oleksandr Usyk told the 3 Knockdown Rule that he would expect the naturally smaller man to get his hand raised.

“I like Terence. He’s a crazy man.

Terence win. Listen, Terence is different man. Terence works on two sides. Right and left, he’s very smart man. He feels distance and space.”

Terence crawford

“Canelo big, yeah, good boxer, but I say, Terence. Terence can box him like a big guy.”

Whilst fans wait to see what Crawford will do next, Canelo is back in the ring on September 14 against unbeaten fighter Edger Berlanga.

Mike Tyson “I Don’t Agree With That” Gives Honest Ringside Verdict On Terence Crawford-Madrimov

Terence Crawford became a four-division world champion at the first time of asking earlier this month.

The 36-year-old from Omaha relinquished his undisputed status at welterweight to enter the 154 ranks and face Israil Madrimov for the WBA World Title

Although Crawford ended an eleven fight stoppage streak, he did secure victory with a unanimous decision on the cards after showing flashes of his brilliance punctuated by the awkward and effective style of Madrimov.

Speaking on the Impaulsive podcast, former heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson gave his verdict on the fight after sitting front row. Although he was glad ‘Bud’ got the victory, he says he shouldn’t have taken it in the first place.

“I just came from Crawford’s last fight. I thought that was a tough guy and I’m glad [Crawford] came back the last two rounds. The guy was very awkward and strong.

Crawford fights anybody – I don’t agree with that, cause you gotta look good in order to not mess up your next fight. You fight this guy and don’t look good the fans are gonna go ‘ah I don’t wanna see this, he’s not gonna look good against the next guy.’ You gotta constantly have fights that you know a fighter is gonna make you look good. The guy’s gotta pressure you.

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[Madrimov] was running around. Crawford’s not used to this kind of movement. Awkward as a motherf***er.”

‘Iron’ Mike knows the sport well, as, post-fight, interest in Crawford making a further weight jump to face super-middleweight champion Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez waned. Some analysts and fighters used his performance in this latest division as a measuring stick for further moves up and advised him to stay put for the foreseeable.

Crawford likely won’t listen to the advice, and it has been reported that the Canelo fight is in fact the only one he is interested in. Riyadh Season’s Turki Alalshikh – the man behind the biggest events in the sport right now – recently said he believes ‘Bud’ will turn down an offer to face Vergil Ortiz at super-welter.

“He’s Going To Be A Problem” Roy Jones Jr Predicts Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford

Terence Crawford wants to test himself in the ultimate way – a two weight-class jump to face Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez.

It is a fight that ‘Bud’ has wanted ever since he became the undisputed welterweight champion last summer when he dismantled Errol Spence Jr inside the distance.

Since then, he has moved up to 154lbs and won a world title at the first time of asking by beating Israil Madrimov on points earlier this month.

Canelo is also a man who has successfully moved up the weights to win tiles from super-welterweight up to light heavyweight and currently holds three of the four belts in the super-middleweight division.

He has blown hot and cold on whether or not he would face Crawford, but talks certainly won’t be happening before he steps through the ropes against Edgar Berlanga on September 14.

In the meantime, one man who knows a thing or two about moving up through the divisions to win titles is Roy Jones Jr, who did so from middleweight to heavyweight.

Speaking to Mill City Boxing, he has given his view on how the fight would go between the two pound-for-pound greats.

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“With Canelo, I like Terence, but I’m going to lean towards ‘Canelo’ with his size early but if he lets Terence get into the fight Terence going to be a problem and if Terence can deal with the size, Terence will beat him.”

He was then asked how ‘Bud’ would deal with Canelo’s power.

“That’s what I’m saying, we don’t know until we see Terence get hit, cause we haven’t seen him get hit with that power. That’s the deciding factor. If you can change Bud’s fight plan you got a chance of beating him, but if you can’t hurt him, you can’t change his fight plan, and you got problems.”

Terence crawford

Terence Crawford is also being linked with a fight with hot welterweight champion Jaron ‘Boots Ennis which Jones thinks could be an even contest, although Riyadh Season’s Turki Alalshikh believes the 36-year-old only wants Canelo.

It is a Scam” Turki Alalshikh Responds To Rumours That Terence Crawford Will Face 42-Year-Old Former Champion

Terence Crawford is in the market for a dance partner after winning a world title in a fourth division earlier this month.

The 36-year-old from Omaha beat Israil Madrimov over the distance to snatch the WBA 154lbs belt in Los Angeles, proving he still has what it takes to move up weight after starting his career at 135.

His ultimate goal is now to face Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez in the 168 ranks, but the Mexican has turned down the opportunity to discuss that before his September 14 date with Edgar Berlanga.

Whether or not Alvarez takes the fight remains to be seen, having previously dismissed it but said he will sign if the price is right. Meanwhile, Riyadh Season’s Turki Alalshikh has been looking at options for Crawford. He believes that an offer to face undefeated super-welterweight Vergil Ortiz will be rejected, as well as any other offer than doesn’t start with Canelo’s name.

Rumours recently swirled on social media that a former opponent of the unified super-middleweight champion was now in the running – Gennady Golovkin.

Kazakhstan’s Golovkin has been out of the ring since losing his trilogy battle with Canelo in September of 2022. Previously he was a two-time unified middleweight champion and heralded as one of the toughest men in the sport.

READ MORE : Rematch: Under One Major Condition,Terence Crawford Willing To…

Whilst he hasn’t officially retired and even said he has his eye on any worthwhile opportunities, at 42-years-old many fans believe they won’t see him in a ring again.

He will not be getting an offer from Alalshikh for the Crawford bout, that’s for sure – the Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority took to social media to brand the rumours false.

Shakur Stevenson

Crawford is enjoying his spoils for the time-being, and fans perhaps won’t know what his next move is until after Canelo-Berlanga next month.

“It’s His Time” Shakur Stevenson Delivers ‘Truthful’ Verdict On Terence Crawford vs Jaron Ennis: “It’s His Time”

Shakur Stevenson has discussed a potential fight between two fighters he’s close with – Terence Crawford and Jaron Ennis.

Crawford finished his business at welterweight when he defeated his main rival Errol Spence Jr in a career-defining performance which saw him become undisputed champion in a second weight class.

The two men had dominated the 147 division and finally agreed terms last year to settle who was the top dog. Despite many billing the clash as a 50/50 contest before the first bell, ‘Bud’ dominated from the get go, dropping his opponent three times before getting the stoppage in the ninth.

When the pair decided to move up in weight a void was created at welterweight which Ennis was quick to fill. ‘Boots’ is now signed to Matchroom and his profile in the sport is increasing all the time.

The Philadelphia native carries power in both hands, boasts an incredible record of 29 knockouts from his 32 victories and is yet to taste defeat. His last outing saw him stop former Crawford foe David Avanesyan in the fifth – one round quicker than his rival.

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With Crawford now looking for his next opponent, fans and pundits have been calling for him to face Ennis next, even if it means the Philly native needs to move up in weight.

Speaking to DAZN Boxing, three-weight world champion Stevenson has made his feelings clear about the potential matchup – he doesn’t want to see it.

Terence crawford

“I’ve got nothing but love for ‘Bud’ and I’ve got nothing but love for ‘Boots’, I’m closer with Bud. It’s weird as I came up in the amateurs with ‘Boots’ and I’ve been in and around ‘Boots’ and I got mad love for him. Truthfully speaking I don’t want them to fight, I don’t want to be right there watching them fight.

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I feel like it’s two different era’s. Yeah, they’re here at the same time but it’s two different eras. Bud is here and he did his career and going to do everything he’s supposed to do and now it’s ‘Boots’ time coming behind him. They remind me of each other with their mentality, the way they switch, the way they think.”

Crawford has claimed Ennis brings little commercial value to the table and has instead been chasing a fight against Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez, although that looks off the table for now

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