Crawford dares to defy Canelo in historic bout: “I’m not going to run”

Riyadh Season kicks off with one of the year’s most anticipated fights already heating up. The Baker AlShidy Theatre at BLVD City in the Saudi capital hosted the first press conference ahead of the blockbuster showdown between Canelo Álvarez (63-2-2, 39 KOs) and Terence Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs). The Mexican superstar will defend his undisputed super middleweight title on September 13 in Las Vegas against the undefeated American, who is jumping two weight classes for the occasion. Also on the line will be The Ring title – a belt valued at a record-breaking $188,000. The fight will stream live on Netflix. The tension between the two is already palpable.

Inside the Netflix-fueled, $188,000 title fight

The fighters came face-to-face in a lavishly staged event, in keeping with the grand spectacle now customary for major bouts in the Middle East. “Canelo’s résumé is brilliant. Over the past 20 years, he’s fought everyone. I don’t think he’ll allow Crawford the opportunity to beat him. This will be one of the best fights of the past decade,” said Turki Al-Sheikh, who opened the press conference. Both fighters had dinner the night before with the Saudi minister, who was the driving force behind this long-awaited contest.

Canelo arrives with something to prove following his most recent win over William Scull (23-1, 9 KOs), a bout that set the record for the fewest punches thrown. “That wasn’t a fight – it was a disappointment for me. I came to fight… but you need both boxers to want it. This is a big fight, and for me, making history is the goal – so I’m fired up,” he said. “He’s a great fighter, but he’s not Canelo. I’ve got experience – they just focus on my power, but I have more than that. I think this will go down as one of the best fights of my career. I want to make history.”

Despite being a former undisputed welterweight champion and later winning the IBF super welterweight belt, Crawford is not considered the favorite – mainly because of the weight jump. “I’m going to win – it’s that simple. No one tells me how to fight. I’ve been doing this my whole life. I’m not going to run,” declared Crawford, whose backward-moving, elusive style could pose a problem for Álvarez. But the Mexican remains unfazed.

Canelo vs Crawford: a fight for the history books

Both men believe this clash will be one for the ages. “I asked for Canelo because he’s a great fighter. He’s faced guys like Mayweather, GGG… mega fights. And this is my mega fight – this is my moment. That’s why I wanted Canelo,” said Crawford. “He’s one of the best boxers I’ll ever face. I’m going to prepare for everything,” Álvarez responded.

Standing behind his collection of belts, Álvarez issued a warning: “He’s not going to beat me. I believe this fight will go down in the boxing history books. I hope he doesn’t run – fans deserve to see a great fight. I hope he brings it. I know what I’m capable of and I’m very confident in that.” It’s shaping up to be a night to remember.

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