The reason the national anthem wasn’t played for Canelo vs Crawford fight

The showdown between Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez and Terence Crawford is set to be historic, not only because it will be the first-ever boxing match streamed worldwide on Netflix, but also because Mexico’s major TV broadcasters won’t air the fight – a first in the Mexican star’s career. Yet another surprise emerged: there will be no national anthems before the bout.

The news was first revealed by journalist Salvador Rodríguez on X, who wrote: “Sources: The popular singer Fey will be left wanting to perform the Mexican national anthem at Allegiant Stadium. I’m told there will be no anthems tonight at #CaneloCrawford.”

Mexican presenter Fernanda Familiar went further, pointing the finger at Netflix: “NETFLIX @netflix just announced that, on Mexico’s Independence Day, when millions of Mexicans will gather to watch Canelo’s fight, there will be no national anthem before the bout. It’s unthinkable that #Netflix would make such a decision. Our national anthem must always represent us before a fight – especially this one, so meaningful – from Las Vegas. We demand that #Netflix play our national anthem.”

Álvarez faces Crawford at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, with all four super middleweight world titles (WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF) on the line, along with the sport’s most prestigious belt – The Ring championship.

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