
via Imago
Canelo Alvarez Terence Crawford I Via Imago

via Imago
Canelo Alvarez Terence Crawford I Via Imago
It’s difficult to see someone else get the opportunity you have asked and deserved for years. But ‘Interim’ WBC and WBA (Regular) light heavyweight champion David Benavidez doesn’t seem to be jealous. You see, recent reports from The Ring confirmed Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez have reached an agreement to fight in September.
The bout is being scheduled to unfold at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas—it will be the first-ever boxing match in the home of the Las Vegas Raiders NFL team. This came after Crawford for a year demanded Canelo to enter the ring against him. However, he wasn’t alone in asking for a fight against the super middleweight king.
Benavidez has been Canelo Alvarez’s WBC mandatory for over a year, but Canelo and the WBC refused to make the fight happen. Canelo because of the threat Benavidez presents, and WBC to keep their title with the biggest money maker—so they could get their cut every time Canelo defends his titles.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad

via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 25: David Benavidez (L) fights with Demetrius Andrade in a WBC super middleweight title fight at Michelob ULTRA Arena on November 25, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Benavidez retained his title with a TKO. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
Poll of the day
Poll 1 of 5
Do you believe Terence Crawford can defy the odds and defeat Canelo Alvarez despite moving up two weight classes?
Yes, Crawford has the skills
No, Canelo is too strong
It's a 50/50 fight
Not sure
Do you think Terence Crawford can overcome the size disadvantage and defeat Canelo Alvarez?
Yes, Crawford's skills will prevail
No, Canelo's size and power are too much
It's a 50/50 fight, too close to call
I don't care, I just want to see a great fight
Want to dive deeper?
Here are the articles that inspired recent polls.
Do you agree with Shakur Stevenson's opinion that the fight stoppage was premature?
Yes, the fight should have continued
No, the referee made the right call
I'm undecided, but it was a great fight
I don't care, Inoue's win was all that mattered
How do you feel about Manny Pacquiao's tribute to his late trainer, Jonathan Peñalosa Sr.?
It's a touching tribute to a great mentor
It highlights the deep bond they shared
It's a reminder of the harsh realities outside the ring
I wish more athletes honored their trainers like this
Do you think Dana White's involvement in boxing will change the landscape of the sport?
Yes, he'll bring the same excitement as he did with UFC
No, boxing is too different from MMA
Maybe, but it depends on the fights he promotes
I don't care as long as the fights are entertaining
Want to dive deeper?
Here are the articles that inspired recent polls.
AD
Regardless, ‘The Mexican Monster,’ now on a collision course with the winner of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol rematch, has revealed Crawford’s biggest fear for the Canelo Alvarez fight later this year. While speaking to MMA journalist Ariel Helwani during the latest episode of The Ariel Helwani Show, Benavidez made the revelation.
“You can give [Crawford] like a 7 out of a 10 [chance to win]…,” he said when asked to share his prediction for the blockbuster fight. “Crawford is good and I think he’s known that he’s gonna fight Canelo for a long, long time… Crawford likes to pick up the weights. I’m sure he’s been working on the weights for a long, long time.”
However, this doesn’t mean Benavidez thinks Crawford has no way of winning the fight. “I wouldn’t be surprised if [Crawford] wins,” Benavidez told Helwani. It’s worth noting that Crawford has to move two weight classes to super middleweight for the fight. Still, Benavidez isn’t the only one with opinions about the fight.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Roy Jones Jr. shares thoughts on Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford
Roy Jones Jr. has weighed in on the highly anticipated Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford showdown, scheduled for September 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Even though Crawford’s weight has caused concerns about his chances of winning, Jones believes the outcome will depend on each fighter’s approach rather than the weight disparity.
What’s your perspective on:
Is Canelo Alvarez dodging David Benavidez, or is Crawford the real threat in the ring?
Have an interesting take?

via Getty
MACAU – NOVEMBER 19: Roy Jones Jr speaks to media during the Chris Algieri v Manny Pacquiao Press Conference at The Venetian on November 19, 2014 in Macau, Macau. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
“The weight won’t be the factor, the factor will be how Canelo chooses to make the fight,” Jones told Ring Magazine. He emphasized the importance of ring control, saying, “If Crawford is allowed to control the center, he’ll win.” With both fighters preparing for what could be a historic bout, Jones’ analysis highlights the tactical chess match that will unfold on fight night.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
That said, despite Terence Crawford moving up two weight classes to challenge Canelo Alvarez, both David Benavidez and Roy Jones Jr. believe he still has a real shot at victory. But what do you think? Can Crawford pull off the upset?
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Debate
Is Canelo Alvarez dodging David Benavidez, or is Crawford the real threat in the ring?