A fight between Terence Crawford and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez is on the brink of finally being announced.
After becoming a four-division world champion in August by defeating WBA super welterweight champion Israil Madrimov, Crawford is aiming even higher as he looks to move up to 168lbs to challenge Canelo, who holds the unified WBC, WBA and WBO titles.
The 34-year-old from Mexico has enjoyed a dominant campaign at super middleweight, holding the undisputed championship from 2021 up until last summer when he was stripped of his IBF crown, after he opted to face Edgar Berlanga Jr rather than mandatory challenger William Scull.
Riyadh Season’s Turki Alalshikh has held meetings with both fighters in the last few days, having been at the forefront of negotiations since the bout was initially speculated at the back end of 2024. Reports circulating online suggest the fight has already been agreed between the two fighters, with September the most likely date and Las Vegas the frontrunner to host.
Speaking to Boxing News, unbeaten two-division world champion Andre Ward gave his backing to ‘Bud’ if the clash does materialise.
“I’m going with Terence Crawford.”
Ward noted the danger of the big weight jump but still believes Crawford will find a way to win.
“Big weight jump, dangerous fight, but somebody’s got to prove to me that they can break Terence Crawford’s will and that he can’t figure it out against you.
It ain’t no disrespect to Canelo, but I’ve said this the last couple times, I’m not betting against Terence Crawford against nobody right now. You got to show me that you can beat him.”
More is expected soon on the bout as the 2025 schedule is finalised.
