What's Happening?
Saúl 'Canelo' Álvarez and Terence Crawford both weighed in at 167½ pounds ahead of their highly anticipated boxing match at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. This weigh-in marks Crawford's first foray into the super-middleweight division, having previously fought at a maximum of 153.4 pounds. The fight is set to take place on Mexican Independence Day weekend, a traditional time for Álvarez to compete. The event is expected to break attendance records for boxing in Las Vegas, with over 70,000 spectators anticipated. Álvarez, a four-division champion, will defend his undisputed 168lb title, which includes the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO belts. The fight will be streamed live on Netflix, a first for a boxing event of this magnitude.
Why It's Important?
This fight is significant as it could see Terence Crawford become the first male boxer in the four-belt era to be an undisputed champion in three different weight classes. For Álvarez, the fight is an opportunity to reaffirm his status as one of boxing's biggest attractions, especially after not having stopped an opponent inside the distance for nearly four years. The event also marks a shift in how major boxing matches are broadcast, with Netflix offering the fight as part of its standard subscription, potentially changing the pay-per-view model that has dominated boxing for decades.
What's Next?
The fight is scheduled for Saturday night, with the main card beginning at 9pm ET. Both fighters have expressed confidence, with Álvarez focusing on his preparation and Crawford embracing the challenge of moving up in weight. The outcome of the fight could have significant implications for both fighters' careers, with Álvarez looking to maintain his dominance and Crawford aiming to make history.
