The boxing world is absolutely buzzing about the mega-fight set for 2025. It’s the clash everyone’s been waiting for: Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez stepping into the ring against Terence "Bud" Crawford. Get ready, because this isn’t just another match; it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest events in recent memory. We’ve got the inside scoop on ten surprising facts you likely haven’t heard, plus all the key details you need to know.
This epic showdown marks the very first event under a brand-new boxing promotion. It’s called "Zuffa Boxing," and it’s being pushed by Dana White as part of the TKO Group. They’re working with Sela and have the strong backing of Prince Turki Alalshikh. Talk about a grand entrance for a new player in the sport!
The stakes are incredibly high, and we’re not just talking about bragging rights. During the promotional tour stop in Riyadh, a special championship belt from The Ring was shown off. This isn’t just any belt; it’s estimated to be worth a staggering $188,000. Imagine holding that trophy!
Here’s an interesting twist: Terence Crawford will actually lose his current super welterweight title from the WBA the moment he steps into the ring. This is because he’s moving up in weight classes for this fight. It opens up a whole new world of opportunities for other boxers in that division.
Behind the scenes, the officials for this fight are also getting a hefty payout. The referee, Tom Taylor, is set to earn $25,000. Meanwhile, judges Tim Cheatham, Max DeLuca, and Steve Weisfeld will each take home $20,000. That’s a grand total of $85,000 just for the officiating crew.
Canelo hasn’t been slacking in his preparations. To get ready for Crawford’s unique style, he’s been sparring with Jaron "Boots" Ennis, a former interim IBF champion. He’s also been training under the watchful eye of Olympic medalist Darrelle Valsaint, ensuring he’s in top form for what promises to be a legendary bout.
Presentation of the fight between ‘Canelo’ and Crawford. Photo by David Becker/Getty Images for Netflix
For Canelo, this fight is a chance to rewrite history. He sees it as the perfect moment to prove he’s a completely different fighter compared to his 2013 match against Floyd Mayweather. He’s more mature and prepared now, ready to show he’s in a league of his own.
Terence Crawford isn’t mincing words either. He’s called this bout the "most significant fight in 20 years." Even though the two rivals shared a dinner recently, Crawford made it clear that "there will be no love in the ring." It’s all business when the bell rings.
The event’s broadcast plan is also a game-changer. The preliminary fights will be streamed for free on YouTube, starting at 5:30 p.m. ET. But the real headline grabber is the main event. It will be available on Netflix to over 300 million subscribers, all without any extra cost. This marks a huge moment for boxing accessibility.
This isn’t just a fight; it’s a global spectacle. The promotional tour kicked off on June 20 in Riyadh, then moved to New York on June 22, and wrapped up in Las Vegas on June 27. It was all part of building worldwide excitement for this massive confrontation.
If Crawford wins, he won’t just claim victory; he’ll etch his name into boxing history. He would become the very first man in the four-belt era to be an undisputed champion in three different weight categories. This would be a remarkable achievement, even surpassing his already impressive career.
All the Details You Need
Mark your calendars! The big fight goes down on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
If you’re planning to watch, the main card broadcast begins at 9 p.m. ET on Netflix. Expect the fighters to make their ring walks around 11 p.m. ET, so be ready for the main event to start late.
The full fight card features some other exciting matches:
- Callum Walsh vs. Fernando Vargas Jr. (super welterweight)
- Christian Mbilli vs. Lester Martínez (super middleweight)
- Mohammed Alakel vs. John Ornelas (lightweight)
Let’s quickly look at the fighters’ records:
- Canelo holds a record of 63 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, with 39 knockouts. He is the undisputed super middleweight champion.
- Crawford boasts an undefeated record of 41 wins and 0 losses, with 31 knockouts. He’s a former undisputed champion in two divisions and is moving up two weight classes for this historic bout.
A Prize Beyond Imagination
This fight isn’t just about breaking sports records; it’s shattering financial ones too. Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez is expected to take home an astounding $150 million. Terence Crawford will also secure the largest purse of his career, an estimated $50 million. These incredible figures confirm that this fight is making history both in the business world and inside the boxing ring.