A Baker Alshidy Theatre in Riyadh hosts the first face-off between undisputed titans Canelo Álvarez and Terence “Bud” Crawford, launching a three-city media blitz ahead of their September 13 super-fight at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium. Crowned in four weight classes apiece, Canelo arrives as the two-time, reigning undisputed super-middleweight champion, while Omaha’s unbeaten Crawford hunts history as boxing’s first three-division undisputed king of the four-belt era.
Flanked by Riyadh Season impresario Turki Alalshikh, the pair traded studied respect rather than insults. Canelo promised the “biggest event of my career” and vowed to impose 168-pound strength on the smaller challenger. Crawford, cool behind dark shades, fired back that “skills pay bills” and predicted speed would neutralize size. Their intense stare-down lasted a full minute - long enough for photographers and for fans to feel the stakes.
Watch the press conference live here: Watch
The tour next touches U.S. soil on June 22 at New York’s Jacob Javits Center during Fanatics Fest, before concluding June 27 at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, setting Sin City buzzing ten weeks out. Each stop will sell limited public tickets, with streaming on the event’s social platforms for global viewers.
September’s bout delivers more than belts: if Canelo wins, he cements dominance at 168 and distances himself from criticism over opponent selection; should Crawford prevail, he breaks a weight-class barrier no fighter has crossed since Henry Armstrong in 1938. Either outcome reshapes pound-for-pound hierarchy and cements a legacy chapter for modern boxing.
Kick-off completed, the countdown begins - two champions, three pressers, 84 days until Las Vegas.
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Image Credit: UFC