In a jaw-dropping announcement shaking the boxing world, Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, has officially confirmed that Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will face Terence “Bud” Crawford on September 13, 2025. The long-rumored mega-fight is finally a reality, but one major detail remains under wraps: the venue.
Turki made the reveal casually during a televised interview, sending fans into a frenzy. “September 13. Canelo vs. Crawford,” he stated with confidence. “It will be one of the greatest nights in boxing history.” Though many expected Saudi Arabia to host the bout, Las Vegas is still a possible contender, and some insiders say a surprise third option might be in play. “We want the world watching. The venue must reflect the magnitude of this event,” Turki added, refusing to reveal more.
This clash brings together two of boxing’s pound-for-pound elite. Canelo Alvarez (60-2-2), the undisputed super middleweight champion and face of modern boxing, is known for his power, granite chin, and calculated pressure. Terence Crawford (40-0), on the other hand, is an undefeated three-division world champion who recently cemented his legacy by dismantling Errol Spence Jr. to become the undisputed welterweight king. Now, he’s moving up in weight to challenge one of the sport’s most dominant figures.
Fans and analysts agree: this is not just a super fight — it’s a legacy fight. A win for Crawford could place him among the greatest of all time, potentially making him the first male boxer in the four-belt era to become undisputed in two weight divisions. For Canelo, it’s a chance to prove he’s still the top dog and dismiss critics who claim he’s avoided slick boxers like Crawford.
The internet exploded after Turki’s announcement. Hashtags like #CaneloCrawford and #September13th began trending globally. Crawford posted on Instagram shortly after: “I told y’all I want the smoke. Let’s go.” Canelo replied coolly on X (formerly Twitter): “September 13. I’ll show why I’m the face of boxing.” Former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis weighed in, calling it “a pure battle of brilliance” and “the kind of fight that defines eras.”
Although the venue is still unconfirmed, Saudi Arabia appears to be a strong candidate. The Kingdom has become a global hub for combat sports, hosting blockbuster events like Fury vs. Ngannou and Usyk vs. Joshua II. With its unlimited financial resources and focus on spectacle, Saudi Arabia could easily offer the biggest payday of both fighters’ careers — potentially in the nine-figure range.
In the coming weeks, fans can expect official press conferences, a global promotional tour, and more details about tickets and broadcast rights. For now, both fighters are expected to begin training camps, preparing for what might be the most high-stakes fight of the decade.
September 13 is set to become a date boxing fans will never forget. Two modern legends, two undefeated spirits, one ring. The countdown begins.
