The boxing world is buzzing with anticipation as the highly awaited super middleweight championship clash between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Terence “Bud” Crawford is set to take place on September 13, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. This monumental fight, already billed as a “Once in a Lifetime” event, has received an electrifying boost from Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and president of the Saudi Boxing Federation. During a press conference in Riyadh, Alalshikh announced a significant financial incentive: a knockout bonus for either fighter who ends the bout inside the distance. While the exact amount of the bonus remains undisclosed, speculation on platforms like X suggests it could be as high as $5 million, a sum that adds even more intensity to an already high-stakes showdown.

Canelo Alvarez, with a record of 62-2-2 and 39 knockouts, is the undisputed super middleweight champion, holding the WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBF titles. His opponent, Terence Crawford, boasts an impeccable 41-0 record with 31 knockouts and is a former undisputed champion in two weight classes. Crawford is making a bold move, jumping two weight divisions from 154 to 168 pounds to challenge Alvarez for the chance to become the first male boxer to hold undisputed titles in three weight classes. The fight, promoted by TKO, Sela, and Riyadh Season, and streamed live on Netflix, promises to be a defining moment in boxing history, with a combined purse reportedly exceeding $100 million.

Alalshikh’s decision to introduce a knockout bonus stems from his frustration with recent boxing matches that have failed to deliver excitement. He has been vocal about his disdain for “Tom and Jerry” fights, where one boxer evades engagement, leaving the other to chase them around the ring. This sentiment was fueled by Alvarez’s lackluster unanimous decision victory over William Scull in May, which set a CompuBox record for the fewest punches thrown in a 12-round fight. Similar disappointments in other bouts, including those involving Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia, prompted Alalshikh to take action. By offering a knockout bonus, he aims to ensure that Alvarez and Crawford deliver a thrilling, action-packed performance that captivates fans worldwide.

Both fighters have expressed confidence in their ability to win, with Crawford asserting, “However I got to fight, I’m going to win. I’m not going to let someone else tell me how to fight when I’ve been doing that my whole life. I won’t be running, but I will be doing a lot of touching.” Alvarez, unfazed by Crawford’s credentials, responded, “He’s a great fighter, but he’s not Canelo. He’s not going to beat me. Don’t worry about it; I’m a winner.” Their comments reflect a mutual determination to dominate, and the knockout bonus could push them to adopt more aggressive strategies, potentially leading to an explosive encounter.

The financial stakes of this fight are unprecedented, with reports indicating that Alvarez is guaranteed $150 million and Crawford $50 million, making it one of the most lucrative bouts in boxing history. Alalshikh’s involvement, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season, underscores the kingdom’s growing influence in combat sports. His vision to eliminate lackluster performances aligns with his broader goal of positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for boxing, as seen in previous high-profile events like Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou. The knockout bonus is a strategic move to ensure that this superfight lives up to its hype, delivering the “smashing face and blood” that Alalshikh has publicly demanded.

As the September 13 date approaches, the boxing community is abuzz with speculation about how the knockout bonus will influence the fighters’ approaches. Crawford, known for his devastating finishing ability with 11 knockouts in his last 12 fights, may see the bonus as an opportunity to make history in more ways than one. Alvarez, whose last knockout came in 2021 against Caleb Plant, might be motivated to rediscover his finishing instincts. With Allegiant Stadium set to host over 60,000 fans and millions more watching on Netflix, the stage is set for a clash that could redefine boxing’s modern era. Whether the fight ends in a knockout or goes the distance, Alalshikh’s bold incentive has ensured that Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford will be a spectacle no boxing fan can afford to miss.