Between glory and doubt: Canelo Álvarez responds to Tyson, Mayweather and the entire world before the greatest fight in his career.

Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez is not only accustomed to fighting in the quadrilateral. In recent weeks, he has also had to box with words. Words of legends, critics, fans, who once cheered him and today ask for more. In the midst of this crossfire, Canelo walks firm towards what could be the most significant fight of his career: the expected duel against Terence Crawford, on September 12.

But it is not a common fight. It is, according to its promoter Richard Schaefer, “the greatest fight in modern boxing history.” Bigger than Mayweather vs. Pacquiao. More important than any megaevent in the era of Pay-Per-View. “Canelo is not chasing legacies of others. He is creating his own,” said Schaefer, who also assured that the Tapatío is on his way to becoming the first multimillion -dollar boxer in history.

The statement has unleashed a storm. And not only among the media. Mike Tyson, a living legend of pugilism, replied that, although he respects Canelo, he is already in the final stretch of his career. “Canelo should fight with David Benavídez before it’s too late. That is the real fight that people want to see,” said Tyson, bluntly.

Canelo did not remain silent.

“If you want to give advice, make it sober,” the champion launched, in a statement that ignited social networks and divided opinions. The tension increased when asked directly about Benavidez. “It’s never enough for you. I have nothing to prove. I already did everything,” said the Mexican, visibly annoying.

But the debate does not end there. Floyd Mayweather, the man who defeated a young Canelo in 2013, also spoke. Although he acknowledged that Álvarez has had an “incredible” career and “has faced great names,” he launched a warning: “Boxing ages from one day to another. It is a cruel sport. And the younger boys already come for you.”

For Mayweather, the real unknowns is not in what Canelo did, but in what he can still do.

The Mexican did not avoid the issue. He even hinted that if he had faced Floyd after gaining experience with names like Cotto and Khan, the result would have been different. “We will never know what would have happened, but maybe everything would have changed,” he said.

To all this is added the growing pressure for not facing David Benavídez, the undefeated Mexico American fighter to which many consider the true heir of the throne. Analysts like Shan Zittle say that Canelo is evading the most dangerous fight of his era. “His fans have protected his legacy so much, that now he feels entitled to choose rivals without consequences,” he said.

Canelo has been clear: he will not fight to please anyone. Even less if you feel that your legacy is already consolidated. “I train so as not to receive blows. I train to defend myself, to last. Boxing is not a show. It is a war,” he said coldly.

Meanwhile, Crawford, the rival agreed for September, prepares for the fight of his life. Although many question whether their speed and technique will suffice to the power and size of Canelo, others – like the legendary Manny Pacquiao – believe it is possible. “I beat older men. If Crawford uses his style, his speed and his angles, he can win,” said the Filipino.

Teddy Atlas went further: “Crawford is special. He has something that not everyone has. Coldness, instinct, tactical intelligence. Canelo is large, but Crawford is different.”

And if all this would not be enough, a recent Boxrec list that classified the 15 best fighting fighters per pound of all time included only an active boxer: Canelo Álvarez. For Richard Schaefer, that data is sufficient proof that the Tapatío no longer needs validation: its place among the greats is already secured.

But the doubt continues around. Is Canelo choosing Crawford for commercial strategy or does the final challenge really consider? Are you avoiding Benavidez because he considers him an unnecessary risk, or because in the end know he could lose?

The night of September 12 will answer some of those questions. But maybe not all. Because in boxing, as in life, legends are not only built with triumphs. They are also defined by the fights that are accepted … and for which they do not.