Boxing fans around the world have been buzzing with excitement ever since news broke that Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford were set to face off in one of the biggest fights in the sport’s history. After months of speculation and behind-the-scenes negotiations, the two legendary fighters finally agreed to meet in the ring in September 2025, a matchup that many thought would never come to fruition. However, just when it seemed like everything was falling into place, unexpected twists began to emerge.

The possibility of this fight began to seem like a dream come true. Canelo, the king of the super middleweight division, at 168 lbs, was set to defend his titles against Crawford, the WBA champion at 154 lbs. Crawford, willing to risk moving up two weight classes to take on the challenge, saw this as an opportunity to further cement his legacy. For Canelo, this fight offered a fresh challenge after dominating the 168 lbs division.

Things took a huge leap forward when both fighters attended the prestigious Ring Magazine Awards in London, where they met with Saudi boxing chief Al Alik. Reports from ESPN’s knockout journalist Julius Julianis claimed that the contracts were signed, and this historic bout was officially on. Fans and analysts alike were thrilled at the prospect of seeing two of the best pound-for-pound fighters of their generation go head-to-head.

While Canelo had dismissed the idea of facing Crawford in the past—saying that if he won, people would simply say Crawford was too small—the Mexican star seemed more open to the idea now. “There’s always a chance,” Canelo said during the awards weekend, expressing a willingness to take the fight. But doubts lingered, mainly because of the weight difference. Canelo, at 168 lbs, is much stronger and more natural at this weight, while Crawford would have to bulk up to 168 lbs, which would come with its own set of challenges.

For Crawford, the 37-year-old from Omaha, Nebraska, this was more than just another title fight; it was a chance to make history by becoming a five-weight world champion. At 37, Crawford knew time was running out, but he believed that taking on Canelo could elevate his career to legendary status. The payday would be massive, and Crawford was ready to take the risk for the glory that would come with defeating Canelo.

The most glaring issue surrounding this fight is the size difference. Canelo is naturally stronger at 168 lbs, while Crawford would have to put on significant weight to compete. Crawford’s size disadvantage is compounded by Canelo’s massive experience against bigger, stronger fighters. Canelo’s combination of size, power, and experience would pose a monumental challenge for Crawford, who would need to rely on his technical skills and speed to offset the power of the Mexican champion.

Several analysts and fighters, including WBO super lightweight champion Teo Fimo Lopez, have weighed in on the fight, with some giving Canelo the edge due to his size and experience. Lopez predicted a late stoppage in favor of Canelo, suggesting that Crawford would have difficulty adjusting to Canelo’s power and size after a few rounds.

For both fighters, this match represents an opportunity to solidify their legacy. A win for Crawford would make him one of the greatest fighters of all time, joining the ranks of boxing legends. A victory for Canelo would reinforce his status as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. This is a fight that could shape both of their careers and boxing history as a whole.

However, the fight is not without its risks. As Amir Khan, who has faced both Canelo and Crawford, pointed out, size often wins in boxing. Khan acknowledged Crawford’s brilliance but stressed the difficulty of overcoming Canelo’s power and strength. “Canelo is a beast,” Khan said, noting that Crawford would have to overcome the weight disparity if he were to succeed.

Despite all the excitement surrounding the fight, doubts remain. Would Crawford’s technical skills be enough to overcome the size and strength of Canelo? Can Canelo maintain his dominance at 168 lbs and withstand Crawford’s sharpness in the early rounds? As negotiations continue, fans are left with more questions than answers, but the anticipation for what could be the fight of the decade is palpable.

One thing is for sure: if this fight happens, it will be one of the most talked-about events in boxing history. Both fighters have everything to gain, but the risks are significant. As the rumors swirl about the venue, with Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas being a potential location, it’s clear that the boxing world is holding its breath. September 2025 can’t come soon enough.