Canelo’s legacy will rise

Boxing fans are salivating in anticipation of the year’s biggest fight so far, sensationally billed as ‘Fight of the Century’.

There is an old-school feel to Saturday’s huge world super-middleweight unification clash between Mexico’s Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and unbeaten American Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford.

And it’s in Las Vegas, a rarity nowadays considering how dominant Sun City for huge boxing bouts for decades. Super-fights in Vegas are a scarcity now with Riyadh in Saudi Arabia taking over as the epicentre of the boxing universe in recent years.

But this is an absolute blockbuster at the Allegiant Stadium, with two of boxing’s biggest names and ‘pound-for-pound’ megastars locking horns for the props (WBA belt notwithstanding) at 168lbs. It is live on Netflix.

Crawford has won all 41 bouts, including 31 by knockout. The Nebraska ace is a huge underdog for two main reasons; he is two weight division lighter and inactivity – he has only fought twice in two years. 

Alvarez is the undisputed super-middleweight champion and holds a 63-2-2 record, with 39 knockout victories. He has won six consecutive bouts and his last loss was a unanimous decision to Dmitry Bivol three years ago.

Crawford, 37, won his first world title at lightweight (135lbs) in 2014. He is chasing history, but it’s such a big ask. Canelo is an established champion at super-middle and naturally the far bigger and stronger fighter. He is also two years younger.

The old adage goes: ‘A good big ‘un beats a good little ‘un’ and the contrast in punching power and muscle mass may be significant. Nevertheless, Crawford is supremely confident, mainly because he is slightly taller and has a four-inch reach advantage. He has looked impressive in the gym, bulking up naturally.

Crawford supporters claim that Alvarez has been a pro since he was 15 and the cumulative effect of years of sparring and fighting must inevitably have taken a toll. But he has been far busier in the ring than Crawford, fighting as recently as a routine win in May.

It’s still a compelling contest as it is so rare for legends to face each other. As far as Canelo is concerned, this match will confirm his dominance. Despite the hundreds of millions earned in a glittering career, the passion is still there to seal his legacy.