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Oleksandr Usyk has had a change of heart when it comes to Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford.

Two of the current pound-for-pound greats are set to go head-to-head when Canelo and Crawford collide in Las Vegas in September.

‘Bud’ will be stepping up two weight divisions for the fight and will have the opportunity to become undisputed in a third division, provided that Canelo can first defeat IBF champion William Scull in May.

Another man that knows full well what it is like to be a pound-for-pound great and an undisputed champion is Usyk, having been the sole ruler of both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions at various points in his career.

The Ukrainian became undisputed cruiserweight champion with wins over the likes of Mairis Briedis and Murat Gassiev, before repeating the feat at heavyweight after defeating Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

Usyk first discussed the Canelo vs Crawford match-up back in June, telling The 3 Knockdown Rule podcast that he would back the American to come out on top.

“I like Terence. He’s a crazy man.

“Terence win. Listen, Terence is different man. Terence works on two sides. Right and left, he’s very smart man. He feels distance and space.”

“Canelo big, yeah, good boxer, but I say, Terence. Terence can box him like a big guy.”

Now that the fight has been officially agreed, Usyk has changed his stance and no longer seems as confident, after he was asked by TNT Sports who he thinks wins the fight and called it a pick ’em

“50-50.”

Usyk isn’t the only big name to change their mind when it comes to Canelo vs. Crawford, with boxing legend Oscar de la Hoya also making a new prediction on the bout.

Mike Tyson made his opinion of a Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight extremely clear.

The boxing community has been buzzing over the last couple of days since The Ring Magazine announced an agreement is in place for Canelo Alvarez to fight Terence Crawford at Allegiant Stadium in September 2025.

Given that these two boxers have been pound-for-pound greats over the past decade-plus, the thought of how a fight between the two would fare has been common discussion fodder among fight fans for some time.

But there was little hope of this iconic showdown occurring until Turki Alalshikh (the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority) flexed his muscles and made a concerted effort to put it together.

However, while the fight now likely appears to happen, this doesn’t mean every boxing icon is on board with it.

This was made clear when Mike Tyson discussed a potential Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight during a September 2024 episode of the Come And Talk 2 Me Podcast.

“I don’t like that fight,” Tyson said when asked about Crawford calling out Canelo.

“I don’t like that fight. Too much weight [for Crawford]. He had a close fight with [Israil Madrimov] because he was big and really awkward. He shouldn’t have even fought that guy. He should have fought a guy that was coming straight at him.”

– Mike TysonTyson then explained why he believes matchmaking is a lost art in boxing, because fighting styles aren’t necessarily considered when making fights like they once were.

Perhaps Tyson’s sentiment has changed regarding Canelo vs. Crawford since this podcast was recorded. Regardless, we imagine he’ll be glued to the TV when these two greats meet in the ring.

With experience in facing both men, Amir Khan has had his say on the upcoming mega-fight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford.

Khan stepped up to 160lbs in May 2016 to challenge Canelo for the WBC middleweight title. After a positive start from the Brit, the explosive power of the Mexican star proved to be too much, knocking out Khan with a crushing right hand in the sixth round to retain his title.

Three years later, Khan challenged ‘Bud’ for the WBO welterweight title in New York City. It was another impressive performance from Crawford, who outboxed Khan before the Brit was pulled out by his corner in the sixth round. It would go on to be Khan’s final opportunity to become a world champion, retiring from the sport three years later.

Speaking to The Ring Magazine, Khan was asked if ‘Bud’ has the punching power to trouble Canelo, having shared the ring in brutal encounters with both fighters.

“Crawford does hit hard, a lot of people don’t give him the credit for the punch power he has. Crawford does hit hard, I’ve been in the ring with him he’s hit me hard, obviously the most powerful fight between the two is gonna be Canelo but I think Crawford still has enough power to hurt Canelo and push him back.”

Canelo is set to defend his unified WBC, WBA and WBO super middleweight titles against ‘Bud’ later this year. Crawford is bidding to become a five-weight world champion in what will undoubtedly be his biggest test to date.

Arguably the biggest story in the boxing world right now is the reported bout between Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford, which is expected to take place in September at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium.

Given that Canelo and Crawford have been two of the world’s best boxers over the past decade, there is understandably a ton of excitement about this showdown, despite the weight difference between the two.

But no boxing fan is going to say no to watching this incredible fight when it arrives. And despite not having either of these fighters under contract, Frank Warren, founder of Queensberry Promotions, explained his intrigue about this Canelo vs. Crawford match during his February 4 appearance on The Ariel and Ade Show.

Frank Warren Holds Nothing Back on Canelo vs. Crawford – You Won’t Believe His Take!

“Look, if it’s done, I mean as a boxing fan, I can’t wait to see that fight. It’s a fabulous fight,” Warren said, per an X post from Ariel Helwani.

He later added, “I’m pretty positive that it will happen, fingers crossed… because what a fight that will be between those two. And a great fight for American boxing. You know, it’s a real great fight and you need great fights there. They need a massive big fight if it does go on in Vegas, which I think is the home for [boxing] with the greatest respect to everywhere else. That is something special. That’s a burster, that fight.”

It sounds like Warren will be tuned in like the rest of the boxing world once Canelo and Crawford finally meet in the ring.

The boxing world continues to buzz with excitement over a potential showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford. The sport has seen its fair share of cross-division superfights. Now, another historic matchup could be on the horizon, with pound-for-pound stars from different weight classes looking to collide.

The intrigue behind this potential matchup stems from both fighters’ incredible achievements in recent years. Terence Crawford solidified his legacy by becoming undisputed at two weight classes.

Canelo Alvarez has dominated the super-middleweight division as its undisputed champion. Now, they are reported to fight in September of this year at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. With Crawford already dipping his toes at super-welterweight by defeating Israil Madrimov, the boxing community is split on whether he can successfully jump two more divisions to challenge Canelo.

Terence Crawford's 6-Word Warning Makes Boxing Community Dream of Canelo  Alvarez Fight - EssentiallySports

Teddy Atlas Backs The Underdog

Renowned boxing trainer Teddy Atlas, known for his sharp analysis and no-nonsense approach, isn’t shy about picking Crawford (+185) to pull off the upset against Alvarez (-225). Speaking on The Fight podcast, Atlas expressed his belief in Crawford’s special qualities that transcend physical advantages.

“I think you know where I’m leaning. I’ll make it even clearer when I’m leaning so there isn’t a lot of suspense. I ain’t going against Crawford. I do think he is that special guy, I think Canelo’s special too, but Crawford even more so. He hasn’t learned how to lose yet. I think he does have those special ingredients that go beyond the physical. So, that’s it. Okay? You don’t like it? Too bad.”

Atlas acknowledged that while both fighters are exceptional, Terence Crawford possesses something unique. Teddy Atlas’s endorsement carries significant weight, given his decades of experience training world champions and analyzing the sport’s biggest fights.

Contrasting Paths To Greatness

Terence Crawford started his career at lightweight, systematically conquering division after division while maintaining his undefeated record. Meanwhile, Canelo Alvarez transformed from a teenage prodigy into boxing’s biggest star, facing everyone from Floyd Mayweather to Gennady Golovkin. After his recent setback against Dmitry Bivol at light heavyweight, Canelo returned to form with dominant performances against Jaime Munguia and Edgar Berlanga at super middleweight.

Conclusion

Looking ahead, this matchup would represent more than just another big fight. It is a chance to witness something truly historic. Terence Crawford aims to accomplish what few fighters have ever attempted: moving up multiple weight classes to challenge a dominant champion.

If the fight materializes, it would not only determine supremacy between two of boxing’s finest but could also reshape how fans view weight class limitations in the sport. With Teddy Atlas’s bold prediction adding fuel to the fire, fans can only hope that boxing politics don’t prevent this dream matchup from becoming reality (hope that Turki Alalshikh can get this one finalised for the fans as well!)

Rather than stick around to unify the belts and perhaps become undisputed, something he has done in two of his four previous divisions, ‘Bud’ is slated to move up to super-middleweight for the Canelo mega fight.

If those plans fail for whatever reason, Bakhram Murtazaliev is waiting in the wings. The undefeated Russian won the vacant IBF Super-Welterweight World Title in April last year by stopping Jack Culcay in eleven rounds.

His first defence really put him on the map – a three-round destruction of Tim Tszyu. Speaking to Manouk Akopyan, the 32-year-old made it clear that he wanted to collect more belts.

Rather than stick around to unify the belts and perhaps become undisputed, something he has done in two of his four previous divisions, ‘Bud’ is slated to move up to super-middleweight for the Canelo mega fight.

If those plans fail for whatever reason, Bakhram Murtazaliev is waiting in the wings. The undefeated Russian won the vacant IBF Super-Welterweight World Title in April last year by stopping Jack Culcay in eleven rounds.

His first defence really put him on the map – a three-round destruction of Tim Tszyu. Speaking to Manouk Akopyan, the 32-year-old made it clear that he wanted to collect more belts.

Terence Crawford (41-0, 31 KO) got his guy and likely secured a serious bag in the process.

According to Ring Magazine, Canelo Alvarez (62-2-2, 39 KO) and Crawford have an agreement in place to fight on September 13 at a yet-to-be-determined venue in Las Vegas.

The fight will be contested at 168 pounds and will be for Canelo’s super middleweight titles. Since Crawford began working with Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh, the future Hall-of-Famer has made it clear that he wanted to set up a superfight with the Mexican legend.

Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford - Will it Happen? - YouTube

After making his preference known for more than a year, it appears Canelo is on board for what could produce the largest payday in boxing history. Canelo, 34, is expected to keep with his tradition of fighting in May ahead of his September fight.

he prime candidate for the fight in May is William Scull. Following a unanimous decision win over Vladimir Shishkin, Scull became the IBF super middleweight champion. If Canelo fights and defeats Scull, he will once again be the undisputed super middleweight champion.

Crawford is the reigning WBA junior middleweight champion at 154 pounds, so he will be moving up two weight classes to face a fellow all-time great in one of the biggest boxing matches in the past 10 years.

Terence Crawford's return delayed but new contact planned for Canelo  Alvarez fight | talkSPORT

The fight is expected to be the main event for an upcoming Riyadh Season event. It seems like the T-Mobile Arena, MGM Grand, or even Allegiant Stadium could be the landing place for the fight.

Also, based on the precedent Alalshikh and Riyadh Season have established over the past two years, it wouldn’t be a shock if the card was stacked with other intriguing fights to guarantee a mega event.