'I offered to be Terence Crawford's back-up for Canelo fight - but got laughed off'
Former boxing world champion Keith Thurman volunteered to step in should either Canelo Alvarez or Terence Crawford withdraw from their upcoming clash - but was brutally laughed off.
The two pound-for-pound legends are scheduled to meet in a historic dust-up in Las Vegas on Saturday, September 13. Working alongside Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh and Sela, UFC president Dana White is poised to finally make his boxing debut with TKO through a massive event, due to be broadcast on Netflix.
Alvarez will put his undisputed super middleweight titles on the line against the unbeaten star, with Crawford stepping up two weight divisions for the bout. The occasion is expected to be amongst the biggest sporting events of 2025, so it is hardly surprising that numerous fighters are eager to be involved.
Thurman is particularly keen to feature on the card. The 36-year-old has disclosed that he reached out to Crawford to confirm his readiness to replace 'Saul' if needed. Speaking to MillCity Boxing, Thurman revealed: "He [doesn't] really need to see me but I told Bud, I DM'd him actually recently.", reports All Out Fighting.
"I said 'Hey man, if Canelo pulls out, I'm here. If anything happens to Canelo, Bud, I'm here just let me know.'" Sadly for Thurman, it appears his services won't be needed after Crawford responded with a gentle laugh, answering: "We good pimp, we good, we got this."
Thurman has boasted a stellar career since capturing the interim WBA welterweight crown in 2013 against Diego Chaves. He subsequently defended his title triumphantly against fighters including Shawn Porter, Danny Garcia and Robert Guerrero. In 2019, he endured his maiden professional defeat to Manny Pacquiao - prompting the boxer to step away for three years. He made his comeback in 2022, overcoming Mario Barrios before taking another three-year break. He stepped back into the ring in March and proved victorious upon his return, knocking out Brock Jarvis in the third round.
Despite his impressive comeback, a bout with either Crawford or Canelo could be too soon for Thurman. Discussing the upcoming clash, 'Saul' remarked: "I'm super happy to be making history again and this time on a Riyadh Season Card that will be broadcast on Netflix. On September 13, I'm ready to show once again that I am the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world."
Likewise, Crawford has pledged to deliver a career-defining performance and claim a decisive triumph on fight night. "My perfect record speaks for itself," Crawford said. "I am the best fighter in the world and no matter the opponent or weight class, I have always come out on top. On September 13, my hand will be raised once again as the world watches greatness."
When is Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford?
The 12-round super-middleweight clash between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford is set for Saturday, September 13. The official fight times will be announced nearer the time, but it's anticipated that the main undercard will kick off around midnight UK time.
The main event ring walks are expected to commence at roughly 4am UK time. The event will be live-streamed on Netflix. Boxing enthusiasts can subscribe to the streaming platform for an initial £4.99 per month with adverts ($6.99 US) or £7.99 ($15.49) per month without. Existing subscribers will be able to watch the event at no additional charge.
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