Canelo vs Crawford: Global Mega Fight Ignites in Riyadh with Explosive Press Conference
Canelo vs Crawford: Global Mega Fight Ignites in Riyadh with Explosive Press Conference originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The boxing world witnessed a seismic moment in Riyadh as global superstars Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford launched the official press tour for their historic showdown scheduled for September 13, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Held at the opulent Baker Al-Sheddi Theatre in Boulevard City, the launch event marked the first in a three-stop international media tour leading up to what many already consider the defining super fight of the decade.
The two champions stood face-to-face for the first time, backed by booming visuals, elite production, and an energized crowd.
Stage Presence: A Study in Contrast
As the main event opened under glowing lights, I had the rare opportunity to interview both fighters live on stage. Canelo stood calm, measured, every inch the seasoned champion, speaking slowly and deliberately. He made it clear this bout isn't about the money—it's about legacy.
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(c) Leos Development
Crawford, on the other hand, projected a fierce intensity. Without raising his voice, he made his point: 'This fight is everything they said couldn't happen. Now I'm going to show why it's happening.' His body language was unmistakable—tense, locked in, and unshaken.
Behind the Curtain: VIP Dressing Room Access
In a rare moment before the public stage show, I was given full access to both fighters' VIP dressing rooms—where no cameras were allowed and only a select few witnessed the pre-fight psyche up close.
Canelo's camp was meticulously calm. His trainer Eddy Reynoso was reviewing tactics on a tablet, while a small entourage prepared his formal wardrobe with trademark precision. On Crawford's side, energy pulsed through the room. His team worked fast but light-heartedly, with Terrence shadowboxing quietly in the corner, focused, headphones in.
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I asked both men one private question: 'Are you ready?' Canelo nodded once and said, 'Always.' Crawford simply replied, 'You'll see.'
Las Vegas Fight Night: What to Expect
The bout, scheduled for September 13 at the 65,000-seat Allegiant Stadium, will be broadcast live on Netflix, marking the platform's first global streaming of a championship boxing event. No pay-per-view, no restrictions—just a global audience tuned in for history.
The event is being promoted by Dana White's TKO Group, in partnership with Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority (GEA) and entertainment firm SELA. The GEA has committed to a blockbuster experience, with additional concerts, fan experiences, and a multi-day Las Vegas festival running in tandem with the fight week.
$188,000 Championship Belt & Six-Figure KO Bonus
As part of the new era of boxing showmanship, the winner of Canelo vs Crawford will receive a $188,000 bespoke belt, designed with 24-karat gold and rare stones—commissioned by Saudi organizers as a symbol of elite competition.
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In a bold move to guarantee excitement, the GEA is also offering a six-figure cash bonus for a knockout victory. This is part of a wider push to eliminate "boring fights" and reward all-action performances—an incentive that both fighters acknowledged during our conversations.
Press Tour Continues
After Riyadh, the press tour moves to New York City (June 22) and then to Las Vegas (June 27). Both events are expected to draw massive crowds, fan activations, and additional promotional announcements. I'll be continuing exclusive coverage on-site.
High Stakes, No Titles Spared
Though Crawford will move up in weight to face Canelo, all four of Canelo's super middleweight world titles (WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO) will be on the line. This creates a once-in-a-generation opportunity: for Crawford to become the first male boxer in history to become undisputed in three weight classes.
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This fight is more than a contest between two of the best pound-for-pound fighters of the modern era. It's a cultural moment—melding boxing, entertainment, and global diplomacy. With Saudi Arabia providing the stage for the story to begin, and Las Vegas booked for the grand finale, Canelo vs Crawford is shaping up to be the most important fight of the 2020s.
As Canelo told me before stepping offstage: 'We're making history. That's the only reason I'm here.'
(c) Leos Development
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
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