Two-time undisputed super middleweight champion and world champion, Canelo Álvarez, and undisputed light-welterweight and welterweight champion, Terence Crawford, are set to battle it out in Sin City (Las Vegas) on September 13, 2025.

This is the kind of match up that comes along once in a lifetime.

In one corner, Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez boasts one of the most comprehensive resumes in boxing history.

Álvarez has captured titles across four different weight classes, showcasing his versatility. At super middleweight (168 lbs), he became the first fighter in history to unify all four major belts (WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO). He was also the youngest Mexican fighter to win a world title at super welterweight at just 20 years old.

Álvarez was named Fighter of the Year and has amassed over 60 professional victories with only two defeats. These losses were to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2013 and Dmitry Bivol in 2022, who are both legends in their own right.

Álvarez continues to stand as a global superstar, consistently headlining some of the highest-grossing pay-per-views and live gates in the sport. In total, Álvarez is undoubtedly one of the greatest fighters to come out of this sport.

In the opposite corner, Terence “Bud” Crawford steps in with a record that seems almost manufactured. Crawford seems to be one of the most complete fighters of this generation.

Crawford reigns undefeated with a record of 40 wins, 0 losses, with 31 of those wins being knockouts.

He is the first male fighter in the division to be undisputed in two different divisions, he’s a champion in three divisions: lightweight, light welterweight, and welterweight.

Crawford has been honored as Fighter of the Year and has put together one of the most impressive streaks of knockout victories in world title fights.

He has also been at the top of every pound-for-pound ranking for nearly a decade, earning respect as not just undefeated, but as one of the most decorated fighters in boxing history.

The résumés speak for themselves, but this fight isn’t about what they’ve done; it’s about what happens when their styles collide. 

Álvarez thrives in the trenches, wearing down fighters with strength, pressure, and punishment. He forces opponents to fight on his own terms by relentlessly moving forward and punishing with heavy hooks and overhand rights. His body shots are tactical and designed to slow opponents down, keeping them open for decisive shots to the head.

While he’s aggressive, he’s not reckless—his defense has tightened over the years, and his high ring IQ lets him adapt when needed.

Crawford is a master of adaptability and precision, and is known for his slick movement and sharp counterpunching.
He relies on timing, distance, and angles to control the pace of a fight.

He often makes opponents miss before landing clean, decisive shots. Crawford can also switch between orthodox and southpaw stances, keeping fighters guessing while he exploits their weaknesses. He picks his moments carefully, using patience and ring IQ to dismantle opponents.

His combination of speed, accuracy, and tactical intelligence makes him one of the most difficult fighters to predict and counter in the sport today.

What makes this fight so exciting is how their strengths clash.

Álvarez’s best shot is to turn it into a physical fight by cutting off the ring and forcing exchanges where his power can take over. If he can slow Crawford down with those body shots he’s known for, then the fight starts to go his way.

Crawford is all about controlling the pace. He uses footwork, timing, and switching stances to mess with his opponents and keep them guessing. He’s able to adjust mid-fight, and that’s why nobody has been able to figure him out yet.

That’s why people are so split on who wins. If Álvarez sets the pace, Crawford could end up stuck under constant pressure. But if Crawford can frustrate Álvarez, making him miss and counter him like he usually does, he could take the Mexican star apart the same way he’s done to everyone else.

What makes this so exciting is the fact that they are a perfect match for each other. Two fighters at the top of their craft, neither used to losing, and only one walking away with the right to call himself the best of this era.

Experts and fans alike believe this fight to be highly unpredictable. Saint Paul’s senior Jonny McGinnis has no clue who will win. “I think it could go either way, Canelo definitely has the better resume and is the favorite in my eyes, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see an upset from Crawford,” states McGinnis.

Many fans agree.

Despite Crawford being a worthy opponent, Álvarez is going to win this bout. He is as agile as water, but like many rivers, he can carve his own path with the sheer force he brings.

Crawford is an amazingly talented fighter, but he wont be able to adapt to the unstoppable force that is Canelo Álvarez. Álvarez will break him down with body shots and finishing the fight late, winning by KO or TKO.

This fight is the ultimate clash of styles, and it is almost impossible to predict who will come out on top. Alvarez’s relentless pressure could overwhelm Crawford, but Crawford’s adaptability and sharp counters may be his saving grace.

One thing is certain: this isn’t just another fight—it’s a showdown for legacy, a clash of titans. “This fight is an unstoppable force vs immovable object situation,” said Saint Paul’s senior Bobby Hanks.

Both men bring greatness into the ring, and the winner will not only claim victory but also solidify his place as the best fighter of this generation. Fans will remember this night for years to come, no matter who wins.

Photo credit for featured image: WorldBoxingNews.net