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Turki Alalshikh wants a violent spectacle for this Saturday’s mega fight between Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez on Netflix.

During Thursday’s press conference, promoter Turki reminded the key players that he doesn’t want a “Tom and Jerry” style fight. He wants to see “blood” and “smashed faces.” That’s the kind of fight that four-belt undisputed 168-lb champion Canelo (63-2-2, 39 KOs) prefers, and the one he’ll be trying for.

TURKI’S QUEST FOR BLOOD

With Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) moving up multiple weight divisions after an extended layoff of 13 months, it’s not expected that he’ll accommodate Turki’s wishes to turn the fight into one that involves broken bones, “smashed faces,” and “blood” for the masses that will be watching on Netflix.

JUST IN: The moment Canelo vs Crawford transformed into something else entirely

Crawford just wants to win and doesn’t care how he does it. The Nebraska native Crawford could be retiring after this fight. So, there’s less incentive for him to go along with Turki’s wishes to turn this fight into a violent spectacle that could end badly for him. Terence, 37, knows that if he wins, he’s got an excellent chance of being offered a rematch with Canelo and a pay increase from what he’s receiving for Saturday’s fight.

Mount Rushmore in Jeopardy

Even if Canelo bitterly rejects the idea of a second fight if he’s given a controversial defeat, Crawford would likely be offered a big payday by Turki to fight someone else. He would probably draw the line if Turki wanted him to fight against David Benavidez, Dmitry Bivol, or Jaron Ennis. Those fighters could mess up Terence’s legacy by defeating him by knockout or a one-sided decision.

Crawford’s hopes of one day being on the All-time great list and the Mount Rushmore of boxing could be spoiled if he fought those talents. That’s just a small list. There are fighters at 168, 160, and 154 that could wreck Crawford’s hopeless dream of making it to the Mt. Rushmore status. For example, Canelo’s sparring partner, Yoenli Hernandez, could be kryptonite to Crawford in my view.

A NETFLIX SPECTACLE OR SNOREFEST?

“I want to see blood, smashed faces, and broken bones,” said Turki Alalshikh during the press conference on Thursday about his expectations for the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford once-in-a-generation showdown.

You can’t blame Turki for wanting to see a violent fight between Canelo and Crawford, as this is going to be a clash that millions of people will watch on Netflix. He needs this to be an entertaining fight, and if it fails to deliver, he’s going to look bad for his decision to hand-pick Crawford. This is his creation. Turki is the one who wanted Crawford for Canelo, not the fans.

If Crawford doesn’t do his part to make it exciting, it’ll reflect badly on Turki, because he could have used his money to pick more proven fighters who have shown a history of being involved in entertaining fights. Having watched Crawford’s fights since the start of his career in 2007, he has never been a fighter considered a must-watch.

The Gold Standard of Entertainment

If the gold standard for entertainment is former middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin, Crawford would be the lead standard in my view. I would have never chosen him for Canelo if it were up to me. I’d have selected a more proven fighter who is known for going to war, like David Benavidez or Artur Beterbiev. Either of those fighters would have been excellent choices to fight Canelo on Saturday.

“As I said last week, I hate Tom and Jerry’s kind of boxing. I am sure they will deliver for me, smashing face and blood. This is boxing,” said Turki.

BOXING

The moment Canelo vs Crawford transformed into something else entirely

Thursday was the day fight week changed. Thursday was the day Canelo vs Crawford went from being a fanciful match-up to a material fight.

As the protagonists partook in a customary press conference, Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez finally felt what this fight needed: the energy of the fans.

The aircon of the T-Mobile offered a merciful respite from the searing Las Vegas sun, and just inside the venue’s side entrance, the voice of Max Kellerman was audible above the distant murmurs from the arena floor. Kellerman, a fan-favourite boxing pundit, has been brought back into the fold for Saturday’s super-fight after a long absence from the sport.

JUST IN: Canelo and Crawford clear the final hurdle before their fight

With the broadcaster facing the other way, all that was visible of him was the back of a sharp suit and an even sharper haircut. You don’t need to see the face, though: his voice is unmistakable. That, in part, is why he is back.

“I just waited for a real reason to return,” he soon said. Not to this journalist, but in a video package on the big screens inside the arena.

That video package was sandwiched between one highlighting Canelo, coolly soundtracked by The Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter”, and one hyping Crawford, to the sound of Eminem’s “Won’t Back Down”. Each was received enthusiastically by the crowd, and at that point, the fight-week buzz was finally vibrating as it should.

Watching these videos, it was startling how many talented boxers had been reduced to mere supporting roles; not even by an editor in front of a computer, but by the sheer greatness of Canelo and Crawford.

In front of The Independent’s seat was a crop of personalities who helped engineer a percentage of that greatness: members of Team Crawford, per stickers on chairs and taglines on T-shirts. On the left-hand side of the floor, facing the stage, was the Canelo contingent.

Upon emerging, both boxers received mixed receptions, seemingly signifying an even share of support in the venue – though it soon became clear that this support was weighted in Canelo’s favour, as it will surely remain come Saturday at Allegiant Stadium. To that point, the Mexican’s occasional answers in Spanish were greeted by resounding cheers.

This was only after a false start, however, with UFC president Dana White – hosting proceedings amid his debut as a boxing promoter at this level – asking a reporter to repeat their question twice. Indeed, it was hard to hear anybody over the cheers and jeers in the arena.

Neither 35-year-old Canelo, sporting a black vest and black-framed sunglasses, nor 37-year-old Crawford, wearing all white in a coincidental counter, is known as a talker. That will not have changed after Thursday.

“I’m ready to shock the world,” said American Crawford. Canelo offered: “I feel great, this fight means a lot. I can’t wait for Saturday night. This fight for me is big, it’s one of the biggest fights of my career.”

Crawford did taunt his detractors, though, jibing: “Anybody can be a nobody, and from what everybody’s been saying, I haven’t fought nobody.” Later, when asked about surviving a shooting earlier in his life, he added: “I’m here for a reason, and God don’t make no mistakes.”

White himself became a key character in the event, initially drawing laughs as he played down future crossover fights (he was involved in Floyd Mayweather’s boxing match with UFC star Conor McGregor in 2017, and current UFC champion Ilia Topuria called out Crawford this week). “I certainly hope not,” he laughed when asked if such bouts were on the horizon.

But the laughing stopped when one journalist admirably asked White about the UFC’s anti-trust lawsuit (related to the mixed martial arts promotion’s long-criticised fighter pay) and White’s proposed changes to the Ali Act – changes that might harm the earning power of boxers.

“If you wanna talk about that, set up an interview,” White said. “This isn’t about me, it’s about these two guys. Set up an interview with me, if this is what you really wanna talk about. If you wanna be an a**hole… I get that you wanna showboat…”

“America, baby,” replied the journalist. “First amendment.” Both the reporter and White drew mixed reactions.

The tone lightened, however, when a Mexican reporter asked: “Are you ready to feel the Mexican power, Terence?” “Ohhh, yeah,” the boxer smirked. “Let’s go, Nebraska,” one fan chimed in from the stands. Crawford added: “Where I’m from, they say ‘BTA’ – belt to ass. But I tell ’em I’m the buckle; it hurts more.”

On a Nebraskan note, Crawford’s coach Brian McIntyre was asked about his legacy and background in Omaha, when a fan shouted: “Where the hell is Omaha?!” “It’s in Nebraska, fool,” fired back “BoMac”. “Where’s Nebraska?!” came another shout from the crowd, eliciting laughter.

Around this point, cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia sat down next to The Independent, and late in the day, Kellerman was brought out as a hype man, really. And while his part was perhaps too sycophantic to savour, as he talked up the event organisers, he did help bring fans to a fever pitch at the end. He even drew out Canelo’s claws, with the Mexican hitting out at Kellerman for suggesting that the UFC has overtaken boxing in recent years.

This was the day fight week transformed. This was the day Canelo vs Crawford transformed.

BOXING

Canelo and Crawford clear the final hurdle before their fight

Everything is set for one of the most anticipated fights of the year.

Canelo and Crawford both made weight for their clash, where the Mexican will defend his undisputed championship.

JUST IN: WATCH Mike Tyson shares why he agreed to fight Mayweather Jr.

Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez weighed in at 167.5 lbs
• Terence “Bud” Crawford weighed in at 167.5 lbs.

Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez

The Mexican is the current undisputed super middleweight champion. He achieved this feat, for the second time in his career, this past May when he defeated William Scull.

“Canelo” has held the WBC belt since 2019 and has been super middleweight champion since 2020.

Riding a six-fight winning streak, the king of the 168-pound division holds a record of 63-2-2 with 39 KOs.

Terence “Bud” Crawford

Crawford is one of only three boxers in history to become undisputed champion in two divisions.

He first became undisputed at super lightweight in 2017 when he defeated Julius Indongo, and then claimed the undisputed welterweight crown by beating Errol Spence Jr.

Crawford has an undefeated record of 41 wins, 31 by knockout.

BOXING

WATCH Mike Tyson shares why he agreed to fight Mayweather Jr.

Mike Tyson has agreed to another high-profile fight as he approaches his 60th birthday, and the former heavyweight champion says he had a very simple reason for doing so.

Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have agreed to an exhibition fight that is scheduled to take place at some point in the spring of 2026. During an interview with SportsRadio 94WIP in Philadelphia on Friday, Tyson was asked how the bout came together. He said Mayweather started “talking a lot of s—” out of nowhere.

“Because Floyd was talking a lot of s— and challenged me. I was minding my business. I wasn’t thinking about him,” Tyson said. “I was thinking about another way where we could invest more money in this and do this. I wasn’t thinking about fighting or nothing. We were all happy about the Jake Paul fight. We were thinking, you know, man, we could never top this, man. How could we top this?”

JUST IN: Why Terence Crawford is not concerned about judging, plans

Tyson fought Paul last November in an event that was widely mocked. Paul, who is 31 years younger than Tyson, won in an eight-round unanimous decision. The fight actually counted towards the official record of both fighters, with Tyson dropping to 50-7 for his career.

Tyson said he was “really depressed” after fighting Paul.

“It was, like, depressing, I was really depressed. I said how could we ever top this? Nobody could ever top this. We broke the whole television system,” Tyson added. “And this came up. I gotta be careful what I ask for. I might get it, huh? Listen, I wasn’t expecting this. This guy just came out talking some mad s—. I didn’t say nothing to him or anything. I love Floyd. He’s talking crazy.”

Mike Tyson says he's only fighting Floyd Mayweather because “he started talking crazy”

Watch full interview on our YouTube channel: https://t.co/eKSxWFQQdI pic.twitter.com/XBRqaWkrZe

— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) September 12, 2025

Mayweather is 48, so he and Tyson are much closer in age than Tyson and Paul. Floyd has not had an official fight since 2017, though he has taken part in several exhibitions. His latest was a non-scored bout against John Gotti III in August 2024.

The big question is whether Tyson will be healthy enough for even just an exhibition against Mayweather. He dealt with some issues that forced a postponement with his fight against Paul, but the event still generated a ton of hype and money. Tyson’s exhibition against Mayweather will do the same if it winds up happening.

BOXING

Why Terence Crawford is not concerned about judging, plans

Terence Crawford not concerned about judging, plans to win decisively

Coach Eddy Reynoso is predicting that Canelo Alvarez will knock out Terence Crawford on Saturday night and that the Mexican star “still has it.”

Crawford’s trainer Brian “BoMac” McIntyre forecasts a different scenario in which the fight between the pound-for-pound greats is so clearly in their favor that the judges won’t have a difficult time submitting their scorecards for the win.

One of the prognostications will prove to be untrue, and the global audience tuning in on Netflix will be able to judge for themselves once the opening bell rings at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday night.

READ: VIDEO: How Canelo’s Legacy Would Be ‘Massively’ Tarnished By

“Terence has to just be himself. He has the IQ to win. He has the will to win,” McIntyre told The Ring. “I ain’t going to say that [Canelo’s best days are behind him]. He probably rises to the level of competition, and this competition right here that he’s about to step into the ring with is the highest imaginable.”

Alvarez is seemingly encountering a decline at 35. His last seven fights have reached the final bell, and a 2022 loss to Dmitry Bivol was sandwiched in between. Although he’s dropped four out of his last five opponents, he hasn’t stopped anyone since knocking out Caleb Plant in 2021.

“We don’t know [if his power is overrated],” said McIntyre. “We won’t know until we get in the ring with him. He can come out there differently with pillows in his hands.”

Crawford insists he’s not concerned about judging and being announced as the rightful winner, if he deposits a definitive performance against the betting favorite Alvarez.

“That’s not my focus,” Crawford said during a press conference Thursday. “My focus is to go out there and do what I do best, and that’s to win the fight decisively. That’s what I am looking forward to doing on Saturday … I’m here for a reason, and God doesn’t make mistakes.”

Alvarez has received favorable scorecards in the past in close fights.

When he fought Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2013, one of the judges curiously scored it a draw in a fight Alvarez admitted he lost. For Alvarez’s first two fights against Gennadiy Golovkin, a draw and a majority decision win, judges demonstrated that his opponent needed to go above and beyond reasonable doubt to win close rounds. It can also be argued that the Alvarez-Bivol fight could have been scored wider than the three 115-113 scorecards that were submitted in favor of the Russian.

Experienced officials will be handling Saturday’s fight.

The judges are Tim Cheatham, Max De Luca and Steve Weisfeld, who most recently worked together to score Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios a majority draw. Thomas Taylor is the referee.

Crawford and McIntyre aren’t losing sleep that they could perhaps suffer the same fate Pernell Whitaker did when he faced Mexican legends Julio Cesar Chavez and Oscar De La Hoya and wound up with unfavorable cards, despite appearing to win those fights.

“Stay tuned for this masterpiece,” said McIntyre. “Confidence [comes from the gym]. We’ve had to work for this. I love Terence’s energy. It’s all about Bud whooping Canelo’s ass.”

GOLF

Tiger Woods shows true colours with response after turning down

Tiger Woods shows true colours with response after turning down Ryder Cup offer

Tiger Woods has still made himself available for Team USA’s preparations for the Ryder Cup, despite turning down the opportunity to lead the side as captain. The golf legend, who boasts 15 major titles, hasn’t featured in the biennial showdown since 2018, when he suffered defeats in all four of his individual encounters.

Team Europe went on to claim victory in what represents one of eight triumphs for them across the past 11 Ryder Cup tournaments. Woods had been tipped as a potential skipper for Team USA earlier this year as they seek to alter the balance of that record.

READ: Inside the Rapid Rise and Impressive Progress of Tiger Woods’

However, the 49-year-old declined the role, acknowledging that his commitments with the TGL and his participation in PIF talks had consumed much of his schedule. But he’s shown his class by still doing what he can to lend a hand.

Back in February, the sporting legend explained: “I just didn’t feel like I would be doing the captaincy or the players in Team USA justice if I was the captain with everything that I have to do.”

Following Woods’ decision to step aside from the captaincy opportunity, Keegan Bradley was subsequently selected for the role, with the 39-year-old announcing his player picks for Bethpage Black later this month back in August.

Bradley revealed his shock at being chosen as captain whilst acknowledging he had discussed the appointment with Woods, stating: “I don’t think I’ll ever be more surprised by anything in my entire life. I had no idea. It took a while for it to sink in.

“I’ve spoken to Tiger a bunch. I spoke to him this morning on the phone. He’s been very helpful. Tiger has always been really helpful to me. He’s a great voice to hear and he’s been nothing but – he’s been reaching out to me helping me, which has been amazing.”

Prior to Bradley confirming his selections for Team USA, rumours were rife about whether he’d choose himself and become the first playing captain at the Ryder Cup since Arnold Palmer.

During his considerations, Golf Channel’s Ryan Lavner revealed on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast that he sought guidance from Woods, who has first-hand knowledge of the situation, having been the inaugural playing captain in Presidents Cup history back in 2019.

Laver commented: “He certainly has sought the advice of Tiger Woods, who keep in mind was a playing captain in 2019 [at the] Presidents Cup. I think the onus is going to be on Keegan Bradley.

“He can rely heavily on Jim Furyk, a guy who’s been there and done that, he can rely heavily on Brandt Snedeker, who was part of the back-room staff last year at the Presidents Cup.”

Woods proved entirely successful in his double role as he claimed victory in all three matches he contested at the tournament, guiding the U.S. to triumph. Bradley’s squad, meanwhile, features automatic qualifiers Scottie Scheffler, J. J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English and Bryson DeChambeau.

The final six captain’s selections were announced as Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns.

CELEB NEWS

VIDEO: ‘Dodgy looking’ clip of Trump playing golf in Scotland spa

‘Dodgy looking’ clip of Trump playing golf in Scotland sparks cheating debate

In Golf in the Kingdom, a classic sports book about adventures on a mystical Scottish links course – and the spiritual growth that can take place there – the narrator’s ball ends up buried in a gorse bush.

His appeal to the local pro/guru he is with to drop the ball clear of the thorns is met with a brusque: “Play it like it lies. It’ll come out.” The ball stays put, but the ordeal leads to life lessons being learned.

READ: Donald Trump ‘lie’ over number of golf championships exposed af…

The principle of playing the ball as it lies is a central one in golf – rule 9 according to the world’s two main governing bodies, the R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA).

So it is not surprising that eyebrows have been raised across the world at an apparent loose interpretation of the principle by Donald Trump while golfing in Scotland. A viral clip appears to show that as Trump approaches a bunker, an aide discreetly drops a ball just outside the sand trap. Trump springs from his buggy, club in hand and heads toward the ball, apparently eager to strike it from this friendly spot.

BOXING

VIDEO: Floyd Mayweather claimed a former world champion was r

Floyd Mayweather claimed a former world champion was robbed against Muhammad Ali.. ‘Go back and look at the fights’

Floyd Mayweather believes one legend beat Muhammad Ali on three separate occasions.

‘Money’ and ‘The Greatest’ are two of the best competitors to have ever laced up the gloves.

Ali once brawled with Joe Frazier during an interview, showcasing his showmanship, while also producing breathtaking performances against ‘Smokin’ and George Foreman to prove he could walk the walk as well as talk the talk.

JUST IN: “A Big Mistake”: Manny Pacquiao’s Manager Admits They Made A

However, his countryman is adamant that there’s one boxer that he didn’t truly deserve to beat.

Floyd Mayweather says Ken Norton won all three fights with Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali fought Ken Norton three times.

‘The Jawbreaker’ won the first outing via split decision. ‘The Louisville Lip’ then bounced back with a split decision win of his own in the second bout, before settling the rivalry with a unanimous decision win in the third clash.

However, Floyd Mayweather is adamant that the man considered by many to be the best boxer ever, lost on every single occasion.

In an interview with Club Shay Shay, in 2020, he claimed: “Ken Norton really beat Ali all three times, go back and look at the fights.”

‘Floyd Mayweather and Muhammad Ali are vastly different figures’, says Hall of Famer

Mayweather and Ali were both incredibly talented operators.

The pair both mesmerized fans with their remarkable defensive skills.

However, while both were renowned trash talkers, in the eyes of one boxing personality, they’re not remotely similar figures.

BOXING

“A Big Mistake”: Manny Pacquiao’s Manager Admits They Made A

Manny Pacquiao’s Manager Admits They Made A ‘Horrible Choice’ With One Opponent: “A Big Mistake”

Manny Pacquiao‘s manager Sean Gibbons has revealed his regret in signing off one fight in particular for the Filipino great.

‘PacMan’ made a sensational return to the ring last month as he challenged reigning WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 19.

Despite the best efforts of the 46-year-old eight-division world champion, the fight was declared a majority decision draw with two out of the three judges at ringside scoring the bout 114-114 even, whilst the other had it 115-113 in favour of Barrios.

JUST IN: Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford undercard fight in jeopardy as

Speaking to The Ring Magazine, Pacquiao’s manager Gibbons shared his thoughts on Pacquiao’s 2021 clash with former WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas, who was drafted in as a late notice replacement after Errol Spence Jr pulled out of facing ‘PacMan’.

“It’s real simple, you’re fighting a 5-foot-10 southpaw. Next thing you know, you’re fighting a [expletive] octopus, the worst possible style for Manny Pacquiao. We rolled the dice and came up with snake eyes, it was a horrible choice and I blame myself a lot for it. Manny ultimately said, ‘Hey, the show has gotta go on,’ because that’s the kind of guy Manny is. But we made a mistake there, it can all be made up for with a win here.”

Ugas pulled off the performance of a lifetime to defeat Pacquiao via unanimous decision when they clashed at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in June of 2021, successfully defending his WBA world title at 147lbs in the process.

Ugas couldn’t capitalise on this impressive victory however, as he suffered consecutive defeats to Errol Spence Jr and Barrios in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

As for Pacquiao, he has announced that he plans to return to the ring in December following his draw with Barrios earlier this summer.

BOXING

Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford undercard fight in jeopardy as

Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford undercard fight in jeopardy as legal action threatened

Promoter Don King is looking to prevent Michael Hunter from fighting Jarrell Miller.

The heavyweight clash was recently announced for September 11, as part of an unprecedented three-day undercard for Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford’s undisputed super middleweight showdown.

However, King, who claims to have a legally binding contract with Hunter, has issued a cease-and-desist letter to event organisers TKO Group Holdings and their financiers, SELA.

JUST IN: VIDEO: How Canelo’s Legacy Would Be ‘Massively’ Tarnished By

King has a grievance with the fight as he recently won the purse bids in May to stage Kubrat Pulev vs Hunter for the lesser WBA ‘regular’ heavyweight title.

“They continue to disobey the WBA and its clear directive on the Pulev-Hunter championship fight,” said King in a press release distributed to various members of the media.

“Hunter is under contract to Don King Productions, and he’ll be fighting for a world championship.”

King won the promotional rights for the bout with a $1.1million bid.

The Hall of Famer was the sole bidder as Pulev’s promotional outfit, Epic Sports & Entertainment, refused to take part after Hunter claimed he was a free agent.

The WBA subsequently denied two appeals from Pulev’s promoter to have the fight thrown out.

Pulev vs Hunter has been slated to take place on August 23 in Florida, but the confirmation of Hunter vs Miller for three weeks after the proposed date has thrown a spanner in the works.

In light of the announcement, WBA interim champion Fabio Wardley has instructed his team to explore a shot at Pulev’s belt.

“I think the WBA said that this has to be cleared up before the end of the year, so whoever has the interim belt has to fight for the regular belt before the end of the year,” Wardley told Ring Magazine.

The Ring has confirmed that a cracking heavyweight showdown has been finalized between top contenders Jarrell Miller and Michael Hunter.

The fight will headline an event on September 11 in Las Vegas as part of the MASSIVE Canelo vs. Crawford fight week. pic.twitter.com/wVZJLGU7ED

— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) August 10, 2025

“So if that doesn’t happen, we have to have a word with the WBA and say, ‘Hang on, what are we doing here?’

“I’m not the one holding things up. I’ve done my job, won by knockout, so how do we get things moving?

“We are hot on that, we’re checking in and making sure things are moving properly.

“This is just boxing at the top, isn’t it? It all gets a bit stop-start and stagnant.

“Right now, my plan is to fight for that regular belt, and I’m not looking at other options.

“Sometimes you have to wait and hold your position. I’m at the point now where I don’t have to fight for the sake of fighting.

“It depends on what the WBA say, but my argument will be that I’ve done my job, I’m busy, I’m active and also ready to go now.”