Keith Thurman has offered to take Canelo Alvarez’s place in fighting Terence Crawford, should he pull out.

Canelo is set to defend his undisputed super middleweight belts against undefeated ‘Bud’ in Las Vegas on September 13.

Crawford, the reigning WBA super-welterweight title holder, is moving up two weight classes in order to face the Mexican icon.

JUST IN: WBO Takes Big Decision About Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford Superfight

With both men two of the finest boxers of their generation, fans could be in store for a fight of the century contender.

The event, part of Riyadh season and in partnership with Dana White and Sela, is one that most boxers are trying to be a part of.

That includes former two-time world welterweight champion, Keith Thurman, who revealed that he has contacted Crawford to say that he is available to step in should Canelo pull out.

Thurman returned to the ring in March, following a three-year hiatus to beat Brock Jarvis in the third round by way of knockout.

When speaking to MillCity Boxing, Thurman said: “He [doesn’t] really need to see me but I told Bud, I DM’d him actually recently.

“I said ‘Hey man, if Canelo pulls out, I’m here.

“If anything happens to Canelo, Bud, I’m here just let me know’.”

Crawford responded with a laugh, saying: “We good pimp, we good, we got this.'”

Turki Alalshikh recently announced his extensive plans for the undercard, with Thurman potentially having a chance of being a part of Canelo vs Crawford after all.

As two of the pound-for-pound greats are gearing up to fight, the main event is anticipated to be the most-viewed boxing event of all time.

It’s no surprise that the undercard of the fight is such an appealing prospect to boxers, especially with it being the potential final fight for Crawford.

If September 13 is the final fight of Crawford’s illustrious career, he’ll certainly be hoping to face Canelo as planned.

‘Bud’ currently boasts a perfect professional record of 41-0, with 19 consecutive world-title bouts.

Assuming he doesn’t retire, a win against Canelo could see Crawford going down the path to becoming the first male three-weight undisputed champion.

Canelo’s professional record currently stands at 63-2-2.

The 35-year-old’s opponent has been fighting for 20 years, with 27 of the Mexican’s bouts being world-title fights.

Both men are accomplished four-division champions, but only one will emerge the winner of this bout.

When two of boxing’s fiercest pound‑for‑pound talents finally lace up for a megafight, the intrigue doesn’t stop at the ring ropes.

In the lead‑up to the highly anticipated September clash at Allegiant Stadium – a veritable “once‑in‑a‑lifetime” showdown – the World Boxing Organization has quietly made a decision that shifts the narrative even further.

Canelo Alvarez: the Mexican superstar, widely recognized for his dominance across four weight classes, recently reclaimed undisputed super middleweight gold by defeating William Scull on May 3 – he now holds the WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBF titles at 168 lbs. On the opposite side stands the American southpaw phenom, unbeaten at 41–0 with 31 KOs, who already etched his name in history as a four‑division undisputed champ. He’ll be moving up two weight classes for this high‑stakes event.

JUST IN: Terence Crawford Reveals The Only Fights That Interest Him After Canelo

But here’s the twist: in recent days, Crawford has officially vacated his WBO Interim Junior‑Middleweight (154 lbs) title, a move confirmed not just by social media buzz, but by the WBO itself. BoxingScene headlined it plainly: “Terence Crawford has been installed as the WBO’s number‑one contender at super middleweight after vacating their lightly regarded interim junior‑middleweight title.” Meanwhile, the WBO President Gustavo Oliveri reportedly stated that Crawford “will not return to the super welterweight division and will vacate his interim belt” now that the fight with Canelo is official.

Jumping into the ring at 168 lbs, Crawford isn’t just shaking up the bracket – he’s claiming the top spot. According to WBO communications via Facebook, he’s been formally recognized as their No. 1 contender and mandatory challenger at super middleweight. TalkSPORT echoes this, noting that Crawford “will relinquish his WBO ‘interim’ super welterweight title when the fight with Canelo … is officially declared, though Crawford remains the reigning WBA super welterweight champion.”

Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford trade respect before the storm

For a man long used to commanding the spotlight, the Mexican maestro seemed almost casual as he sized up the enormity of what’s ahead—a showdown that could rewrite legacies. Yet, in a surprising twist during his conversation with Ring Magazine, the four‑division champion gave a nod not just to himself but to those who share his lofty perch in the sport. When pressed to name his top pound‑for‑pound trio, the red‑haired titan quipped, “Beside me, ok. I think… Usyk, Inoue and Crawford.” That acknowledgment, delivered with a knowing pause, served not only as a rare public compliment but also as a subtle reminder: he views the undefeated Nebraskan as more than just another challenger.

If that moment had fans murmuring, the press tour stops dialed the intrigue up further. Speaking to a packed crowd in Las Vegas, the 35‑year‑old made sure to double down on his admiration, telling the assembled press, “Crawford is one of the best fighters in the last decade, and I’m glad to be here… These big fights don’t need to talk [expletive] about each other. That’s what I think.” He didn’t stop there, painting a picture of perpetual preparation: “He’s a good fighter. He have everything. He’s a complete fighter. He have a large experience. He’s a great fighter. I never underestimate my opponents. I always train like I’m gonna fight Mike Tyson in his era.” For a man famed for his poker‑faced bravado, this kind of candor underscored how seriously he’s taking his next dance partner.

Across the promotional circuit, however, the unbeaten technician from Omaha wasn’t merely soaking up the flattery. Instead, he balanced reverence with ambition, admitting in Las Vegas, “I don’t even know the last time I’ve been this excited for a fight… September 13, it’s going to be a great night of boxing.” With his 41‑0 record on the line and his first foray into the 168‑pound cauldron looming, he leaned on a touch of faith to explain the timing, telling reporters, “Listen, this is the one… God don’t make no mistakes. It’s the reason why he waited all this time to put me on this stage with another all‑time great like Canelo. Two Hall of Famers going head to head in one of the biggest events in the last 20 years. I’m looking forward to it.” His respect for Alvarez is evident, but so is his hunger.

That hunger came unfiltered in New York, where tension briefly spilled into a shove during their face‑off, and the American made his mission clear. With a steely calm, he told Arab News, “I’m hunting him. That’s it. I’m hunting everything that he has got, and I am going to take it come Sept. 13th. I am very confident. This is my time.” Even while tipping his hat to Alvarez’s skills—“Everything impressed me about Canelo. I’m a big Canelo fan. This is business. Like I said in the last press conference, I’m coming to take everything you got”—Crawford left no doubt: mutual respect is the appetizer, but only one man leaves Allegiant Stadium on September 13 with the main course.

The table’s set, the stakes are at their peak, and history is on the brink of being forged in blood, sweat, and legacy. Two of the sport’s greatest are set to clash—and the world will be tuned in.

Terence Crawford is fast approaching what is undoubtedly the biggest fight of his professional career.

The 37-year-old from Omaha, Nebraska is set to face Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez for the undisputed super-middleweight championship on Saturday September 13 at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.

It will be Crawford’s first appearance at 168lbs, having spent the majority of his career campaigning at welterweight where he won the undisputed championship when he defeated fellow countryman Errol Spence Jr back in 2023.

READ: Canelo Wants To Move Away From Super Middleweight Division To Face One Man After Terence Crawford

The American superstar did make the move up to light-middleweight last August however, dethroning former WBA world super-welterweight champion Israil Madrimov to become a four division world champion in the process.

‘Bud’ could write his name into the boxing history books once again should he be victorious over Canelo, as he bids to become the first male fighter to win an undisputed championship across three weight classes.

As he gears up for what could be a legacy defining night for himself, Crawford has spoken out and revealed on All The Smoke Fight that he could be tempted to move back down to 154lbs to become undisputed there.

“I’m [fighting Canelo] for the opportunity, baby. The legacy. The legacy outweighs the money. Three-time undisputed. Oo-wee. Coming soon … I might go back down to 54 and do it [become undisputed] again. I might go back down and do it again. You don’t know what I’m gonna do.”

Should he opt to make the move back down to super-welterweight after his showdown with Canelo, ‘Bud’ could set up a clash with either WBC champion Sebastian Fundora or IBF champion Bakhram Murtazaliev. The WBO crown is currently vacant, although rising star Xander Zayas could capture the vacant title on July 26.

Terence Crawford’s latest training footage has raised concerns among fans who feel the added weight may be slowing him down ahead of his September 13 bout with Canelo Alvarez.

Crawford will jump two weight classes to challenge for the undisputed super middleweight title in what is only his second fight above 147. After beating Israil Madrimov at 154 pounds, Crawford now prepares to fight at 168 — a division where Canelo has reigned supreme, having become undisputed on two occasions. Crawford showed in the Madrimov fight that he could be hurt, with some even feeling Bud lost the fight. Similar power shots from Canelo could cause extensive damage.

Reports indicate Crawford has bulked up from 155 to 186 pounds during camp, with a focus on resistance training and eating more. While that may help with size and power, fans have noticed a drop in speed and sharpness in recent footage. The following clip shows Crawford in the gym, as the American has bulked up.

READ: Canelo Wants To Move Away From Super Middleweight Division To Face One Man After Terence Crawford

Reaction

Roy Jones Jr. has previously spoken about the weight issue. Jermell Charlo tried and failed to beat Canelo Alvarez in 2023, coming up short on the scorecards when he jumped up from 154 pounds. Charlo, unlike Crawford, had boxed mostly at 154. Jones Jr. gave his take ahead of the Canelo fight, saying he expects Alvarez to control the action. However, he believes Crawford has a real shot — but only if he dominates the center of the ring and forces the pace. Interestingly, Jones did not see weight being the issue.

“The weight won’t be the factor, the factor will be how Canelo chooses to make the fight. Canelo comes out and does what Canelo should do, Canelo wins the fight. If Canelo comes out and does what he shouldn’t do, Crawford wins the fight (Crawford must) control the center of the ring. If Crawford is allowed to control the center, he’ll win,” Jones said 

Terence Crawford is preparing for the biggest fight of his career, moving up two weight classes to take on undisputed super-middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez.

But an old sparring video is once again sparking debate about his chances to win the mega-fight.

The video shows Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) and current WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames going head-to-head, with Adames getting the better of “Bud” on several exchanges. Now it’s being used by critics as a way to question Crawford’s move to 168 lbs from his current division, 154 lbs.

READ: “He Really Might Pull Out”: Gervonta Davis vs Lamont Roach Rematch In Jeopardy

The video reportedly dates back to when Crawford was a lightweight (135 lbs), which is a division he hasn’t fought at since 2014. Adames (24-1-1, 18 KOs) was fighting at welterweight (147 lbs) at the time, meaning there was at least a 12 lbs difference between the two boxers.

Despite the video being recorded a long time ago, critics use it as pinning point to why Crawford’s size won’t translate to super-middleweight. “Bud’s” last fight was Aug. 3rd, 2024, where he beat Israil Madrimov by unanimous decision to win the WBA junior middleweight title, his first fight at 154 lbs. Now, he is jumping up 14 more pounds to fight the cash cow of boxing.

Although he has critics, many supporters have defended Crawford, pointing out that sparring sessions don’t really emulate a real fight. Not to mention that sparring is usually the time for fighters to practice and implement new arsenals to their game.

The video may add fuel to the haters, but realistically it’s not a representation of Crawford’s odds against Alvarez (63-2-2, 39 KOs). And on top of that, “Bud” is the rare breed of special boxers that could adapt to any scenario he’s put in. He’s not the No. 3 pound-for-pound in the Ring Magazine rankings for no reason.

Canelo vs Crawford is a fight that mixes the entertainment value of Riyadh Season with the narrative of the best fighting the best. Whatever happens Sept. 13th, let’s hope it lives up to the hype.

On Saturday night September 13th, a mega fight is set to take place as two-time undisputed super-middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (63-2-2, 39 KOs) will defend his crown against former two-division undisputed champion Terence “Bud” Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs).

This extraordinary world title bout is set to take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, and it will feature two boxers who have both been fixtures at the top of boxing’s pound for pound list for multiple years. Canelo Alvarez has an admirable resume, and on September 13th he plans on adding the distinct accomplishment of placing a blemish on Crawford’s perfect record.

Canelo is a great boxer, but he doesn’t have an unblemished record, which means, there is a blueprint that Crawford can follow.

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CAN CRAWFORD FOLLOW THE BLUEPRINT THAT BEAT CANELO?

Back in September 2013, the unified super-welterweight world champion Canelo Alvarez was defending his titles against Floyd “Money” Mayweather.

Casual fans label Mayweather as a runner, but in the opening round against Canelo, Mayweather was the aggressor. Floyd Mayweather was constantly pressing forward feinting and changing levels with the jab. Mayweather was so sharp to the point that he made the first half of the fight look like a glorified sparring session. In the second half of the bout, Mayweather continued to overwhelm Alvarez with his movement, reflexes, the lead right hand, the left hook, and precise counter punching.

At the conclusion of the match, the scores would reveal that Canelo suffered his first career loss. Nine years later, Canelo Alvarez moved up to 175 to challenge the WBA light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol. The defending world champion displayed an immense amount of discipline as he stuck to his game plan. Throughout the championship bout, Bivol utilized movement, an active jab, and he routinely threw punches in bunches. At the conclusion of the 12-round contest, Dmitry Bivol was declared the winner via unanimous decision.

WHY CRAWFORD’S SKILLS GIVE HIM THE EDGE ON SEPTEMBER 13

Mayweather and Bivol navigated a path to victory against Canelo in their own unique ways. However, both men used some of the same tools such as being defensively responsible, utilizing movement, elite footwork, controlling the distance, having good timing, and precise counter punching.

Terence Crawford is an elite boxer who is capable of utilizing the same tools that Mayweather and Bivol used against Alvarez. On fight night, Canelo will obviously have the size advantage, but Crawford holds multiple advantages. The mega fight against Canelo is a bout that Crawford will win.

Crawford is a switch-hitter who is faster and more athletic than Canelo. Crawford has a high ring IQ, speed, good power, and impeccable timing. Crawford will cleverly use his ring generalship and skill set to pull off the biggest win of his career.

During the first couple of rounds, Crawford likes to download the data and basically gauge the range and distance. At this point of the fight, Terence Crawford is switching between the orthodox and southpaw stance. Once Crawford figures everything out, he will commit to fighting out of the southpaw stance. Crawford will have an active lead hand as he will probe, feint, and utilize the jab. Crawford will dictate the pace of the fight with his footwork and movement.

Canelo likes to use the high guard when he applies physical and mental pressure, but Crawford is aware of the tactic, and he will be prepared for it.

Crawford will neutralize Canelo’s guard with feints and level changes. Bud Crawford will make things easy for himself by boxing from the outside. The brief moments he is inside of the pocket, he will utilize foot work, good punch selection, precise timing, and he will be defensively responsible. On the night of September 13th, Terence “Bud” Crawford is going to execute his game plan by utilizing his skills, being smart, and staying disciplined. Canelo has the size advantage, but skills pay the bills, and Crawford plans on cashing in by winning and becoming a three-division undisputed world champion.

Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford never touched each other when they stood face to face Friday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

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