It’s a big fight with an even bigger paycheck.
Canelo Alvarez is guaranteed to make more than $100 million to fight Terence Crawford on Saturday, Sept. 13, said Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi matchmaker and deal broker who has led his country’s massive investment in boxing.
One of the biggest deals Alalshikh made is a three-fight deal with Alvarez. And on Sept. 11, during the final press conference before the two boxers face off, he responded when asked if he would become the first person to guarantee a Mexican athlete $100 million.
“No, you get the number wrong,’’ said Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. “… More than that.’’
Alalshikh, often referred to as “His Excellency,’’ offered no other details. But this fight will mark the second of the three-fight contract with Alvarez coming off his lackluster victory over William Scull by unanimous decision.
Alalshikh has been credited with putting together the fight between Alvarez and Crawford – two of the best fighters of their generation – and it will be live-streamed by Netflix. He also has brought in UFC CEO Dana White as a business partner.
“When Sheik Turki asked me to be a part of this thing, there’s absolutely no way you wouldn’t do it,’’ White said. “… It’s going to be an incredible fight on Saturday night and I’m honored to be here.’’
Terence Crawford seeks to quiet doubters
Crawford used the press conference as an opportunity to air his grievances, largely about failing to get the credit he thinks he deserves from the boxing world. He said people have taken issue with the quality of boxers he’s fought while going 41-0.
“And for what everybody say, I haven’t fought anybody,’’ Crawford said. “So come Saturday we’re going to all see.’’
That’s been a theme of the pre-fight buildup, Crawford saying he’s been disrespected while winning world titles in four weight classes. A victory over Alvarez (63-2-2, 39 KOs) would end the doubt about Crawford’s greatness, the boxer from Omaha, Nebraska, said.
“It’s been a long time coming, it’s been long overdue,’’ Crawford said, “and come Saturday I’m going to show the world what they’ve been missing out on.’’
Exuding confidence, Crawford said he thought he could beat Alvarez not only in boxing, but anything else.
“The only thing he probably can beat me in is horseback riding because I don’t ride horses,’’ Crawford said. “But anything else you don’t come close.’’
Not surprisingly, Crawford elicited boos from the pro-Alvarez crowd – and it brought a smile to his face.
Canelo Alvarez faces drought
Alvarez made no promises about ending his knockout drought. His last one came eight fights ago, when he beat Caleb Plant by ninth-round TKO in 2021.
“If the knockout come, good,’’ Alvarez said. “If not, I’m going to show why I’m the best.’’
Whereas Crawford griped about his doubters and agitated Alvarez supporters, Alvarez embraced the role of grateful champion.
“This fight for me is big,’’ he said. “It’s one of the biggest fights in my career.’’
But some people already are looking ahead.
One reporter asked Alvarez if, before the boxer’s career ends, he would fight David Benavidez, the WBA world light heavyweight champion. Alvarez has sidestepped that matchup, which likely would test Alvarez.
“Look, I never say no to anything,’’ he said. “We’ll see later, but I’m focused 100% on this fight.’’
This story has been updated with new information.