The countdown to one of boxing’s most anticipated clashes intensified Thursday as Saudi Boxing Federation President and General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Alalshikh dismissed speculation of injuries to either fighter ahead of Saturday’s showdown between Mexico’s Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and American Terence Crawford.
Speaking at a press conference in Las Vegas, Alalshikh called talk of Alvarez suffering a knee issue or Crawford battling a shoulder problem “nothing more than unfounded rumors.” He stressed that both men are in peak condition for their super-middleweight contest, set to take place at Allegiant Stadium as part of Riyadh Season 2025.
“I want to thank Canelo for accepting this fight and agreeing to make it happen,” Alalshikh said. “We have signed with him the biggest contract in boxing history, covering three fights. On Saturday, I hope we witness a truly great fight where both fighters give everything they have. For me, their safety comes first, but fans around the world are waiting for the drama that reflects the essence of this sport.”
Alalshikh also underscored the symbolism of staging the bout in Las Vegas, long regarded as the spiritual home of boxing’s greatest nights. “This is a unique and exceptional moment, with a great company, on a global platform, and featuring two of the sport’s greatest legends,” he said.
Alvarez, visibly emotional, declared himself fully prepared. “This is one of the biggest fights of my career without a doubt. A victory here means a lot — it will be at the very top of my accomplishments,” he told reporters. Speaking in Spanish, the Mexican champion reflected on his journey: “Through discipline and sacrifice, I’ve reached where I am today. If I didn’t love this sport, it would have been much harder.”
On potential future bouts, Alvarez left the door open for a fight with David Benavidez but said his current focus is entirely on Crawford. He also praised sparring sessions with welterweight star Jaron “Boots” Ennis, noting, “You need strong opposition in training. Jaron gave me great work.”
Crawford, meanwhile, used the occasion to counter critics who claim he has not faced the toughest opposition. “On Saturday, we’ll all see the truth inside the ring,” he said. “Fights like this bring the best against the best, and that makes boxing stronger.”
Chasing history, Crawford highlighted his ambition to become the first man to be crowned undisputed champion in three different weight divisions. “Greatness means everything to me right now. This is how legends are made,” he said.
The press conference concluded with a tense face-off between Alvarez and Crawford, flanked by Alalshikh and UFC President Dana White. The final hurdle before fight night will be Friday’s weigh-in at T-Mobile Arena, as anticipation builds for a contest already billed as one of the biggest in boxing history.
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