Canelo Alvarez looked poised and confident today during the kickoff off press conference in Riyadh, telling Terence Crawford that he’s “Not” going to win their fight on September 13th in Las Vegas.
Interestingly, a defiant-sounding Crawford appeared to send a message to Turki Alalshikh without mentioning his name, saying, “I’m not going to let anyone tell me how to fight.” In other words, if Crawford chooses to use movement, like his trainer Brian ‘Bomac’ McIntyre mentioned he would, he’ll do it. This is what I was afraid of. Notice the attitude with Crawford?
Alvarez Confident, Crawford Defiant
What else would you expect from an aging fighter who is jumping up two weight classes to challenge Canelo at 168? Turki is going to be furious if Crawford turns the fight into a Tom and Jerry show, but it’ll be too late by then. Why in the world did Turki pick Crawford?
The way undisputed super middleweight champion Alvarez (63-2-2, 39 KOs) spoke, you could tell he’s going to beat the living daylights out of Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) if he comes to fight and not run.
Turki’s KO Bonus Unlikely
Turki mentioned that there would be a “bonus” for a KO in this fight. Obviously, that’s not something that Crawford will benefit from because he showed no power in his recent move up from 147 to 154 in his fight against ‘Little GGG’ Israil Madrimov last August. He got bigger but his power didn’t carry up.
Canelo Alvarez: “That was a deception for me. I came to fight, but you need two fighters,” said Canelo Alvarez at today’s kickoff press conference when asked about his thoughts on his last fight against William Scull.
“This fight is big, and for me, making history is my goal. I’m very excited about this fight. He’s a great fighter, but he’s no Canelo. I have the experience. They only focus on my power, but I have more than that.
Canelo Eyes Boxing History
“I think this fight will be one of my best. This is all about what I want to make history. He’s not going to beat me. Don’t worry about it. I think this fight is going to be in the history books. I know Turki is in your corner, but it’ll be difficult.
“You’re no different. I have not [Crawford won’t run]. The best fighter wins. I expect he’ll do a great fight. I’m just going to do my job. I’m a winner. I always think about winning.
Terence Crawford: “For sure, those belts are coming home with me. I’m going to bring some more jewelry home. Terence Crawford is going to be the first three-division undisputed champion. I’m a risk taker and I’m not scared.
“Any fighter can be knocked out. Canelo has a granite chin. He’s been hurt a couple of times, but given the right circumstances, anyone can be knocked out. I’m always going to rise to a big occasion. This is my moment, and I’m not letting Canelo take it away from me.
I thought my fight was a clear-cut victory. I think it wasn’t what fans were expecting of me. I’m cool with my performance and my victory,” said Crawford about his controversial win over Israil Madrimov last August.
“However way, I’m going to fight, and I’m going to win. I’m not going to let anyone tell me how to fight when I’ve been fighting my whole life. I won’t be running, I’ll tell you that. I will be doing a lot of touching.
“I called Canelo out because he’s the last great fighter of the era that surpasses us, the Floyds, De La Hoyas, and Pacquiao. He got the chance to fight the Miguel Cotto, GGG. I wasn’t able to get those mega fights. So, this is my moment. I’m never going to say a man can whoop me.,” said Crawford.
