Canelo, Crawford Trade Barbs in Saudi Arabia as the Super Race Beginning begins

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Terence Crawford launched their three cities tour in Saudi Arabia, launching a promotional campaign for the unquestionable world-class Super-Middleweight title for September 13 in Las Vegas.

At a press conference in Riyadh, Alvarez played the discussion of a close competition, arguing that Crawford, despite his achievements, is not at the same level.

“He’s a big fighter, but he’s not Canelo, I have the experience,” Alvarez said. “They only focus on my strength, but I have more than that. This match will be one of my best matches on my record.”

Crawford, who did not answer the comment, replied confidently: “Sure, their belts come home with me.”

Alvarez, 34 years old, can boast of 67 professional battles and 27 world title periods since debuting at the age of 15. Crawford, 37, holds an unspecified record in a world title matches, with 19 wins and a two -weight champion.

“I’m different. You’ll see,” Crawford added.

The race, invoiced as a genetic match, will take place at Allegiant Stadium, the home of NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders.

The 65,000 -seat area will also host the first boxing event promoted by the new UFC Dana White venture in collaboration with the Turki Alalshikh of Saudi Arabia.

Alalshikh, president of the General Authority of Entertainment and a key number in Saudi Arabia’s rapid investment in boxing, shared the scene with the fighters, but was the only one to ask questions during the first half of the event.

He criticized what he called “Tom and Jerry” battles and told Alvarez and Crawford that he wanted a race that delivered “smashing face”.

White, mainly absent from the event, has been involved behind the scenes for the revival of the partnership, which had previously stopped.

The press conference, heavy on spectacle and dramatic music, ended with a tense-off-off face between Alvarez and Crawford. Alvarez was the first to look away, though both remained complex throughout.

Crawford later described the conflict as the struggle he has pursued.

“I called Canelo out. He’s the last big fighter of that time – the Floyds, Pacquiaos, De la Hoyas, I wasn’t able to get these big battles, this is my big battle, this is my moment.”

Saudi Arabia continues to criticize the use of sport to enhance its international image, but its increasing influence on boxing remains evident, with more events that will follow under the new Alalshikh advertising banner, including Netflix emissions.