CANELO ALVAREZ and Terence Crawford have finally CONFIRMED their Las Vegas super-fight – which will air on Netflix.
The pair will collide for the undisputed super-middleweight world titles – with UFC boss Dana White promoting the blockbuster.
GettyTerence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez have confirmed their Vegas super-fight[/caption]
Dana White said: “Turki wants to make the biggest fights that the fans want to see in boxing and this is right up my alley.
“Are you kidding me that the first boxing fight I’m going to get to promote is Canelo vs. Crawford? It’s literally a once in a lifetime fight.
“Live on Saturday, September 13, streaming globally on Netflix, two of the GREATEST boxers in the sport will meet in a historic fight from Las Vegas.”
After Canelo laboured past William Scull in Saudi Arabia in May, he won back his vacated IBF title to become undisputed super-middleweight king again.
And shortly after, unbeaten four-division champion Crawford stepped into the ring to face off with Canelo – flanked by Saudi boxing boss Turki Alalshikh.
The bout was first set for Friday, September 12 in Vegas with Netflix to air the fight with UFC boss Dana White to promote.
TKO Holdings – who own the UFC and WWE – signed a multi-year partnership this year to establish a boxing promotion alongside Alalshikh.
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As well as a UFC-style boxing league, two super-fights were set to be promoted by TKO and White every year.
And Canelo’s blockbuster against Crawford was always due to kickstart the partnership.
But then the cracks began to appear.
At one point, it seemed White and Netflix were OUT of the picture after Alalshikh said the fight would be promoted by Saudi-based Sela on pay-per-view.
He posted: “We have confirmed the promoter for Canelo vs. Crawford will be Sela for Riyadh Season.
“The broadcaster we have not decided yet but the date will be Saturday 13th September. More details soon.”
Alalshikh even said the fight could switch to New York or Los Angeles – despite the Las Vegas Raiders’ £1.5BILLION stadium being pencilled in.
Are you kidding me that the first boxing fight I’m going to get to promote is Canelo vs. Crawford? It’s literally a once in a lifetime fight.
Dana White
Vegas will still host the fight but the Raiders’ stadium is currently booked up for college football game.
The game will need to be shifted in date for Canelo to fight Crawford at the 65,000-seater.
As the details of the fight began to rapidly chop and change – White remained quiet fuelling speculation over his involvement.
But when the American returned to the spotlight to promote UFC 316 in Newark – he finally offered some clarity.
He told media after the event: “I’m promoting the fight. I’ll let you guys know when it’s time to let you guys know.”
White’s re-involvement in the event is also said to have been the catalyst in getting Netflix back on board.
The streaming service debuted in boxing in November when YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul faced the returning Mike Tyson.
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Despite the controversy surrounding Tyson’s comeback aged 58 – still over 100 MILLION watched Paul’s decision win causing the stream to crash.
Netflix follow up with Katie Taylor’s trilogy bout against Amanda Serrano on Friday, July 11 in an all-women’s card in Netflix.
The streaming giants are also in talks with the UFC over broadcasting rights – with ESPN’s expiring at the end of the year.
And White’s role as promoter of Canelo vs Crawford is believed to have convinced Netflix to return as broadcaster.
Canelo comes into the bout with all four 168lb titles while Crawford has not returned since beating Israil Madrimov for the 154lb title last August.
Champ Canelo said: “I’m super happy to be making history again and this time on a Riyadh Season Card that will be broadcast on Netflix.
“On September 13, I’m ready to show once again that I am the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.”
Crawford warned: “My perfect record speaks for itself. I am the best fighter in the world and no matter the opponent or weight class, I have always come out on top.
“On September 13, my hand will be raised once again as the world watches greatness.”
@danawhiteDana White will promote Canelo vs Crawford[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
