Alvarez sets up Crawford fight with Saudi deal

Saul ‘Canelo ‘ Alvarez, the star of Mexico, has agreed to a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season of Saudi Arabia in order to prepare for a super-fight with Terence Crawford in September.

Alvarez, 34, will face Crawford in a first-time Saudi fight in May, before coming up against him in a Saudi-sponsored fight in 2026.

“The deal is done”, Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s general entertainment authority, posted on X on Thursday.

Four-weight world champion Alvarez, who holds the WBA, WBC and WBO super-middleweight titles, replied: “Let’s go brother”.

The drama Alvarez-Crawford fight’s negotiations had reportedly broken down earlier on Thursday. Alvarez is alleged to have been in discussions with Jake Paul, a YouTuber turned boxer, in a separate deal in May.

But Alvarez, who has won 62 of his 66 professional fights, performed a U-turn late on Thursday following further talks with Alalshikh.

Crawford is the first man to hold his own in the two weight classes.

The 34-year-old – who is the WBA light-middleweight champion – has won all 41 pro bouts, but will be an underdog against the much heavier Alvarez.

It was on. It was off. The mix included a YouTuber. However, it seems like a deal has been made for the biggest fight in boxing after the intense drama of the past 24 hours.

Alvarez, a fighter whose popularity transcends the sport, had previously resisted Alalshkih’s advances despite Saudi influence in boxing.

One of the most anticipated and discussed fights in recent history will undoubtedly become Alvarez v. Crawford’s hot topic for the next seven months.

Both men are vastly experienced, incredibly talented and generational greats in their own right. The undefeated record lies with Crawford. However, there are significant weight differences between Crawford and Alvarez, who has won the lightweight division and Alvarez, who has moved up two weights.

In May, Alvarez will face off against IBF champion William Scull, giving the Mexican a chance to reclaim the belt and once more become undisputed at super-middleweight.

Crawford might then have the unique chance to challenge Alvarez and become a three-weight undisputed champion. Unconfirmed reports suggest Alvarez-Crawford could take place in a Saudi-organised card in Las Vegas on 13 September.