Boxing
Round box: Is Canelo-Crawford the best fight in the future?
Published
1 year agoon
The boxing schedule was filled with great duels over the next four months, including three fights, which you need to see: Canelo Alvarez vs. Terenca Crawford on the unquestioned Super Middle Championships, the rematch between the letters of heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois and the trilogical fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano. Other best fighters in action are the undisputed junior champion of Nayy Inoue and Junior Bantamweight, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez. And don’t forget to return the former master Manny Pacquiao and Jermall Charlo.
But what is the best upcoming duel? Will we see a novel pound king for pounds with all these great fights at the end of the year? Which warrior is best considered great nervousness? Which megafight would be perfect to add before the end of 2025?
Andreas Hale and Nick Parkinson share their thoughts and perform their types.
Currently, the best duel in the boxing schedule is …
Parkinson: Canelo vs. Crawford. The two best operators of this era will take various strategies for the ring on September 13. Canelo, 34, the undisputed master of super medium medium weight, has advantages of power and experience, because Crawford was the undisputed champion 140 and 147 pounds, accelerates two weight classes – after one fight for 154 pounds. Alvarez won his first 168-pound title seven years ago and won world titles in four weight classes during almost 20 years of career. However, the latest fight of Alvarez – the victory of the decision on William Scull at the beginning of this month – the fall suggested. From November 2021, he did not win a win in space. Maybe even chances. 37-year-old Crawford also a four-way world champion, could operate in branches of less weight, but he has the advantage and better boxing skills. This is a physical canelo vs. Technical Crawford, and this fight can be resolved with the most attractive margin.
Resilient: Canelo vs. Crawford is a must, but Taylor vs. Serrano 3 can be the best in the year. Considering how closely questioned – and extremely invigorating – their first two fights were, there is no reason to believe that the third meeting will be less than fireworks. The first two fights were decision-making victories for Taylor, but it can be argued that the series can be easily 2-0 in favor of Serrano. Unfortunately, here we are, and both warriors have something to prove and are adapted to each other. Taylor will be 39 before he enters the ring, but it seems that she has not lost his pace, while the Serrano-Master in the seven boxing divisions-has a greater course at the age of 36, but it seems to be as shrewd as before their first meeting in 2022. It is worth mentioning that these women appear as the head of the All-Women card in Madison Square Garden, may have significant mission in the future of women. The stake is individually and for this sport on a larger scale, when they meet on July 11.
Which warrior has the best chance of nervousness?
Resilient: Calling this nervousness indicates that in battle it is clearly weaker, so I will go with Dubois to Usyk. It is not about the controversial low blow, which caused Usyk at their meeting in August 2023 and more about how Dubois apparently simply falls into his physical foundation. It seems that 27 -year -old Dubois exists forever, but he changed the professional only in 2017, and two losses in space – to Usyk in 2023 and Joe Joyce in 2020 – should not define his career. Perhaps we saw the British at its best, when he completely evaporated Anthony Joshua in September last year, and the confidence he gained thanks to this fifth winning KO should move to his rematch from Usyk, Espn warrior No. 1 for pounds. Dubois knows what to expect after dividing nine rounds from UYYk and may have the time of his father as his secret weapon, taking into account that the ambiguous unquestioned master turned 38 in January. Dubois will have to be almost perfect to break the brilliant ring tactic, but he knows how to get to it and will have the opportunity to shock the world on July 19 at the London Wembley stadium.
Parkinson: Crawford’s movement, Ring IQ and Slick Boxing can get a win in points if he manages to keep it out of reach. Alvarez was not at his usual level in his last fight, victory in the decision on William Scull on May 3 in Saudi Arabia, but he will be better before a larger and more enthusiastic crowd in Las Vegas. The difference in this fight, however, will be Crawford’s ability to control the distance. Three years ago, Dmitriry Bivol unanimously overtook Canelo in a delicate weighty weight when he used his reach and stabbing to outline and outweigh Alvarez. Crawford has skills in his cabinet to do the same. It is pointed and enjoys a four -inch advantage. He can operate his leg work to avoid hazardous Canelo attacks on the body. Crawford can accelerate two classes to take part in Canelo, but it can turn away from blows and brisk meters. Technical brilliance and work of Crawford legs are enough to win a miniature decision.
The fight I would like to see the most before the end of the year is …
1:54
Nayya Inoue is burdened with Ramon Cardenas from the 8th TKO round
After early knocking out, Nayy Inoue burden Ramon Cardenas and wins TKO victory in the eighth round to keep his unquestionable junior championships.
Parkinson: Over the past five years, like many fans of the fight, I wanted to see the English heavyweight rival Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua divide the ring. But we are still waiting and the fight lose part of its charm. Instead of placing Fury vs. Joshua at the top of my wish list, I will go to the duel of the All-Japanese between the undisputed champion of the featherweight champion Inoue and Junto Nakrekani, the king of WBC Bantamweight. Drawany will face Ryosuke Nishida, IBF master, in the fight with the title of union on June 8, and if he wins, the demand will intensify about the start with Inoue. Skilledy, world champion in three weight and ESPN fighter No. 9 pounds per pound, broke in a win in the 3rd round over David Cuellar in February, and looks good to stay at Inoue’s clash in December. Inoue, fighter No. 2 ESPN and a four -way world champion, compiled 11 wins in a straightforward space, and the clash from Nakrekani would cause a lack of compromise, a crazy and furious meeting.
Resilient: Considering that it is unlikely that David Benavidez has a chance for Alvarez or a shot in the winner Dmitry Bivol-Artur Beterbiev 3 before the end of the year, I will change running with my choice and go with Jaron “Boots” Ennis vs. Vergil Ortiz Jr. at 154 pounds. These two have been encircled for years and are often omitted in conversation as the future of boxing in favor of Gervont “Tank” Davis, Shakur Stevenson, Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez (sorry, Ryan Garcia). But between the Ortiza changing power and Ennis’s pure athleticism, it is a showdown that can eventually achieve this year. Ennis, IBF and WBA welterweight master, was attacked by Lopez, but it is obvious that Ennis would be more comfortable competing with 154 pounds, where Ortiz currently has a WBC transition belt. Junior Division Middle is a bit sloppy, and Crawford currently had the title of WBA, and Sebastian Funda defended both WBO and WBC belts against Tim Tkom in the rematch on July 19, but Ennis-Wordiz does not need the title attached to him to be convincing. This fight does not have to marinate; It just has to happen.
Which warrior will end a year at ESPN rankings for pounds?
Resilient: Crawford. If “Bud” Crawford does what I expect that he would do and beat Canelo the undisputed in the third weight class, how can you refuse his place on the rankings? Although the current one is present No. 1, he cannot rise on the weight to do what Crawford is trying in September. And the current No. 2 Inoue does not have an opponent who is as achieved as Canelo. Crawford, currently taking third place, has every tool necessary to defeat Canelo, but also to become the first warrior who stopped the Mexican superstar. It has an absolutely nasty run that could take advantage of the decreasing capacity of Canelo as the fight has passed. The size difference will not be as huge as some do it, and Crawford can potentially facilitate this appearance. The only thing that stopped Crawford from above is inactivity that will be repaired after entering the ring from Canelo.
Parkinson: Usyk, after closing his career this year, two defensive titles of the world champion will remain at the top. Inoue will be ready to take control when Usyk follows his retirement plan after two consecutive fights, although Crawford will also have a sturdy argument to be number 1 if he defeated Alvarez in September. But as long as Usyk leaves, his achievements will remain before the rest. First for Utyk there is a rematch from July 19 with Dubois, which two years ago Usyk Ko’d. Usyk looks too good to worry him Dubois, and the final fight vs. Joseph Parker is probably waiting for him this year. Usyk defeated several huge names (Joshua and Fury twice each), after reaching the unquestioned status in the circuitous weight. He will go down as the best weight of his weighty era if he ended his career with a flawless record.
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Boxing
Deontay Wilder Set to Face Former Champion on Fury vs Joshua Undercard – Fight Official
Published
5 hours agoon
November 4, 2026
Deontay Wilder‘s return to the ring on the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua undercard has been officially announced.
The former WBC heavyweight champion was last in action back in April when he claimed a split decision victory over Derek Chisora at The O2 Arena in London.
It saw Wilder make it back to back wins after his seventh round stoppage against Tyrrell Herndon in June 2025, following a poor run of form that saw ‘The Bronze Bomber’ lose four of his last five contests before that.
Since the triumph against Chisora, Wilder had been linked to a clash with heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk, but after that bout failed to materialise, it has now been confirmed that the American will meet Jai Opetaia on the Fury vs. Joshua bill next month.
OFFICIAL: Deontay Wilder vs. Jai Opetaia joins the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua card in Cardiff, Wales.
Opetaia, the cruiserweight champion, moves up to heavyweight to face Wilder, one of the biggest punchers in boxing history.
Friday December 11
LIVE only on Netflix… pic.twitter.com/eYYjG48cZm— Netflix (@netflix) November 4, 2026
Opetaia is a two-time IBF cruiserweight champion, but has lost the belt on both occasions outside of the ring, the latest of those coming after a dispute with the governing body earlier this year saw him stripped of the title after his signing with Zuffa Boxing.
Despite no longer holding a world title, Opetaia is still regarded as one of the best cruiserweights in the world, and after his ninth round stoppage win over Noel Mikaelian in September, he currently holds an unbeaten record of 31-0.
He will now step up to heavyweight for the clash against Wilder at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on December 11, and even though he will be heading into a new weight class, the Australian is still set to be seen as a big favourite.
A victory for Opetaia could set up a huge showdown at cruiserweight against David Benavidez in 2027, but ‘The Mexican Monster’ may also be about to turn his attention to a clash with Usyk next year, after the Ukrainian announced his plans to return to 200lbs.
Boxing
Canelo Alvarez Seeks Crawford Rematch, But Purse Demands May Derail Plans
Published
8 hours agoon
November 4, 2026
Terence Crawford appears ready to talk business, yet Canelo Alvarez wanting a rematch is only part of the equation. The real hurdle sits with whether Turki Alalshikh will supply the massive purse required to draw Crawford out of retirement.
“Hurry up I don’t got forever or all day to be waiting,” Crawford posted on X.
A rematch between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford makes almost zero financial sense unless someone is comfortable eating an astronomical deficit just for the ego trip of staging it.
Crawford walked away from their first meeting with the undisputed crown, his undefeated record intact, and an estimated $50 million. If he comes out of retirement, he expects a raise, not a pay cut, and talk has suggested he wants numbers pushing toward nine figures. But where does the return on investment come from?
If Turki saw real value in a second meeting, the contract would already be signed and announced. The hesitation tells you everything about how that first fight went over behind closed doors. Turki is a fan who wants value for his money. He pays for violence, drama, and events that generate genuine international buzz. Crawford delivered none of that.
Crawford took the check, executed a safe, low-risk game plan, and left Las Vegas with the belts while the broadcast limped across the finish line. Why would any backer voluntarily line up to pay Crawford another record sum to repeat that exact same performance? The market has moved past Crawford anyway. At 168 pounds, there are younger, hungry fighters who fight with bad intentions, bring high punch volume, and come at a fraction of Crawford’s price tag.
From a pure boxing standpoint, taking no damage and collecting an enormous check makes sense for Crawford’s retirement fund. From a promoter’s standpoint, spending tens of millions to watch a guy jab, reset, circle, and coast to a decision feels like burning money.
When an event bleeds cash, promoters usually swallow the loss if it generates fanatical public demand for a sequel. That demand does not exist. Nobody outside of Canelo’s immediate camp is clamoring to see Crawford repeat the same cautious tactical performance. Canelo wants redemption because that loss damages his commercial standing, but Canelo wanting to fix his record is not Turki’s problem to solve with another fortune.
Throw in Crawford wanting a raise on top of what he made previously, and the proposition becomes absurd. Paying more money for a fight that previously delivered tepid action, zero viral highlights, and heavy financial losses defies basic logic. Unless Turki decides he simply wants to throw away millions to grant Canelo a personal favor, the checkbook stays shut.
Crawford is notoriously low-key and uninterested in selling fights outside the ring, and Canelo never plays the villain to get fans interested. Neither fighter is going to manufacture an entertaining promotional run to convince casual fans to shell out top dollar.
Canelo can campaign for the matchup publicly, but he cannot bankroll it alone. Just because Turki funded their first bout does not ensure the same checkbook opens for an encore, particularly at the price Crawford likely demands.
Even Saudi backers have to look at the balance sheet when the opening event already carried massive overhead and likely finished well in the red. Sinking another $120 million to $150 million into combined purses for two quiet personalities who produced a tactical chess match the first time around is an easy way to burn cash.
Canelo might want the opportunity to erase the blemish on his record, especially after getting past Christian Mbilli to pick up the WBC belt again. But wanting revenge and convincing someone to lose tens of millions of dollars to stage it are entirely different realities.
Boxing
Terence Crawford Sets Sights on Ryan Garcia at 160, Overlooks Boots Ennis
Published
12 hours agoon
November 4, 2026
Terence Crawford is calling out Ryan Garcia for a fight at 160 pounds, then taking cheap shots at him for chasing Floyd Mayweather. Crawford claims he wants back in, but calling out a guy two divisions below him is blatant cherry-picking when Jaron “Boots” Ennis is sitting right there at 154 with nobody to fight.
“What’s up @RyanGarcia 160?” Crawford posted on X.
Then came the fake apology: “Mybad @RyanGarcia you got Mayweather to focused on I forgot.”
Crawford is obviously hunting for an easy payday off Garcia’s social media followers. Dragging Garcia all the way to middleweight gives Crawford every physical advantage before the bell even rings. If Crawford actually wanted a challenge instead of an exhibition against a smaller name, Ennis is the guy who deserves the call.
Going after Garcia over Mayweather makes sense on paper. Garcia chasing a retired grandfather in an exhibition proves he prefers spectacle over real competition. Crawford has plenty of room to mock that circus, but begging Garcia to jump to 160 makes Crawford look just as desperate for a soft touch.
Then comes the money delusion. Crawford has not named an official price, but everyone knows he expects crazy money to lace up the gloves again. The problem is nobody is lining up to write an eight-figure check for this nonsense.
That exact greed is why the Canelo Alvarez rematch never happened. Canelo and Eddy Reynoso both talked about wanting the fight, but talk does not pay purses. Crawford expects Saudi-level payouts without anyone willing to bankroll his fantasy numbers.
Without an outside billionaire picking up the tab, ticket sales and regular pay-per-view buys would have to cover the whole bill. Normal fans are not paying massive prices to watch Crawford bully Garcia at middleweight. Crawford either accepts normal market money, or he stays home on his couch.
Right now, Crawford offered an absurd weight and some weak social media trash talk instead of a real fight proposal. Tweeting at Garcia is easy. Finding someone willing to overpay for Crawford to pick on small fighters is the part that will keep him retired.
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