In a rainy morning in New York, the sun was shining for Canelo Álvarez. The Mexican boxer, despite the weather conditions, wore sunglasses, part of his strategy for the promotion of his expected fight against Terence Crawford on September 13th.
The promotional tour, consisting of three stops, brought Álvarez to the center of attention at the Javits Center, where the press gathered to cover the event. While most sought shelter from the rain, Álvarez radiated confidence and brilliance, perhaps influenced by his recent acquisition of a special edition Jacob & Co. watch, valued at almost half a million dollars.
During the interviews, Canelo’s sunglasses became a constant, protecting him from the intense light and reflecting his focus on the fight. The Mexican boxer, known for his seriousness, only shows emotion when talking about golf. The rest of the time, he concentrates on promoting the fight, which promises to be a crucial moment for sports fans, broadcast by Netflix and organized by Zuffa Boxing, under the TKO brand, with Dana White at the helm.
“This is huge for boxing,” Canelo stated. “I’m happy to participate in these kinds of fights that so many people can watch. Everyone has Netflix.”
Canelo Álvarez
In a nearby room, Crawford was equally reserved, going through the same cycle of interviews. Both boxers faced a tight schedule, with a previous visit to Saudi Arabia and an upcoming stop in Las Vegas.
The photograph that generated controversy
A detail that sparked debate among fans was a photo shared by Turki Alalshikh, a key figure in the organization of the fight, where Crawford and Canelo were shown sharing a dinner. The image, which showed the boxers in a relaxed atmosphere, generated mixed reactions among fans, who expected a more marked rivalry.
The expectation of boxing fans
In the world of boxing, rivalry and confrontation are essential elements in promoting a fight. Fans expect challenging looks, gestures of contempt, and an intense battle in the ring. However, the dinner shared by Canelo and Crawford generated surprise and debate.
Despite this, both boxers acknowledged that the dinner was somewhat uncomfortable. Crawford, who in the past was undisputed champion in the 135-pound category, will now face Canelo in a higher category. The dynamic between the two, who met in the past, seemed destined to be a meeting of two great figures who cross paths.
“I really don’t like this kind of thing,” Canelo confessed. “I don’t like being involved with my opponents. But let me tell you something: I saw it and I really want to punish him. I was thinking, I’m going to fuck this guy.”
Canelo ÁlvarezThe press conference
The press conference, led by Michael Buffer, was an event full of anticipation. The crowd, mostly in favor of Canelo, showed their support for the Mexican boxer. Crawford, for his part, received a mixed reception, but made it clear that he is ready for the challenge.
The atmosphere heated up when Canelo asked Alalshikh to reduce the size of the ring for the fight, which drew a strong response from Crawford.
“The only race I’m going to run is in his head. And he also has a big head.”
The press conference ended with a face-off between both boxers, a moment that generated tension and anticipation. White, known for his ability to remain calm, had to intervene to prevent the situation from getting out of control. The confrontation, which included a push from Canelo to Crawford, made it clear that the rivalry between the two is real and that an epic battle will be lived on September 13th.Al Bello/Getty Images para NetflixThe face-off
The face-off between the boxers was a moment of high tension. Crawford advanced towards Canelo, who responded with a push. White intervened, but the intensity of the moment was evident. The situation was repeated, showing the rivalry between both pugilists.
At the end of the photoshoot, Álvarez, without sunglasses and with his gaze fixed on Crawford, made it clear that there are no plans for future dinners and that the September 13th showdown will be a no-holds-barred battle.
