Crawford vs. Canelo: The Fight That Shook the Boxing World

“Bud” and “Canelo”: A Duel That Transcends the Ring

Carl Washington, Terence “Bud” Crawford’s trainer, knows it well: this fight against Canelo Álvarez was the goal. “I was the one who pushed him to go after Canelo,” Washington states, referring to the expected fight that could be the last of its kind. Crawford, a boxer who has sought this opportunity for years, would finally face the contemporary face of the sport, Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez. Washington, owner of a gym in Omaha, Nebraska, has been a key figure in Crawford’s life since he was a child. It was he who, almost 30 years ago, asked the young Crawford if he wanted to box. Since then, he has witnessed his rise and his desire for greatness.

“Do you know what your dream fight would be?”, Washington asked Crawford. “‘Canelo. That way you and your grandchildren can retire'”.

Carl Washington

In the CW Boxing Club gym, young boxers, hoping to be world champions, prepare day by day. Washington remembers Crawford as a relentless child, with unwavering determination. He tells how, in his first fight, frustration led him to tears and the fury of wanting to fight without gloves. Crawford, who now has his own gym in Omaha, never forgot his roots. Despite suggestions to leave his hometown to succeed, he remained true to his people and his coach, patiently awaiting this opportunity. For much of his career, boxing politics prevented him from participating in big fights. But now, at 37, Crawford finally has the chance to prove his worth against Canelo, in a fight that already feels legendary. Washington proudly displays a “historic wall” dedicated to Crawford, with photos and newspaper clippings from his early days. It’s a tribute to the boxer who managed to get ahead. The oldest photo of Crawford, from when he was a child, is in the Washington family Bible. Terence “Bud” Crawford began boxing in his hometown, Omaha, Nebraska. For Bud, facing Canelo in the ring and defeating him has been a goal throughout his career.

Canelo Álvarez, for his part, is preparing for the fight at the UFC GYM in Reno, Nevada. Three weeks before the fight, the Mexican boxer adjusts details and focuses on his preparation. For Canelo, this is the most important fight of his career, an event that will be broadcast to millions of Netflix subscribers. Aware of the importance of this moment, Canelo takes care of every detail, avoiding risks that could compromise the fight. The Mexican boxer has reached a level of fame that forces him to seek isolation to train. His Mexican heritage also plays a fundamental role, as boxing remains a predominantly Latino sport.

“This will be one of the most important fights I’ve had,” Canelo declares. “I think it will be the biggest.”

Canelo Álvarez

For Canelo, losing at this stage of his career would be devastating. The fight, which is being billed as a historic event, represents an opportunity to solidify his legacy. The fight, which is being billed as a historic event, represents an opportunity to solidify his legacy.

Crawford weighed 167.5 pounds before the super middleweight title fight against Álvarez, who fought at the same weight, on September 13. This was the highest weight of Crawford’s career, as he made the jump from his previous divisions for the fight.

The Legacy of Boxing and the Shadow of History

The city of Reno, Nevada, hides a pugilistic past marked by racial tension and economic ambition. In the same place where Canelo is preparing for his big fight, a historic match was fought in 1910: Jack Johnson against Jim Jeffries. This event, known as “The Fight of the Century”, was a reflection of the racial tensions of the time. The victory of Johnson, the first black heavyweight champion, unleashed racial riots across the country. Boxing, in its early days, took place in clandestine locations. Over time, it became a massive spectacle, driven by cinema and radio. The Dempsey-Carpentier fight of 1921, also known as “The Fight of the Century”, was the first to be broadcast on the radio, marking a milestone in the history of the sport. Over the years, technology has transformed the way big fights are broadcast and consumed. Streaming has taken over, with Canelo at the forefront, signing a multi-million dollar contract with DAZN in 2018.

Jim Jeffries was dubbed the “Great White Hope” in heavyweight boxing when he came out of retirement to fight Jack Johnson, the first black heavyweight champion, at the height of the Jim Crow era for what was then promoted as the “Fight of the Century”.

Truncated Dreams and the Hard Road of Boxing

In the world of boxing, not all dreams come true. John “Juanito” Ornelas, a promising boxer, was deprived of the opportunity of his life when he was replaced in the Canelo-Crawford event. Instead of fighting in Las Vegas, he was forced to work in construction. Ornelas dreamed of honoring his brother’s memory, also a boxer, by competing on the big stages. His story is an example of the difficulties faced by working-class boxers, who struggle to make their way in a sport dominated by ambition and spectacle.

Boxing becomes a postponed dream for some. John “Juanito” Ornelas was scheduled on the preliminary card of Crawford vs. Álvarez, but was withdrawn weeks before his debut on the big stage for one of the biggest fights of the century. In Las Vegas, the contrast between yesterday’s and today’s boxers is evident. While Canelo prepares in a luxurious resort, the old boxers fade into oblivion. Jerry Izenberg, a veteran sports journalist, has witnessed the evolution of boxing for decades. For him, the Canelo-Crawford fight could be the last great event of an era that is coming to an end. Canelo Álvarez arrives in a black Rolls-Royce, personifying success and fame. The crowd cheers him, while Crawford receives a different reaction. The week leading up to the fight is filled with anticipation and excitement. The history of boxing is a constant search for saviors and spectacles.

The journalist Jerry Izenberg, who has written about American boxing for the better part of a century, has seen the ups and downs of all the major fights and with all the greats. On the night of the event, at Allegiant Stadium, the excitement is palpable in the air. Crawford and Canelo are about to face each other. The preparation has been intense, from promotional tours to the Netflix documentary. Now, there are only two men left in the ring, ready to fight.