Preliminary Card for Canelo vs. Crawford Fight Takes Shape
The preliminary card for the highly anticipated undisputed super middleweight title fight between Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford, to be held on September 13th at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, is beginning to take shape.
Christian Mbilli (29-0, 24 KOs) will face Lester Martinez (19-0, 16 KOs) in a duel of undefeated super middleweight knockout artists, who will seek a title opportunity.
Mbilli, ranked number 2 at super middleweight, impressed in June by knocking out Maciej Sulecki in the first round, securing the WBC interim title at 168 pounds. Martinez, originally from Guatemala, is coming off a fourth-round knockout against Joeshon James in March and has finished six of his last seven opponents.
The co-main event will feature undefeated Irishman Callum Walsh (14-0, 11 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight bout against Fernando Vargas Jr. (17-0, 15 KOs).
Walsh, promoted by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions and mentored by UFC CEO Dana White, has been a constant figure on UFC Fight Pass during his career. Walsh is expected to be one of the key boxers to drive TKO Group’s Zuffa Boxing as they prepare for their launch. Walsh will have to overcome the son of former world champion Fernando Vargas, aged 28. Vargas Jr. last fought in May, securing a knockout victory in the fourth round over Gonzalo Coria.
In addition, it has been announced for the September 13th card, which will be broadcast live on Netflix, a six-round lightweight bout between Mohammed Alakel (4-0) of Saudi Arabia and John Ornelas (5-2).
