Preliminary Card for Canelo vs. Crawford Fight Takes Shape
The preliminary card for the anticipated undisputed super middleweight title fight between Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford, which will take place on September 13th at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, is beginning to take shape.
In a clash of undefeated super middleweight knockout artists, Christian Mbilli (29-0, 24 KOs) will face Lester Martinez (19-0, 16 KOs), seeking a title opportunity. Mbilli, ranked number 2 in the super middleweight division, secured an impressive first-round knockout against Maciej Sulecki in June, securing the WBC interim title at 168 pounds. Martinez, representing Guatemala, is coming off a fourth-round knockout of Joeshon James in March and has stopped 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 360 Promotions and mentored by UFC CEO Dana White, has been a constant figure on UFC Fight Pass throughout his career. Walsh is expected to be one of the key boxers to drive TKO Group’s Zuffa Boxing. Vargas Jr., 28, and son of former world champion Fernando Vargas, last fought in May, achieving a knockout victory in the fourth round against Gonzalo Coria.
Also announced for the September 13th fight card, which will be streamed live on Netflix, is a six-round lightweight bout between Mohammed Alakel (4-0) of Saudi Arabia and John Ornelas (5-2).
