Preliminary Card for Canelo vs. Crawford Fight Takes Shape
The anticipated preliminary card for the exciting undisputed super middleweight title fight between Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford, scheduled for September 13th at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, is beginning to take shape.
One of the featured fights will pit Christian Mbilli (29-0, 24 KOs) against Lester Martinez (19-0, 16 KOs), in a duel between two undefeated super middleweight knockout artists who will be looking for a title opportunity.
Mbilli, ranked number 2 in super middleweight, impressed in June by knocking out Maciej Sulecki in the first round, securing the WBC interim title at 168 pounds. For his part, Martinez, representing Guatemala, arrives after a fourth-round knockout over Joeshon James in March, adding six wins by the quick route in his last seven fights.
The co-main event will feature undefeated Irishman Callum Walsh (14-0, 11 KOs) in a 10-round bout in the super welterweight category, facing 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 throughout his career. Walsh is expected to be one of the cornerstones of Zuffa Boxing, owned by TKO Group, upon its launch. To do so, he must overcome the son of former world champion Fernando Vargas, 28, who achieved a knockout in the fourth round against Gonzalo Coria in his last fight in May.
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).
