In a stunning last-minute twist, Canelo Álvarez has pulled out of his highly anticipated fight against Terence Crawford, scheduled for September 13 at Allegiant Stadium. The announcement, made just minutes ago, has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, leaving fans and organizers reeling with only days to go. The Mexican superstar’s withdrawal, citing undisclosed reasons, has cast uncertainty over the blockbuster event set to stream live on Netflix.
The Sudden Withdrawal
The news broke at 12:58 AM +07 when Canelo’s team released a brief statement: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, Canelo Álvarez will not compete on September 13. Further details will follow.” No specific reason was provided, fueling speculation about injury, personal issues, or contractual disputes. The 35-year-old, who was set to defend his undisputed super middleweight titles, was a -205 favorite against the undefeated Crawford (+158), making this pullout a seismic upset.
The fight, billed as “Once In A Lifetime,” had been months in the making, with Canelo (63-2-2, 39 KOs) preparing to face Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs), who was moving up to 168 pounds. The sudden exit, with less than five days until the event, has left the boxing community scrambling.
Immediate Reactions
The announcement triggered an instant uproar on X, with #CaneloVsCrawford trending as fans expressed disbelief. “1 minute ago and my heart just stopped—WHAT HAPPENED?!” one user posted. Another speculated, “Injury? Canelo’s dodging again?” Terence Crawford’s camp has yet to comment, but the abrupt cancellation raises questions about his next move after months of preparation.
Promoters, including Dana White’s TKO Boxing and Turki Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season, are reportedly in emergency talks to salvage the card, which includes undercard bouts like Callum Walsh vs. Fernando Vargas Jr. Netflix, the exclusive broadcaster, faces a logistical nightmare with global viewership expectations.
Speculation and Context
Rumors are swirling, with some pointing to Canelo’s recent training camp intensity or a potential clash with his Emirates sponsorship obligations. Others recall his 2025 withdrawal from a planned Jake Paul fight, suggesting a pattern. Oleksandr Usyk’s recent “straight suicide” prediction for Crawford may also have played a psychological role, though no evidence supports this.
Canelo’s history of pulling out—most notably against Dmitry Bivol in 2022 due to injury—adds to the narrative. Fans on X are divided, with some defending him (“He’s protecting his legacy”) and others criticizing (“This is a cop-out”).
Impact on the Sport
The cancellation jeopardizes a fight seen as a generational clash, with Canelo’s power versus Crawford’s skill. Ticket holders at Allegiant Stadium face refunds, while the undercard fighters’ opportunities hang in the balance. The loss of this Netflix debut could also affect future boxing broadcasts on the platform.
Analysts suggest Crawford might seek a replacement opponent, with names like David Benavidez or Jermall Charlo floated on X. Canelo’s next steps remain unclear, but the fallout will likely dominate headlines.
What’s Next?
As of now, no official replacement or rescheduling has been announced. The boxing world awaits further details from Canelo’s team and the promoters. On X, a fan summed it up: “1 minute ago, the dream died—now what?”
This breaking news continues to unfold, with #CaneloVsCrawford at the center of the storm. Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops.
