The boxing world was plunged into chaos just three days before the highly anticipated December 14 mega-fight between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Terence “Bud” Crawford, as reports surfaced that Canelo failed a drug test administered by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC). The shocking revelation, first leaked via an anonymous X post and later confirmed by ESPN sources, has jeopardled a firestorm of controversy, with the $200 million fight now in jeopardy and accusations of foul play flooding social media. Promoters, fans, and fighters are reeling, with Eddie Hearn’s 10-word outburst—“This is bad! We’re fighting to clear Saul’s name!”—capturing the pandemonium as the sport braces for its biggest scandal since Canelo’s 2018 clenbuterol controversy.

The Bombshell Drug Test Failure

According to sources, Canelo tested positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance during a routine pre-fight screening on December 10, 2025. While the NSAC has not disclosed the specific substance, early reports suggest traces of a prohibited anabolic agent, reigniting memories of Canelo’s 2018 six-month suspension for clenbuterol use, which he attributed to contaminated meat. The failed test has thrown the super-middleweight title fight into disarray, with the NSAC scheduled to hold an emergency hearing on December 12 to determine whether Canelo (61-2-2, 39 KOs) will be allowed to face Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

X exploded with reactions, with #CaneloCheats trending globally. One user posted, “Canelo caught AGAIN? Crawford deserves a clean fight!” Another wrote, “$200M down the drain. Boxing’s a circus now.” The timing—mere days before the biggest fight of 2025—has amplified the stakes, with Canelo’s $55 million purse and $20 million win bonus hanging in the balance, alongside Crawford’s $70 million payday.

Eddie Hearn’s Furious Defense

Eddie Hearn, Canelo’s former promoter and a key figure in his camp, addressed the crisis in a heated press conference outside the NSAC offices. “This is bad, but it’s not what it seems,” Hearn declared. “Saul’s a clean fighter, and we’re fighting to clear his name!” Hearn suggested the positive test could stem from a testing error or contamination, vowing to present evidence at the hearing. “We’ve been here before in 2018, and Saul came back stronger,” he added, referencing Canelo’s successful return after his suspension. Hearn’s plea rallied Mexican fans, who flooded X with #CaneloInnocent, posting clips of his past victories to counter the narrative.

Crawford’s camp, however, was less diplomatic. His trainer, Brian McIntyre, posted on X, “No excuses. If you cheat, you’re out. Bud’s ready regardless.” The statement, liked by thousands, fueled speculation that Crawford might demand the fight be canceled or seek a replacement opponent, with names like David Benavidez floating on X. Crawford himself remained silent, but a cryptic post—“Truth always comes out”—added to the tension.

The Boxing World Erupts

The scandal has drawn visceral reactions from across the sport. Mike Tyson, who recently hyped the fight as “the biggest of the decade,” expressed dismay on hisHotboxin’podcast, saying, “If it’s true, it’s a damn shame. Boxing don’t need this.” Tyson’s 10-word lament—“Cheating kills the sport; let’s hope it’s a mistake”—resonated with purists, who fear the scandal could tarnish the fight’s legacy.

Floyd Mayweather Jr., who previously claimed Crawford could never outshine Canelo, took a neutral stance, posting on X, “Let the commission do its job. Truth matters.” Meanwhile, Gervonta “Tank” Davis, a Mayweather protégé, didn’t hold back, tweeting, “Canelo’s always got an excuse. Bud should walk away.” Oleksandr Usyk, the heavyweight champion, urged caution, saying, “Wait for the facts. Accusations aren’t proof.”

Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman, who predicted Canelo’s footwork would be his downfall, shifted focus onFirst Take. “This is a disaster for boxing,” Smith roared. “Canelo’s legacy is taking a hit, clean or not!” Kellerman added, “If he fights and wins, the asterisk will haunt him forever.” Their analysis sparked heated X debates, with one user posting, “Canelo’s done if this sticks. Crawford’s the real champ now.”

Canelo’s Response and the Fight’s Fate

Canelo, visibly shaken, addressed the media briefly outside his Las Vegas hotel. His 12-word statement was defiant: “I’ve never cheated. I’ll prove it and fight for my honor.” The Mexican superstar, who has faced doping allegations before, vowed to cooperate with the NSAC while preparing for the worst. His team has hired top lawyers to challenge the test results, with sources claiming they’ll argue for a contaminated supplement or lab error.

The NSAC’s decision, expected by December 13, will determine the fight’s fate. Options include allowing Canelo to fight under probation, postponing the bout, or canceling it entirely, with promoters already scrambling to protect the $200 million purse. Saudi Arabia, a growing hub for boxing, has emerged as a potential backup venue for a rescheduled fight in 2026, according to Top Rank’s Bob Arum.

A Sport in Crisis

The scandal has reignited debates about drug testing in boxing, with fans and analysts questioning the sport’s integrity. X posts reflect the divide, with one user stating, “Canelo’s a legend, but two failed tests? That’s no coincidence.” Another countered, “Give him a chance to explain. Boxing needs this fight!” Italian fans, still buzzing from Jannik Sinner’s tennis triumphs, drew parallels, with one X post noting, “Canelo’s like Sinner—under fire but fighting back.”

The controversy also recalls Canelo’s 2018 saga, when he blamed tainted Mexican beef for his positive test. While he overcame that setback to become a four-division champion, this new allegation threatens to derail his legacy at 35, especially after reports of a sparring knockout earlier in 2025. For Crawford, the scandal could either pave the way for an easier victory or rob him of a defining moment.

What’s Next?

As the NSAC hearing looms, the boxing world is holding its breath. Will Canelo clear his name and face Crawford as planned, or will the fight collapse under the weight of the scandal? Promoters are bracing for a financial hit, with DAZN and sponsors pressuring for a resolution to salvage the $200 million event. X remains a battleground, with #CaneloCrawford trending alongside memes of Canelo’s past denials and Crawford’s stoic silence.

One thing is certain: this scandal has turned the biggest fight of 2025 into boxing’s biggest crisis. As one X user put it, “Canelo’s down, but is he out? Crawford’s waiting to pounce.” With the clock ticking, the sport’s future hangs in the balance.