Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez weigh the same ahead of Las Vegas super‑middleweight title fight
Crawford hit the 12st limit as he bids to become the first male three‑division undisputed champion in the modern era
Terence Crawford weighed the same as Saul "Canelo" Alvarez on Friday as the unbeaten American moved up two divisions to challenge for the unified super‑middleweight titles in Las Vegas.
Crawford came in a half‑pound under the 12st (75kg) limit during a closed‑door official weigh‑in at the Fontainebleau, matching Alvarez on the scale ahead of Saturday’s fight at Allegiant Stadium. A public ceremonial weigh‑in and final face‑off are scheduled later at the T‑Mobile Arena.
The 37‑year‑old Crawford is aiming to become the first male three‑division undisputed champion in the modern era. He first captured a world title at lightweight, later unified the light‑welterweight and welterweight divisions, and moved up to light‑middleweight 13 months ago when he beat Israil Madrimov. Alvarez, 35, will defend the WBA (Super), WBC, IBF and WBO belts. The Mexican star has a professional record of 63 wins, two defeats and two draws and is staging his 21st fight in Las Vegas.
Photographs and footage from the closed weigh‑in showed Crawford in notably lean condition, his physique drawing comment from media and boxing figures. "It's been different because I don't have to worry about anything — the weight room, strength and conditioning, when I'm eating and things like that. I'm as happy as could be," Crawford told BBC Sport earlier in the week. He added that the relaxed weight routine had even allowed him to eat pancakes for breakfast, a small change from previous weight‑cut routines.
Crawford has never been dropped as a professional, and neither has Alvarez, but the move up in weight has prompted warnings from former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, who cautioned about the physical toll of taking punches from naturally bigger opponents. "It's not really easy coming up in weight. You get hit hard and sometimes it can affect you," Lewis told BBC Sport. "What Crawford has to realise is not to get hit to save his energy. He's coming up against a guy who can hit hard. To absorb those punches takes the energy out of you."
Pundits and some fighters have tipped Crawford to cause an upset in Las Vegas, pointing to his adaptability and ring IQ. Historically, challengers who move up multiple divisions have faced risks when confronting established, naturally heavier champions, however, and Alvarez's experience at super‑middleweight and his power at the limit are seen as potential advantages.
The fight represents a high‑stakes clash of legacy for both men: Crawford seeks a unique place in modern boxing history, while Alvarez looks to defend a haul of world titles and extend an already decorated career. The bout is scheduled for Saturday night in Nevada, with the ceremonial public weigh‑in at T‑Mobile Arena providing the final promotional build‑up ahead of ringside action.