In a stunning revelation, boxing legend Mike Tyson has declared the upcoming Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford bout on September 13, 2025, as “the biggest fight in boxing history.” Speaking on The Big Podcast With Shaq, Tyson’s bold statement has sent shockwaves through the sports world, amplifying the hype for the clash at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The fight, pitting the undisputed super-middleweight champion Canelo against the unbeaten pound-for-pound star Crawford, is already dubbed “Once In A Lifetime” by promoters, and Tyson’s endorsement has elevated its status to historic proportions.
Tyson, a former heavyweight champion with an encyclopedic knowledge of boxing, emphasized the matchup’s significance, highlighting the rare collision of two generational talents. Canelo, 35, brings a storied career with titles in four weight classes and a dominant reign at 168 pounds, having defeated elite fighters like Gennady Golovkin and Caleb Plant. Crawford, 37, is chasing history as the first male boxer to become undisputed champion in three weight classes, having already conquered super-lightweight and welterweight. His recent victory over Israil Madrimov at 154 pounds showcased his adaptability, but moving up to face Canelo’s power at super-middleweight presents an unprecedented challenge.
“I want Crawford to win, but it doesn’t look like it’s gonna happen,” Tyson admitted, citing Canelo’s size advantage and devastating punching power. He referenced historical upsets, like Henry Armstrong’s 1938 victory over Barney Ross despite a significant weight gap, suggesting that Crawford’s speed and ring IQ could defy the odds. “Anything can happen when two men are in the ring,” Tyson added, fueling speculation about a potential upset. His comments, blending admiration for Crawford’s skill with respect for Canelo’s dominance, have sparked intense debate among fans on platforms like X, where posts about the fight are trending globally.
The event, promoted by UFC’s Dana White and backed by Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh, marks a new era for boxing, streaming exclusively on Netflix with no pay-per-view fee, a move that has drawn millions of viewers. The undercard, featuring bouts like Christian M’billi vs. Lester Martinez, adds to the spectacle. Canelo’s experience at 168 pounds, where he’s a two-time undisputed champion, contrasts with Crawford’s bold leap from 154 pounds, making the fight a test of skill versus size. Tyson’s prediction leans toward Canelo’s “smart fighting” and body-punching prowess, but he remains eager to witness the outcome.
The boxing community is buzzing with anticipation, with some analysts, like ESPN’s Mark Kriegel, favoring Crawford’s technical brilliance. Others, echoing Tyson, point to Canelo’s ability to cut off the ring and deliver crushing blows. As the fight nears, Tyson’s words have cemented its place as a cultural and sporting milestone, drawing parallels to iconic bouts like Ali-Frazier. Whether Crawford makes history or Canelo solidifies his legacy, this showdown promises to redefine boxing’s modern era, and Tyson’s passionate commentary has only heightened the stakes.
