In a fiery interview on FightHype, Floyd Mayweather Jr. ignited a firestorm in the boxing world by declaring that Terence Crawford will never surpass Canelo Alvarez’s legacy, even as their highly anticipated super-middleweight clash on September 13, 2025, looms at Allegiant Stadium. Mayweather, the undefeated 50-0 boxing icon, praised Canelo’s enduring impact while downplaying Crawford’s chances of outshining him, citing the Mexican star’s marketability, longevity, and dominance across multiple weight classes. The provocative claim has sent shockwaves through fans and analysts, amplifying the stakes for what’s already billed as boxing’s biggest fight.
Mayweather pointed to Canelo’s resume, which includes titles in four weight classes and victories over elite fighters like Gennady Golovkin, Dmitry Bivol, and Billy Joe Saunders. At 35, Canelo’s reign as the undisputed super-middleweight champion and his ability to draw massive pay-per-view numbers cement his status as boxing’s face. “Canelo’s a global brand,” Mayweather said. “Crawford’s great, but he’s not moving the needle like Canelo.” He argued that Crawford, despite being the first male boxer to become undisputed champion in three weight classes—super-lightweight, welterweight, and now junior-middleweight—lacks the crossover appeal and consistent spotlight that define Canelo’s career.
Crawford, 37, enters the fight as an underdog, moving up to 168 pounds after a hard-fought win over Israil Madrimov at 154 pounds. His technical brilliance, switch-hitting style, and perfect 40-0 record make him a formidable challenger, but Mayweather dismissed the notion that a victory could elevate Crawford above Canelo. “Legacy isn’t just about wins; it’s about impact,” he said, noting Canelo’s role in filling arenas and driving Netflix’s decision to stream the fight without a pay-per-view fee. The event, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh and promoted by Dana White, has drawn unprecedented attention, with X posts buzzing about Mayweather’s comments.
Fans are divided, with some on X agreeing that Canelo’s star power—bolstered by his Mexican heritage and marketable fights—sets him apart. Others argue Crawford’s pound-for-pound dominance and ability to conquer multiple divisions rival Canelo’s achievements. Analysts like Teddy Atlas point to Crawford’s adaptability and ring IQ as potential game-changers, but Mayweather countered that Canelo’s size advantage and devastating body shots will overwhelm the smaller fighter. “Crawford’s climbing a mountain Canelo already owns,” he quipped, predicting a late stoppage for the redheaded star.
The controversy underscores the fight’s cultural weight, with Canelo’s legacy as a four-division champion pitted against Crawford’s quest for historic greatness. Mayweather’s remarks, while polarizing, highlight the intangible factors—marketability, fanbase, and global reach—that shape a boxer’s legacy. As Las Vegas prepares for the showdown, the debate rages over whether Crawford can defy the odds and silence doubters like Mayweather, or if Canelo will solidify his place as boxing’s untouchable icon. One thing is certain: this clash will define legacies, and Mayweather’s bold take has only fueled the anticipation.
