Calm Before The Collision: Crawford And Canelo Keep It Cool In Riyadh

Boxing fans expecting fireworks during the first press conference for one of the sport’s most anticipated matchups were instead greeted by two fighters as cool as desert winds. On Friday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Terence “Bud” Crawford sat calmly on stage, showing little interest in putting on a verbal show. No raised voices. No accusations. No promises of destruction. Just two men—already legends—playing the long game before their clash on September 13.

This bout, which will see Crawford jump up two full weight classes to challenge Canelo for the undisputed super middleweight crown, is set to stream globally on Netflix. That alone is historic. But during this particular afternoon, the fighters seemed content to let the weight of the moment speak louder than they did.

Instead, the spotlight—somewhat unexpectedly—was grabbed by someone who won’t be lacing up gloves.

The Real Opening Act: Turki Alalshikh Steals the Mic

Before a single question was directed toward the fighters, Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi advisor and mastermind behind the Kingdom’s sports entertainment boom, took command of the stage. Positioned physically closer to moderator Todd Grisham and first to speak, Alalshikh made it clear that this wasn’t just a fight—it was a global spectacle being curated for the masses.

Alalshikh answered all five media questions that Grisham fielded—none of them directed at Canelo or Crawford. He waxed poetic about the growing partnership with Netflix, referenced his disdain for what he termed “Tom and Jerry boxing,” and even gave a preview of his plans to dine with UFC’s Dana White on fight day. It was showmanship and business savvy rolled into one, and it underlined how much the event transcends boxing.

But while Alalshikh’s presence loomed large, the fighters themselves remained still and stoic, waiting their turn.

Two Masters, Zero Words Wasted

When the attention finally turned to Crawford and Canelo, their words were few, but deliberate.

Crawford, ever composed, didn’t need to puff out his chest. His undefeated record (41-0, 31 KOs), unified status at welterweight, and recent move up to 154 pounds already proved he wasn’t afraid of a challenge. He addressed the criticism of his last fight—a close win over Israil Madrimov—with casual confidence.

“I thought my fight was a clear-cut victory,” he said plainly, shrugging off questions about why he didn’t score a knockout. “Not every fight has to end that way. I’m cool with my performance.”

As for the challenge of fighting Canelo—who’s built like a tank and has dominated at 168—Crawford didn’t blink. When asked about the notorious tendency for judges to favor Canelo in close bouts, especially in Las Vegas, he didn’t lash out.

“You can’t control that stuff,” he said. “You just go out and win decisively. That’s all.”

Crawford also gave a respectful, yet confident nod to Canelo’s legendary chin, which hasn’t cracked in years. “Given the right circumstances, anyone can get knocked out,” he said with a faint smile.

Canelo Keeps It Classy, But Focused

Canelo Alvarez, meanwhile, made no excuses for his underwhelming win in May over William Scull—a fight that left fans asking for more action. He blamed Scull’s defensive approach, calling the bout “a deception,” but promised something different against Crawford.

He also had high praise for his opponent. “He’s one of the best I’ll ever face,” Canelo admitted, a rare moment of openness.

Still, Canelo’s confidence remained untouched. When asked whether a loss would tarnish his brand or legacy, he didn’t hesitate: “He’s not gonna beat me. Don’t worry about it.”

That moment drew a smile from Crawford, who responded with, “For sure, them belts coming with me. I’m taking them. And ain’t nothing you gonna be able to do about it fight night.”

It was perhaps the most tense exchange of the day—two calm warriors making big promises in soft voices.

Street Fight? “Come On, Man…”

Moderator Todd Grisham, running low on provocative material, jokingly asked who would win in a street fight. The room laughed. Crawford laughed. “Come on, man,” he said, brushing it off like a man who knows he doesn’t need to sell the fight with fantasy scenarios.

This wasn’t a moment for fake drama. This wasn’t about flexing for the cameras. These were two men who’ve let their fists and footwork build their legacies—and they’re betting those same tools will carry them through September.

A Belt Worth Nearly $200,000—Because Why Not?

To top off the event, Rick Reeno, COO of Ring Magazine, brought out a black velvet bag and unveiled a custom-made championship belt so extravagant it almost upstaged the fighters. Crafted by a British company that supplies real royalty, the belt reportedly cost £140,000 (about $190,000). While its price tag raised eyebrows, it still paled in comparison to what both fighters will earn from this blockbuster.

More than a title or a trophy, this belt symbolized what’s at stake: pride, history, and a place among boxing’s pantheon.

A Staredown That Said It All

The press conference ended with the traditional face-off. No pushing. No yelling. Just a hard, silent lock of eyes between two elite fighters, both undefeated in spirit even if one carries a technical loss.

Crawford, longer and leaner, stared with laser focus. Canelo, shorter but sturdier, didn’t flinch. Their physiques differ. So do their fighting styles. But their eyes were level. Their intent was equal.

It was a quiet end to a quiet conference—but the intensity crackled between them all the same. Even without theatrics, everyone watching knew what was coming: two tacticians ready to go to war.

Source: Say less: Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford quiet but calculated

The Fight That Doesn’t Need Hype

In a sport where fighters often talk more than they punch before fight night, the quiet restraint from Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford felt like a breath of fresh air. These aren’t loudmouths looking for camera time. They’re calculating veterans, both with something to prove and everything to lose.

For Crawford, it’s the chance to shock the world again by conquering a third weight class and dethroning the king of 168. For Canelo, it’s a chance to reaffirm his greatness by beating a slick, cerebral opponent many thought would never step into his weight realm.

With Netflix broadcasting the bout worldwide, the eyes of the sporting world will be watching come September 13. But in Riyadh, there was no need for theatrics. Just two men, both already immortal in the sport, calmly preparing for a night that could rewrite boxing history.

And they said everything they needed to—without really saying anything at all.