From whispers and back-and-forths to subtle hints and finally an official announcement, diehard fans saw it coming. The highly anticipated showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford is now confirmed. Turki Alalshikh made it official last Sunday. The two pound-for-pound kings will square off on September 12 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. To most fans, it’s music to the ears. Two of boxing’s very best meeting in their prime.
But alongside the buzz, one narrative keeps resurfacing: money. As many have said, boxing is business. Payout speculation dominates the conversation around the fight. Canelo’s four-fight deal with Riyadh Season could potentially place him among the highest earners in sports, possibly even surpassing global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo. One could only speculate how the fight might financially benefit Crawford. So, given the curiosity, many were surprised when the rumored payout figures for Canelo and Crawford surfaced.
The big money fight: Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford
Featuring the images of Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez, @AdrianReyn79551 (aka ‘INEVITABLE/DBLOCK’) posted, “Canelo $150 Million Guaranteed Bud $50 Million Guaranteed .” Now, per available reports, the fight will be the first major project under the new boxing promotion launched by Turki Alalshikh and Dana White.
Canelo $150 Million Guaranteed
Bud $50 Million Guaranteed pic.twitter.com/ajThMGyvNq
— INEVITABLE/DBLOCK (@AdrianReyn79551) May 4, 2025
With WWE, owned by TKO, premiering its ‘Monday Night RAW’ on Netflix earlier this year, rumors suggest the bout might even be streamed on the platform. Ultimately, legacies will be on the line. With the win over William Scull, Canelo will step into the ring as an undisputed champion.
Meanwhile, Crawford jumps up two weight divisions for the chance to become the first three-division undisputed men’s champion in boxing history. However, keeping aside legacy and records, it’s the money that seems to have caught the attention of many fans.
Let’s take a look at how some users reacted to the ‘INEVITABLE/DBLOCK’ tweet.
But does it add up? That’s what fans are asking…
The amount, especially the one stated for Canelo Alvarez, stumped this fan. They said, “wtf. $150 million for Canelo??” Those in the know may understand. Reports suggest Canelo’s deal with Riyadh Season reaches around $400 million. So for the 2 fights this year, he may take home roughly $200 million. Perhaps the concerns stem from the way the Scull fight unfolded.
To some, it sounded almost comical. “Ridiculous,” this one said. Such disbelief likely stemmed from the underwhelming response to the first two Cinco de Mayo events in New York and Riyadh. Some fans began questioning whether the fighters’ payouts were truly justified by their performances.
June 29, 2022, Jersey, NJ, United States: Canelo Alvarez attends the Icons Series press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz in Liberty National Golf Club, Jersey City. Jersey United States – ZUMAs197 0161810621st Copyright: xEfrenxLandaosx
The overpayment grouse continued. One user said, “Canelo seriously overpaid. Dude is paid so much he went in there, didn’t even try to fight, and walked away with 100 million. Whoever’s cutting those checks gotta feel like they got hosed.” Disappointment over the Canelo-Scull fight was widespread. Many fans, especially in the US and Mexico, who paid for the pay-per-view, had hoped for a thrilling prelude to the September showdown. But it seemingly fell short of expectations.
Usual swipes followed. For instance, this fan highlighted, “Turki could give Canelo 150 guaranteed for Bud but not 200 for Benavidez?” $200 million is the amount Canelo reportedly requested for a Benavidez fight. So just a $50 million difference, which doesn’t make sense to many.
Thankfully, Canelo had some support. “People forgetting Canelo the A-side in this fight ,” said this fan. And they have a point. As the reigning super middleweight champ, Canelo remains the star attraction, and it’s up to Crawford to dethrone him. With four months left before the mega-fight, more details, perhaps even official payout confirmations, are likely to emerge.
Ultimately, while the money may grab headlines, it’s what happens inside the ring that will define legacies, inspire future generations, and justify the hype. In four months, fans will finally find out who the biggest face of boxing in the modern era is.
What’s your take on the reported Canelo-Crawford purses? Worth it, or over the top?
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