Mike Tyson has revealed his pick for the Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford fight, expressing his desire for a familiar outcome.
Canelo and Crawford will meet on September 13 for the undisputed super middleweight title, headlining what is expected to be the biggest fight of the year.
It is not just the stakes that make this bout stand out. It also marks the launch of TKO Boxing, which comes under UFC ownership, with Dana White and Turki Alalshikh working together for the first time.
Canelo and Crawford met face-to-face for the first time at a press event in New York. There was plenty of tension between them even then, with White stepping in to keep things from boiling over.
Mike Tyson names who he is rooting for in blockbuster bout
Despite his undefeated professional record, ‘Bud’ Crawford enters the fight as the underdog.
The main reason for that is simple: he is stepping up in weight to face the naturally bigger Mexican fighter.
It is one of the reasons why Mike Tyson advised Crawford not to take the fight, saying it was not a wise move.
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But more recently, ‘Iron’ Mike explained who he hopes will come out on top, hoping history repeats itself.
Tyson said on The Big Podcast: “I want Crawford to win, but it doesn’t look like it’s gonna happen. I would like for that to happen but (Canelo) is a hard puncher, he’s a smart fighter, he can move.
“I’m just curious I just wanna see it, I want to be there and see it. Listen, there’s been upsets like that before, Henry Armstrong at 124lbs he beat the 146lb champion, so you know, you never know.
“Anything can happen when two men are in the ring or in a basketball court, anything can happen.”
Canelo once turned down a fight against Crawford
Even though they have both built their reputations in different divisions, it has felt like Canelo and Crawford were destined to cross paths eventually.
And there was a time when the Mexican champion did not seem interested in the matchup. After beating Jermell Charlo, he was asked about the possibility of facing Crawford in what would have been a blockbuster fight.
Canelo then responded: “You know, I always say if the fight makes sense why not? But he is not in my plans.”
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