As anticipation mounts for the much-anticipated clash between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, doubts about the fight's prominence have emerged. Notably, Oscar De La Hoya, a Hall of Fame boxer and former promoter of Canelo, has voiced concerns over labeling this bout as boxing's top event. Confirmed for September 2025, Canelo will defend his undisputed super middleweight title against Crawford, who recently became the WBA light middleweight champion. Despite the historical significance, De La Hoya questions its status as boxing’s biggest fight due to both fighters' ages and recent performances.

Criticism surrounding both boxers highlights potential vulnerabilities in their upcoming match. While some view the contest as a generational showdown, others share De La Hoya's skepticism regarding age and performance trends. The promotional phase is just starting, promising intense debate leading up to fight night.

De La Hoya Challenges Perceptions Around the Fight

Oscar De La Hoya's outspoken critique challenges conventional wisdom about the Canelo vs. Crawford matchup. Emphasizing factors like age and recent form, he argues that neither fighter appears at their peak. With Crawford approaching 38 and Canelo 35, coupled with Crawford's year-long absence from competition and perceived weaknesses exposed during past fights, De La Hoya raises valid points questioning the hype surrounding this event.

Delving deeper into De La Hoya's analysis, his remarks stem from observing patterns in each fighter's career trajectory. For instance, Crawford hasn't competed since defeating Israil Madrimov last August, and even then, his dominance seemed diminished. Similarly, Canelo's recent victories haven't showcased the same level of brilliance seen earlier in his career. This context fuels De La Hoya's assertion that dubbing it "the biggest fight in boxing" might be premature or exaggerated. His perspective adds another layer to discussions around whether this truly represents a pinnacle moment for the sport.

Assessing Both Fighters' Current States

Beyond De La Hoya's commentary, scrutiny extends to evaluating both athletes' current capabilities. Analyzing recent performances reveals areas where both may falter under pressure. Such evaluations are crucial given the stakes involved in this championship encounter.

Canelo's unanimous decision over William Scull drew mixed reactions, with critics noting signs of vulnerability and diminished effectiveness compared to previous years. On the other hand, Crawford's victory against Madrimov also left observers unconvinced about his readiness after such an extended hiatus. These issues spark debates among fans and analysts alike about how competitive the September showdown will actually be. As months remain until the actual fight, these concerns continue shaping narratives surrounding what could either redefine boxing history or fall short of expectations.