Anticipation and Criticism
The highly anticipated matchup between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, marketed as a once-in-a-lifetime boxing event, is already drawing criticism—not for the fighters involved but for the lackluster undercard supporting the main event. Recently revealed by Dana White and Turki Alalshikh, the lineup of preliminary fights has disappointed fans and sparked immediate backlash on social media.
Undercard Disappointment
Billed as one of the defining bouts of 2025, the struggle for the belt seems to be undermined by an uninspiring roster of prelim fights that have failed to generate excitement. With ticket prices expected to be astronomical, boxing aficionados have expressed their discontent regarding the quality of the fights set to take place before the headliner.
Preliminary Fights
Zuffa Boxing has confirmed a total of ten fights, including six newly added bouts. The preliminary matches scheduled are:
- Serhii Bohachuk vs Brandon Adams | 10 rounds, middleweight
- Ivan Dychko vs Jermaine Franklin Jr. | 10 rounds, heavyweight
- Reito Tsutsumi vs Javier Martinez | 6 rounds, super featherweight
- Sultan Almohamed vs Martin Caraballo | 4 rounds, super lightweight
- Steven Nelson vs Raiko Santana | 10 rounds, light heavyweight
- Marco Verde vs TBA | 6 rounds, super middleweight
- Callum Walsh vs Fernando Vargas Jr. | super welterweight
- Christian Mbilli vs Lester Martinez | WBC interim title, super middleweight
- Mohammed Alakel vs John Ornelas | junior lightweight
Fan Reactions
Despite the hope surrounding the featured fight, reactions to the undercard announcements have ranged from disappointment to outright anger. One fan humorously depicted their discontent by sharing an image of a dog defecating on the announcement, while others voiced their frustrations more directly, labeling the card as “not good” and “horrible.” Many commenters have openly lamented the apparent decline in the quality of undercards for high-stakes events, comparing them unfavorably to past lineups.
Concerns About the Event
As ticket prices soar for this monumental occasion, fans expect an undercard that not only satisfies but also amplifies the excitement surrounding such a prestigious fight for the boxing world. Instead, the current lineup, described by critics as reflective of budget matchmaking, may indicate a broader issue related to Pay-Per-View market dynamics, further intensifying concerns about the event’s overall appeal.
Conclusion
Ultimately, while Canelo and Crawford are poised to deliver a memorable face-off, the undercard’s shortcomings threaten to overshadow the main event’s glory. If the main fight doesn’t live up to the hype, it risks being remembered not as a spectacular showcase of skill but as a letdown amid the fanfare.
About the Author
Phil Jay, an established boxing reporter with over 15 years of experience, ensures he provides insightful commentary on the sport. As the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, he has documented numerous championships and high-profile events in the boxing arena.
