The press conference took on a familiar feel for MMA fans, with the format much more similar to a UFC press conference than a boxing presser, as media members in attendance fired a salvo of questions at the two protagonists, with some fiery verbal exchanges along the way.
The New York press conference saw Crawford walk into Canelo, leading the Mexican superstar to shove the American back across the stage as security and UFC CEO and president Dana White stepped in to restore order.
There were no such issues this time, with the fighters opting to stick to verbal barbs as they crossed words in Sin City in their final press conference before fight week.
“These are two of the greatest fighters ever,” said Max Kellerman, as he set the scene for the titanic matchup.
“Before Canelo, it was Andre Ward, Floyd Mayweather, Roy Jones Jr., Pernell Whitaker, Julio Cesar Chavez, Mike Tyson, ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler.”
And when it was time for the fighters to sound off, Crawford made his position clear, as he explained his respect for Canelo, but also underscored his belief that he’s the superior boxer.
“I’m a big fan of Canelo. He’s a great fighter, but I think I’m better,” he stated.
“I think you know everything that I have inside myself with the tools that I have. I’m capable of doing anything that I want in the ring, and come September 13, I will become the first male three-time undisputed champion of the world, simple.”
Canelo, meanwhile cast doubt over Crawford’s resume, saying that “Bud” had fought “nobody” in his career.
“You are fighting with nobody, and you obviously look like a great fighter,” he said.
“But you are going to find out September 13, this is going to be different for you.”
Crawford immediately responded, “It’s going to be different for you, as well. The last fighters that you fought, they ain’t on my level, and you know that.”
“I fought everybody,” retorted Canelo.
“Name me one fighter you fought.”
Quick as a flash, Crawford replied, “YOU! So when I beat you, are you going to be a nobody? When I stomp a mud hole in your ass, are you going to be a nobody?
“You’re going to be just like everybody else, watch. The same s**t that everybody else has been saying since I moved to 147, ‘I ain’t fought nobody.’ Every last one of them, I stomped a mud hole in their ass, and he is going to be next – watch.”
