Boxing’s biggest event of 2025 got off to an interesting start on Saturday night.
The Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford card kicked off with a controversial early stoppage.
2024 Olympic silver medalist Marco Verde improved his perfect professional boxing record to 3-0.
The middleweight prospect squared off against Sona Akale (9-4), who holds a high-profile win over Muhammad Ali‘s grandson, Nico Ali-Walsh.
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Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford hit by controversy
Marco Verde dominated from the first bell against his late-replacement opponent.
The 23-year-old scored a knockdown in round two and appeared to be on his way to a win.
Unfortunately, his victory was somewhat spoiled when the referee stepped in way too early.
Sona Akale ate a body shot and a straight left hand without issue before the fight was stopped.
The 37-year-old didn’t appear to be hurt at all, but the referee decided he shouldn’t continue.
Akale reacted by saying: “Oh my god. What are you doing? What is that?”
Verde’s opponent angrily stormed around the ring protesting the premature stoppage.
“We had a strategy to finish the fight, but it happened that way,” the winner said.
“I’m very happy. This is what I am looking for, to have more experience and take it all the way to the top.”
Mike Tyson’s main event U-turn
Mike Tyson has completed a last-minute U-turn on his Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford prediction.
The heavyweight legend initially leaned towards a Canelo win, but he has now changed his mind.
Last month, Tyson revealed who he wants to win when Canelo and Crawford clash for all the 168lb belts.
“I want Crawford to win, but it doesn’t look like it’s gonna happen,” he said on The Big Podcast.
“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 on a basketball court, anything can happen.”
On Thursday morning, ESPN released its list of ‘expert picks’ for Canelo vs. Crawford.
Tyson’s prediction was included and showed he has had a change of heart about the fight.
The 59-year-old now believes that Crawford will pull off the upset with a 12-round decision win.