LAS VEGAS – “Your number is wrong,” Turki Alalshikh told a reporter when asked Thursday about the purse of at least $100 million for Saul “Canelo” Alvarez to fight this Saturday against Terence Crawford. "The contract we have is for more money." The words of the Arab promoter and main architect of the fight for the undisputed super middleweight title resonated loudly at the T-Mobile Arena during the event's final press conference. Alalshikh, sitting to the left of Alvarez, proceeded to explain the historic dimension of the event: "On Saturday we're going to see two of the greatest fighters in history." Canelo and Crawford made weight this Friday, both at 167.5 pounds, and now it's time to fight on the weekend of the Mexican Independence Day celebration. Canelo vs. Crawford will be seen around the world on Netflix Las Vegas has looked very lackluster all year in terms of visitors and this week has been slow. But pending the flow of boxing fans on fight day, Canelo vs. Crawford is sure to become one of the most-watched fights in recent memory, thanks to the fact that it will be streamed globally on Netflix at no extra charge.

For reference, last year's Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight, which was streamed on Netflix, drew over 60 million households. This Saturday's event will be very different, as two true champions of the sport will be in the ring at Allegiant Stadium, the modern home of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Canelo (63-2-2) comes into the fight on a six-fight winning streak following a loss to Russian Dmitry Bivol at light heavyweight. But the 35-year-old hasn't been able to knock out either of those opponents and is actually coming off a disappointing fight in May against William Scull, a Cuban who used to run in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Right at the end of that lackluster fight, Crawford stepped into the ring to pose face to face with Alvarez and formalize the event that became a reality this week,one in which Canelo has a purse between $100 and $150 million dollars, while Crawford, 37, is reported to be worth around $50 million, by far his highest purse.

Canelo now gives credit to those who are no longer with him

While the Mexican had said a few years ago that he had nothing to gain in a fight against the smaller Crawford, the monstrous guaranteed purse was impossible for him to refuse, and after all, if he can beat the southpaw from Omaha, having on his list of victims someone who is considered one of the best of this era, who is undefeated (41-0) and who has been the undisputed champion in two different divisions, would be good for his legacy.

At the massive press conference on Thursday, to which fans were allowed to enter, Canelo Alvarez looked more mature and complete than ever. For example, he was more reserved when talking about his place in the history of Mexican boxing, saying, “I feel very happy and proud that I’m now one of the best.” Additionally, when answering a question about his boxing journey, he mentioned learning from all the people who have been along his way, including those who are here and those who are gone, a possible reference to promoters like Oscar De La Hoya.

When the master of ceremonies, commentator Max Kellerman, was praising Dana White for helping to give this event a greater dimension and for the growth of mixed martial arts, Alvarez interrupted him and repeatedly stated, “Max, boxing is always bigger,” the Mexican affirmed, with the UFC CEO right behind him. “Don’t say boxing isn’t big enough… Boxing is boxing.”

Crawford bets have evened things out

Meanwhile, “Bud” Crawford has remained very quiet and smiling this week, playing to the media and fans, understanding his place as an “underdog” against the biggest star in boxing today.

But Crawford dared to say that he is “a thousand percent sure he will win” without ever going into detailed analysis. That is the confidence of a man who has never known defeat and who has the technical skills to give Canelo Alvarez a frustrating night. Alvarez’s biggest advantage is the natural difference in weight and power, with Crawford moving up two divisions.

Alvarez is the betting favorite, but the odds have evened out at -160 for the Mexican. The American is around +140.

“We don’t know if it’s going to be the last big fight I’m going to have,” Canelo told the press. “But we have to enjoy this one we have, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime fight.”

Attention from Guatemala: Lester Martinez

In other fights on the card, Mexican-American Fernando Vargas Jr. (17-0), the son of “Feroz” Vargas,will face Irishman Callum Walsh (14-0) in a heated 10-round duel of undefeated super welterweight contenders, while Guatemalan Lester Martinez (19-0) will seek to take the interim WBC super middleweight title from Frenchman Christian Mbilli (29-0). The fight will also be a 10-rounder. Martinez has all of Guatemala paying attention to the event.