An agreement has reportedly been reached for Canelo Alvarez to defend his super middleweight titles against Terence Crawford this year.

The pound-for-pound greats have been on a collision course to face each other since Crawford stated his willingness to move up two weight classes to challenge Canelo in his natural division.

Canelo is close to inking a three-fight deal with AlalshikhCredit: Getty

It has the potential to be a commercial blockbuster but looked off the cards for a time following a breakdown in communication between Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh and Canelo.

They have since ironed out their differences though and have now come to terms on an agreement.

According to Ring Magazine, the pair will meet in September in the main event of a Riyadh Season card over in Las Vegas.

A rehydration clause will not be included in the contract, which could see Canelo bulk up significantly on fight night.

Canelo is expected to sign a three-fight deal with Alalshikh as part of the agreement, which will likely see him first return in May.

It was previously suggested that the Mexican could accept a clash with IBF mandatory challenger William Scull, in a bid to regain his undisputed status ahead of a clash with Crawford.

Crawford and Canelo’s bout would be one of the biggest in the sport right now including in the US, where there will be huge interest.

Canelo will likely be the favourite given he will hold the size advantage, but will be against a formidable technical operator in Crawford.

‘Bud’ recently moved up to 154lbs (light-middleweight) where he became a four-weight world champion by edging Israil Madrimov last August.

The American is now 37 years old and is at the back end of his career, so a clash with Canelo could be one of his final dust-ups in the sport.

Crawford is expected to face Canelo in September, a truly career-defining fightCredit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom

Shakur Stevenson, who has sparred Crawford, believes his style will be too much for Canelo despite the physical adaptations he will need to make.

“Honestly, I’ve been saying this for years now,” he said on talkSPORT Boxing.

“I’m probably the first one that has been saying this – even before Terence was saying it.

“I always thought that his [Crawford’s] style versus Canelo, I think he beats Canelo.

“I’m not saying it’ll be an easy fight, but he can make it a very easy fight.

“That’s another thing too. I don’t think Canelo is walking through his punches.

Crawford is ready to step up two divisions in his quest to become a five-weight world champion

Crawford has never competed above super welterweight

“Terence can punch, and that goes for any weight class.”

The event promises to be a lucrative one for both fighters, and one which will see them earn bumper paydays.