LAS VEGAS – It's hard to imagine Canelo Alvarez's fight against Terence Crawford unfolding like the one the Mexican star just had against William Scull.

The super middleweight king is hoping the undersized Crawford doesn't run as soon as he tastes Alvarez's power on Saturday at Allegiant Stadium on Netflix, like the deceptional Scull did in their lackluster fight in May.

"I don't know, I need to do something, right [if Crawford starts running]?" Alvarez told reporters. "But believe me, if he's going to run all night, he's not going to try to win. I hope we bring all the best and give the fans what they want to see."

Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) is one of the greatest fighters of his generation and has never backed down from a challenge. It's difficult to fathom that he won't make it a dog fight for Alvarez, especially with a lucrative KO bonus up for grabs. Crawford knocked out 11 opponents in a row across 140 and 147 pounds until his most recent fight, a unanimous decision over Israil Madrimov to win the WBA title in his 154-pound debut.

Now, Crawford, a four-division champion who was the undisputed champion at 140 and 147 pounds, is moving up two weight classes for one of the biggest fights of the century.

Alvarez (63-2-2, 39 KOs) has profound respect for Crawford despite the animosity that has been brewing between them during the promotional period.

"I am glad to be involved in these big fights," Alvarez said. "Crawford is one of the best fighters of the last decade. He has everything. He's a complete fighter. He has a lot of experience. He fights with both guards. He's a great fighter. ...

"I never underestimate my opponent. I always train like I'm going to fight Mike Tyson in his era."

The most climactic moment of the three-city press tour in Saudi Arabia, New York, and Las Vegas featured Crawford pushing Canelo.

Aside from the physical altercation, the verbal barbs have been kept at bay.

"In these big fights, we don't need to talk [expletive] against each other," Alvarez said. "You know me. I'm not fake. I don't like to do that kind of stuff. I always respect my opponents unless they [mess] with me. Then it's different."