Netflix Users Could be Fined for Watching Canelo Vs Crawford

Netflix users have been warned that they could face a hefty fine ahead of tuning in to watch Canelo Alvarez fight Terence Crawford.

This weekend promises to deliver one of the best fights of the year as the pair go head to head for the undisputed super middleweight title.

Crawford, 37, is one of the most decorated boxers of his generation. He has claimed world titles in four weight classes, from lightweight to light middleweight.

The American is unbeaten in 41 professional fights with an impressive 31 knockouts. He is also an undisputed champion across two weight classes .

Crawford has already beaten several big names including Amir Khan, Errol Spence Jr and Ricky Burns. His opponent, Mexican star Alvarez, 35, has racked up 67 bouts in his career, winning world titles in four weight divisions.

Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford. Image: Steve Marcus / Stringer via Getty

He also boasts an undefeated record at super-middleweight, with his famous victories including Miguel Cotto, Gennady Golovkin and Sergey Kovalev.

The fight will take place at the 65,000-capacity Allegiant Stadium, which is the home of the NFL side Las Vegas Raiders.

And for fans around the world, the event is being streamed live on Netflix.

Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford press conference. Image: David Becker / Stringer via Getty

Boxing fans face penalty for watching on Netflix

Even if boxing fans already pay for Netflix, they could face legal trouble and a potential £1000 fine, if they do not have a valid TV license.

Under UK law, a license is required to watch anything that is streamed live, regardless of the platform it is shown on. On the TV Licensing website, they clarify the rule applies to anything that is "live on streaming services".

The first fight on the preliminary card is scheduled for 22:30 BST on Saturday night, with the main card beginning around 02:00 on Sunday morning. Alvarez and Crawford are expected to make their ring-walks between 04:00 and 04:30.

For those who stay up to watch the action without the necessary license, they could face a fine of up to £1,000, plus court costs.

Daniel McAfee, Head of Legal Operations at Lawhive, explained : "Under UK law, any live television broadcast requires a valid TV licence, regardless of the streaming platform. We have a duty to enforce the law when there is evidence that someone has avoided paying for a TV Licence."

At present, a TV license costs £174.50 a year. It can either be paid for as a one-off transaction or through instalments as part of a direct debit.

For those still using a black and white television, it only costs £58.50.