Canelo vs. Crawford Sept 13
We’re lower than a month out from what’s going to certainly be the most important occasion of 2025 in boxing. I say ‘occasion’ since you by no means know if the precise struggle can dwell as much as the build-up and the expectations.
Saul Canelo Alvarez (63-2-2, 39 KOs) is placing his assortment of 168-pound belts up for grabs towards undefeated Terence “Bud” Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) on September thirteenth at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium.
Whereas no person is disputing the resumes or expertise of both fighter, what does come up recurrently is the query of dimension.
Crawford turned professional means again in 2008 as a junior welterweight, nearly 30 kilos in the past.
Canelo, for his half, has been punching for pay for 20 years after turning professional as a young person in 2005 at welterweight. However he has been working the tremendous middleweight circuit for the final 8 years.
Crawford dominated the welterweights for years earlier than making the bounce to junior middleweight final summer season in a win that didn’t persuade anybody he was all that snug on the weight.
Whereas Canelo has appeared like mild heavyweight may be a bit too large for him (a win over past-his-prime Sergey Kovalev and a loss to Dmitrii Bivol), he has appeared very sturdy at 168.
Crawford, who has solely had 1 profession task above welterweight, is basically going from welterweight to tremendous middleweight. That could be a 21-pound bounce for anybody maintaining rating.
Resumes
Crawford has been in some robust environments, like successful the title from Ricky Burns in Scotland for his 1st world title in 2014. He additionally made his 1st defence towards energy punching Yuriorkis Gamboa at dwelling in Omaha simply 3 months after capturing the world title. He has additionally appeared superb in dismantling and stopping the likes of Kell Brook, Shawn Porter, and Errol Spence Jr.
Alvarez has a who’s who record of champions from his quite a few title defences over the past variety of years. Whereas he has been content material to cruise to choices recently, it needs to be famous his final 4 opponents (together with Crawford) boast a mixed document of 126-0. He has been a world champ for 14 years and boasts wins over Amir Khan, Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, and Gennadiy Golovkin, amongst others. His solely losses in nearly 70 fights are to elite champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. and greater, stronger Dmitrii Bivol. Spectacular, to say the least.
Strengths
Crawford – Doggedly decided and difficult. Has a legendary aggressive streak and hates to lose. Believes in himself and isn’t intimidated by the bounce in weight. Loyal to the core with the identical crew round him since his early days in Omaha, the place he nonetheless lives. A slick boxer who can struggle from each side however in all probability does his greatest work from the left. Nice footwork and gained’t be a simple goal for Alvarez. First rate energy, however in all probability not his power on the greater weight. Search for him to field and attempt to frustrate Alvarez. Nice mixture puncher. Tends to start out fights, just a little reserved, however must be busy and financial institution each spherical he can so he doesn’t should chase a KO if he’s behind. Has claimed that he’ll certainly be the stronger of the 2 come struggle night time. Total, an exceptional skillset.
Alvarez – Has been in enormous fights earlier than, so the occasion gained’t rattle him. His apparent power is his energy, and does look to load up with large photographs. He’ll attempt to time Crawford and catch him with a heavy counter (suppose Amir Khan win). Has an excellent chin, so I don’t suppose Crawford will have the ability to damage him with only one punch. Seems very assured going into the struggle (what fighter doesn’t?). He feels Crawford can’t damage him and can be trying to commerce. Whereas I don’t suppose Crawford will run, I’d be stunned if he welcomed a slug-fest. Crawford can be sensible and content material to field and transfer from the southpaw stance so Canelo must lower off the ring and attempt to preserve issues in tight.
Issues
Crawford – Dimension issues, and often an excellent large man beats an excellent little man. Not a number of room for error as a result of one arduous shot might spell hassle at this weight. He have to be close to good for 36 minutes.
Alvarez – Has to look at that he isn’t too overconfident as a result of he feels he can pull out a win with one shot. He should land the right punch to get Crawford out, and that isn’t straightforward to do with an elite boxer like Bud. Has gone the space in his final 7 bouts, and whereas very sturdy, and is efficient together with his aggression, however must struggle with extra urgency than he has of late. Can’t get lulled into cruise management as Crawford piles up factors.
Prediction
I often endure from slivers on this space from sitting on the fence. However, right here we go. I believe the struggle can be tactical and may disappoint these in search of a battle. I don’t see Alvarez stepping on the fuel sufficient at this late stage of his profession to demand a Hagler/Hearns-style brawl if his previous couple of bouts are any indication. I could make a robust argument for each fighters having a formulation to win, and might simply envision each eventualities come struggle night time. However, I just like the elite-level boxing abilities that Crawford brings to the desk and I believe that he’ll have the ability to keep locked in and disciplined together with his sport for all 12 rounds. He’ll have just a few tense moments, and he has little room for error, however I believe he can pull off the win and convey the belt dwelling to Omaha. I do know we’re nonetheless a month out, and I could also be swayed, however proper now…Terence “Bud” Crawford by shut UD.
