Canelo vs. Crawford Sept 13
We’re lower than a month out from what is 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 reside 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 in opposition to undefeated Terence “Bud” Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) on September thirteenth at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium.
Whereas no one is disputing the resumes or expertise of both fighter, what does come up often is the query of dimension.
Crawford turned professional manner 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 an adolescent 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 leap to junior middleweight final summer season in a win that didn’t persuade anybody he was all that comfy on the weight.
Whereas Canelo has regarded like mild heavyweight could be a bit too large for him (a win over past-his-prime Sergey Kovalev and a loss to Dmitrii Bivol), he has regarded very robust at 168.
Crawford, who has solely had 1 profession task above welterweight, is actually going from welterweight to tremendous middleweight. That could be a 21-pound leap for anybody conserving 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 in opposition to energy punching Yuriorkis Gamboa at residence in Omaha simply 3 months after capturing the world title. He has additionally regarded excellent 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 during the last variety of years. Whereas he has been content material to cruise to choices these days, it must be famous his final 4 opponents (together with Crawford) boast a mixed report 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 larger, 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 leap 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 either side however in all probability does his greatest work from the left. Nice footwork and received’t be a straightforward goal for Alvarez. First rate energy, however in all probability not his power on the increased weight. Search for him to field and attempt to frustrate Alvarez. Nice mixture puncher. Tends to begin 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 evening. Total, an exceptional skillset.
Alvarez – Has been in enormous fights earlier than, so the occasion received’t rattle him. His apparent power is his energy, and does look to load up with large pictures. He’ll attempt to time Crawford and catch him with a heavy counter (assume Amir Khan win). Has an incredible chin, so I don’t assume Crawford will be capable 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 might be seeking to commerce. Whereas I don’t assume Crawford will run, I’d be shocked if he welcomed a slug-fest. Crawford might be sensible and content material to field and transfer from the southpaw stance so Canelo must minimize off the ring and attempt to preserve issues in tight.
Considerations
Crawford – Measurement issues, and normally a very good large man beats a very good little man. Not plenty of room for error as a result of one exhausting shot might spell hassle at this weight. He should be close to excellent for 36 minutes.
Alvarez – Has to observe 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 simple to do with an elite boxer like Bud. Has gone the gap in his final 7 bouts, and whereas very robust, and is efficient along 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 normally endure from slivers on this space from sitting on the fence. However, right here we go. I believe the struggle might be tactical and may disappoint these searching for a warfare. I don’t see Alvarez stepping on the gasoline 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 powerful argument for each fighters having a system to win, and may simply envision each situations come struggle evening. However, I just like the elite-level boxing abilities that Crawford brings to the desk and I believe that he’ll be capable to keep locked in and disciplined along with his recreation 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 produce the belt residence 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.
