Canelo vs. Crawford Sept 13
We’re lower than a month out from what is going to certainly be the largest occasion of 2025 in boxing. I say ‘occasion’ since you by no means know if the precise battle 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 usually is the query of measurement.
Crawford turned professional manner again in 2008 as a junior welterweight, virtually 30 kilos in the past.
Canelo, for his half, has been punching for pay for 20 years after turning professional as a teen 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 time in a win that didn’t persuade anybody he was all that comfy on the weight.
Whereas Canelo has seemed like gentle heavyweight is likely to be a bit too large for him (a win over past-his-prime Sergey Kovalev and a loss to Dmitrii Bivol), he has seemed very robust at 168.
Crawford, who has solely had 1 profession task above welterweight, is actually going from welterweight to tremendous middleweight. That may be a 21-pound bounce for anybody retaining rating.
Resumes
Crawford has been in some robust environments, like profitable 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 seemed superb in dismantling and stopping the likes of Kell Brook, Shawn Porter, and Errol Spence Jr.
Alvarez has a who’s who listing of champions from his quite a few title defences during the last variety of years. Whereas he has been content material to cruise to selections currently, it ought to be famous his final 4 opponents (together with Crawford) boast a mixed file 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 virtually 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 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 battle from each side however most likely does his greatest work from the left. Nice footwork and gained’t be a straightforward goal for Alvarez. First rate energy, however most likely not his power on the increased weight. Search for him to field and attempt to frustrate Alvarez. Nice mixture puncher. Tends to start out fights, slightly reserved, however must be busy and financial institution each spherical he can so he doesn’t need to chase a KO if he’s behind. Has claimed that he’ll certainly be the stronger of the 2 come battle evening. Total, an outstanding 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 pictures. He’ll attempt to time Crawford and catch him with a heavy counter (assume Amir Khan win). Has an important chin, so I don’t assume Crawford will be capable to harm him with only one punch. Seems very assured going into the battle (what fighter doesn’t?). He feels Crawford can’t harm him and will likely be seeking to commerce. Whereas I don’t assume Crawford will run, I’d be stunned if he welcomed a slug-fest. Crawford will likely be good and content material to field and transfer from the southpaw stance so Canelo should reduce off the ring and attempt to maintain issues in tight.
Issues
Crawford – Dimension issues, and often a superb large man beats a superb little man. Not a whole lot of room for error as a result of one laborious shot may 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 straightforward to do with an elite boxer like Bud. Has gone the space in his final 7 bouts, and whereas very robust, and is efficient together with his aggression, however must battle 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 battle will likely be tactical and would possibly disappoint these in search of a struggle. 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 components to win, and might simply envision each situations come battle 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 together with his recreation for all 12 rounds. He’ll have a number of tense moments, and he has little room for error, however I believe he can pull off the win and produce 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.
