Boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya has offered a new verdict on the upcoming mega-fight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford.
It was confirmed earlier this year that the pound-for-pound stars would clash in a huge showdown this September, with Canelo set to put his unified WBC, WBA and WBO super middleweight titles – as well as the IBF if he can win it in May against William Scull – on the line against the 37-year-old from Omaha, Nebraska.
‘Bud’ Crawford is bidding to become a five-weight world champion when he faces the Mexican star, although it will undoubtedly be the toughest test of the American’s career as he makes the jump up two whole weight classes in the process.
In an interview with Brian Mazique, De La Hoya admitted that although a Crawford victory could earn him the title of ‘greatest of all time’, he finds it foresee anything but a Canelo victory.
“If Crawford can do it, Jesus Lord, I mean give this man the title of being the greatest ever … but I just don’t see it. Canelo is a big puncher. Yeah, he walks on quicksand and that’s one thing that Crawford can use against him, but the pressure of the heavier guy…
“Canelo will be 200 pounds in that ring. It’s a tough fight but, look, I give all the credit to Crawford. If he pulls it off he’ll be the messiah of fighters.”
Before turning his attention to Crawford, Canelo is preparing to face IBF super middleweight champion Scull on May 3 in Riyadh, as he sets his sights on becoming the first fighter in boxing history to win the undisputed super-middleweight championship at 168lbs on two occasions.
