Terence Crawford became a four-weight world champion in August 2024. This September, he looks to make that five against Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez.
Many in the sport feel that packing on an extra 14 pounds to face Canelo, who boasts one of the best chins in the business, is too tall a task even for a man of Crawford’s skillset.
Although ‘Bud’ won his super-welterweight debut to take the WBA World Title from Israil Madrimov, it was his first distance performance in 11 fights. Some took from that that his power may not continue to carry up – another red flag ahead of the Canelo bout.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV about the fight, Madrimov – who lost unanimously to Crawford with the scores 113-115, 112-116 and 113-115 – initially backed Canelo but then called it a pick ’em.
“Good fight. You know, if it’s 168 pounds, I think Canelo. But Canelo [must have] better technique, because it’s 50/50. If it [goes] 12 rounds, Crawford. If knockout, Canelo.”
On the problems Crawford can pose, the hard-hitting Uzbek listed three things, though Canelo can claim all the same.
“He has power. He’s smart and [very] experienced.”
The pair will face off in September in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Canelo will fight new IBF Champion William Scull in May in a bid to become two-time undisputed. Should he win as expected, all four belts will be up for grabs for Crawford to become three-time undisputed when the time comes.
