John Ryder has shared his thoughts on the upcoming ‘mega-fight’ between former rival Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford.
The pound-for-pound superstars are gearing up to do battle for the undisputed world super-middleweight championship on Saturday September 13 at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Canelo began his second reign as undisputed champion at 168lbs back in May when he dethroned IBF champion William Scull in Riyadh, defeating the Cuban via unanimous decision in an underwhelming performance.
As for Crawford, the 37-year-old from Omaha is set to make the move up to super-middleweight for the first time when he faces the Mexican great, having spent the majority of his career campaigning at 147lbs.
One man that fell short in his attempt at defeating Canelo is Britain’s Ryder, who suffered a unanimous decision defeat to the undisputed super-middleweight champion when they clashed in Mexico two years ago.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Ryder offered some good advice to ‘Bud’ Crawford as he prepares for what could be the toughest test of his entire career but ultimately feels his former rival will have too strong an advantage with the weight.
“I think you just got to watch the Bivol blueprint, the in and out, I mean a lot of fighters are getting stick now for being runners, Tom and Jerry and whatnot, but stick to what you’re good at. Terence Crawford is an exceptional talent, he’s won titles through the weights, undisputed at [two] weights now, and listen if anyone can do it it’s him. I think the weight will be too much of an issue.
“Canelo is a special talent and I think the weight will play a factor in the fight. Canelo once done it, stepped up to super-middleweight. I would’ve liked Crawford to be more at light-middle and middle to build into it, but you take these opportunities when they come and chase greatness.”
Should he be victorious over Canelo, ‘Bud’ will write his name into the boxing history books once again by becoming the first male fighter to win an undisputed championship in three weight divisions, a feat that he has previously accomplished at super-lightweight and welterweight.
