Former unified light-heavyweight world champion Sergey Kovalev has offered his verdict on the upcoming fight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford.
Their highly-anticipated showdown has captured the attention of boxing fans around the world who are now less than two weeks away from witnessing two of the biggest names in the sport do battle.
‘Bud’ Crawford will have his sights set on defying the odds and defeating Canelo, as he prepares to make his first appearance at 168lbs having been best known for his time spent at welterweight since making his debut back in 2008.
One man who has experience in sharing the ring with Canelo is Russia’s former unified light-heavyweight champion Kovalev, who was knocked out by the Mexican when they clashed for the WBO title at 175lbs back in November 2019.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Kovalev did back Crawford to win, but says it solely depends on how he puts on the weight.
“Terence Crawford, great fighter. I have very huge respect to him and I think he’s the best pound-for-pound fighter but if he will move up, he can beat Canelo but I don’t know how he will be comfortable in this division.
“Super middleweight? It’s too big. He will be bigger so he will be slower. For boxing, every boxer should be losing a little weight for speed and light movement. It’s no good for Crawford. But I see that he can get the win. By points. Crawford’s very smart in his weight division, but nobody knows how he will be feeling at super middleweight. If he will be in his shape, he will beat Canelo.
Victory for ‘Bud’ will see the unbeaten American become the first male fighter in history to win all four major belts in three weight classes, having already accomplished this at super-lightweight and welterweight.
