Crawford vs. Canelo: Analysis and Predictions for the Fight of the Year
Terence Crawford, recognized for his dominance across multiple divisions, moves up two weight classes to challenge Canelo Álvarez for the undisputed super middleweight championship. The highly anticipated match, scheduled for Saturday, promises to be a landmark event in boxing history. Crawford, with an impeccable record of 41-0 and 31 knockouts, has conquered titles in four divisions and has been undisputed champion in super lightweight and welterweight. A victory over Canelo would make him the first boxer to unify the four major belts in three different categories. Canelo (63-2-2, 39 KOs), who unified the super middleweight title by defeating Caleb Plant in 2021, has successfully defended his crown on several occasions. After some challenges, he regained the championship. Canelo’s victories since then have been by decision. Will Crawford be able to succeed in a higher division? Will he maintain his speed and power to surprise the favorite Canelo? Below, we analyze the prospects of this epic confrontation with expert opinions.
Khan, who shared the ring with both boxers, predicts a close fight. He believes Crawford could dominate Canelo if he focuses on boxing and moving, but sees the matchup as 50-50, leaning slightly towards Crawford due to his freshness.Canelo’s power is devastating, and with the combination of punches he throws, he’s still faster than people think. He’s not a fast starter, but he simply gets the win. Crawford is the freshest boxer. Canelo has had too many tough fights.
Amir Khan, former super-lightweight champion
Beltran highlights Crawford’s intelligence and his ability to keep distance, suggesting that the key to victory is to avoid direct exchange and seek points. Darrelle Valsaint, Canelo’s sparring partner, emphasizes the need for Canelo to stay true to his style, using his strength and power. For Crawford, he recommends studying Canelo’s defeats and adapting a similar strategy, seeking angles and unbalancing his opponent. Edgar Berlanga Sr., Edgar Berlanga’s manager, believes that Crawford doesn’t have the power to knock out Canelo, but he can win by decision if he uses angles and good defense. Berlanga Sr. advises Canelo to pressure, cut the ring, and attack Crawford’s body. Holly Holm, a member of the Boxing Hall of Fame, points out Canelo’s size advantage, but acknowledges Crawford’s intelligence in adapting to the weight. Holm predicts that Canelo will seek the knockout, while Crawford will have to use his skill and guard changes to destabilize Canelo. The odds favor Canelo, but the fight promises to be an exciting event.Additional Predictions:Crawford must keep his distance, be smart, and not engage with Canelo. Canelo is not a natural super middleweight, but he gets tired after six or seven rounds. Crawford has the elusive style to beat Canelo on points.
Ray Beltran, former lightweight champion
- Mike Tyson: Crawford by decision.
- Timothy Bradley Jr.: Crawford by decision.
- Shawn Porter: Crawford by decision.
- Christy Martin: Crawford by decision.
- Michael J. Fox: Crawford by KO in the eighth round.
- Rosie Perez: Crawford.
- Sam Rockwell: Crawford by points.
- Damian Lillard: Crawford.
- John Leguizamo: Canelo.
- Anthony Ramos: Canelo.
- Ramon Rodriguez: Crawford by decision.
- Nelson Lee: Canelo by split decision.
- Michael Mosley: Canelo.
- Said Taghmaoui: Crawford.
- Cris Cyborg: Difficult fight, possibly Canelo by points.
- Big E: Crawford by decision.
- Damian Priest: Canelo by split decision.
- Lola Vice: Canelo by KO.
- Grayson Waller: Crawford by KO in the tenth round.
