Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford: In-Depth Analysis of a Clash of Titans
On September 13th, the boxing world will stand still as the undisputed super middleweight champion, Canelo Álvarez, faces the WBA super welterweight monarch, Terence Crawford. The fight, which is anticipated with great expectation, seeks to resolve the debate over who is the best pound-for-pound boxer, a discussion that has dominated the boxing scene for the last six years.
Crawford, with an undefeated record of 41-0 and 31 knockouts, boldly moves up two weight classes to challenge Canelo, who has been boxing’s highest-grossing figure in the last decade. Despite Canelo’s great appeal, he will face an opponent who currently holds a higher position in the pound-for-pound rankings.
However, Crawford’s inactivity, with only one fight a year since 2020, raises questions. His most recent fight was a decision victory over Israil Madrimov in August 2024. Beating Canelo, at 37 years old, would make Crawford the only male boxer in the four-belt era to be undisputed champion in three weight divisions, solidifying his status as one of the best pound for pound.
For Canelo (63-3-3, 39 KOs), who didn’t have a standout performance in his recent decision victory over William Scull in May, a win over Crawford could propel him to move up from his current number 8 position.
Analysis of the Trajectories: Key Points of Canelo and Crawford
Here, we explore the most outstanding performances, the most impactful knockouts, the most dominant fights, those in which they suffered difficulties, and the most important moments in the careers of Canelo and Crawford.
Canelo’s Best Performance: Unanimous Decision Victory against Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin
The final fight of the trilogy against Golovkin, in September 2022, although not as exciting as the first two, is remembered as Canelo’s most significant victory. With this triumph, Canelo closed the trilogy with a perfect response to his decision loss to Dmitry Bivol in light heavyweight four months earlier. Álvarez retained his undisputed super middleweight title with cards of 115-113, 115-113, and 116-112.
“Everyone knows this is high class. This is the best boxer in boxing. Everyone knows who Canelo is. This fight is more tactical. Today, Canelo is better. Congratulations to Canelo.”
Gennadiy Golovkin
This victory put an end to the controversies over the draw in 2017 and the close majority decision in favor of Canelo in 2018.
Crawford’s Best Performance: TKO in the Ninth Round against Errol Spence Jr.
Crawford offered a technical masterclass, knocking down his biggest rival three times and achieving a technical knockout victory in the ninth round. Spence, who underwent cataract surgery six months later and was dealing with a detached retina, couldn’t counter Crawford’s speed and precision.
Crawford, with his counterattack and movements, dominated Spence, sending him to the canvas in the second round with a left-right combination, and again in the seventh with a right hook. The fight was stopped in the ninth round due to Crawford’s constant punishment.
The victory over Spence solidified Crawford as the undisputed welterweight champion and established him as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers.
Canelo’s Best KO: KO in the Eleventh Round against Sergey Kovalev
Canelo produced a memorable performance, moving up two weight divisions to achieve his best knockout. After avoiding the initial danger, Canelo patiently waited for his moment and connected a left hook in the eleventh round that staggered Kovalev, followed by a right hand that sent him to the canvas.
This victory, which allowed Canelo to become champion in a fourth weight category, surpassed his knockouts against James Kirkland, Amir Khan, Caleb Plant, and Liam Smith.
Crawford’s Best KO: TKO in the Ninth Round against Yuriorkis Gamboa
In his first defense of the world title, Crawford stopped Gamboa in the ninth round. Gamboa, who had never lost before, showed courage and aggression, which turned the fight into an intense battle. Crawford knocked Gamboa down four times, but the final blow, a right uppercut in the ninth round, was decisive.
Canelo’s Most Important Fight: Split Draw against Gennadiy Golovkin
Although this fight generated criticism for Canelo, it pushed him to improve his performance and achieve more impactful knockouts. The controversial split draw was the motivation Canelo needed to win two more fights against Golovkin and conquer two additional weight divisions.
The three Canelo vs. Golovkin fights are among the most important of his career, as Canelo overcame one of the best middleweight champions in boxing history and silenced the critics.
Crawford’s Most Important Fight: Unanimous Decision Victory against Ricky Burns
Crawford arrived in Glasgow to challenge Burns for the WBO lightweight title, with a reputation as a talented but still relatively unknown prospect. Crawford dominated Burns from the fourth round, winning by unanimous decision and Burns suffering his first defeat in 10 world title fights.
This victory launched Crawford’s career, who has won world titles in four weight classes.
Canelo’s Most Dominant Victory: TKO in the Eighth Round Against Billy Joe Saunders
After ESPN kept Crawford as the number 1 pound-for-pound, Canelo earned the top spot by delivering a tough defeat to Saunders in a super middleweight title unification fight. A right uppercut in the eighth round closed Saunders’ right eye and forced his corner to stop the fight before the ninth round.
Canelo added the WBO title to his WBC and WBA belts.
Crawford’s Most Dominant Victory: TKO in the Sixth Round Against Amir Khan
Crawford dominated from the first round, knocking Khan down in the first round and punishing him during the following ones. When Khan received an accidental low blow in the sixth round, his corner rescued him from further punishment. Crawford combined power, speed, and intelligence in the ring, outclassing Khan with precision and force.
Canelo’s Most Disappointing Performance: Unanimous Decision Victory against William Scull
Canelo’s most disappointing performance came in a fight he won comfortably. His most recent bout was an unexciting victory that earned him widespread criticism. Álvarez landed only 152 punches, the second-lowest total in a 12-round fight in the company’s history.
Crawford’s Most Disappointing Performance: Unanimous Decision Victory against Israil Madrimov
Despite the victory, Crawford sounded disappointed afterward. It was the first time Crawford went the distance since Viktor Postol took him to 12 rounds in July 2016. Crawford hopes to show a more solid defense when facing a bigger opponent like Álvarez.
