Crawford vs. Canelo: An Expert Analysis for an Epic Clash
Terence Crawford moves up two weight classes on Saturday to challenge Canelo Álvarez for the undisputed super middleweight championship. The fight, which promises to be a milestone in boxing history, will be broadcast on Netflix at 9 p.m. ET. Crawford, with an impeccable record of 41-0 and 31 KOs, has conquered titles in four different divisions and was undisputed champion in super lightweight and welterweight. If he manages to beat Canelo, he will become the first boxer to unify the four major belts in three different categories. Canelo (63-2-2, 39 KOs) conquered the undisputed 168-pound championship by defeating Caleb Plant by TKO in the eleventh round in November 2021. He successfully defended his title on four occasions before the IBF stripped him for not facing the mandatory challenger, William Scull. Canelo regained the championship by defeating Scull in May. Will Crawford be able to succeed in a higher division? Will he maintain his speed and power to surprise the favorite Canelo? Or, will Canelo be the first to defeat Crawford, even achieving a knockout? To analyze this anticipated match, we asked boxers, boxing experts, and trainers to share their perspectives on the possible development of the fight and predict a winner.
Khan, the only one who has shared the ring with both boxers, considers it a difficult fight to predict. He sees Crawford with an advantage for being the fresher fighter, but believes that Canelo will have to resort to his aggressive style to be successful.Ray Beltran, former lightweight champion; lost against CrawfordCanelo’s power is devastating, and with the combination of punches he throws, he’s still much faster than people think. He’s not a fighter who starts fast, but he’s a powerful fighter.
Amir Khan
Beltran highlights Crawford’s intelligence and his ability to adapt to weight, suggesting that he can win by points if he avoids direct exchange with Canelo.Crawford must keep his distance, be smart and not get involved with Canelo, as he is obviously too big for him. Crawford must be smart, and I think that will give him the victory by decision.
Ray Beltran
Darrelle Valsaint, welterweight, Canelo’s main sparring partner
Valsaint, who has had the opportunity to train with Canelo, believes that Canelo should be true to his style and be patient. For Crawford, he suggests studying Canelo’s previous fights and replicating strategies to get into the distance and unbalance him.Edgar Berlanga Sr., manager and trainer of Edgar Berlanga, who lost against CaneloMr. Berlanga believes that Crawford can win by decision if he uses angles, defense, and counterattacks. For Canelo, he recommends shortening the distance, attacking the body, and seeking the knockout.Holly Holm, former champion, International Boxing Hall of Fame memberHolm highlights Crawford’s intelligence and his ability to switch stances, but also mentions Canelo’s size advantage. She believes Canelo will seek the knockout, while Crawford will need to use his skill and strategy.Additional Predictions: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. Michael Mosley: Canelo. Said Taghmaoui: Crawford. Cris Cyborg: Difficult, 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. The fight between Canelo and Crawford promises to be an unforgettable event, with both boxers seeking to leave their mark on boxing history.Crawford doesn’t have the power to knock out Canelo. He must use angles and good defense, counter-punching every time Canelo opens up.
Edgar Berlanga Sr.
