Mikey Garcia’s Perspective on Crawford’s Canelo Fight
Former multi-weight world champion Mikey Garcia has strong opinions about Terence Crawford’s upcoming super middleweight bout against Canelo Alvarez on September 13th. Garcia, a seasoned fighter known for his strategic approach, believes that Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) should not bulk up for the fight. Instead, he recommends that Crawford box, change stances, and use angles to outsmart Canelo (62-2-2, 39 KOs). Garcia’s advice hinges on the fact that Crawford, soon to be 38, will not have the same physical advantages at 168 pounds that he had at lighter weight classes.
The Financial Motivation
On a positive note, Garcia acknowledges that Crawford will earn a significant amount of money regardless of the fight’s outcome. Even if Crawford is decisively beaten by Canelo, he will still walk away with a substantial payday. Garcia suggests that this fight is more about financial gain than sporting achievement. In professional sports, athletes typically have to earn their right to compete for the top prize. However, in this case, Crawford’s participation is more akin to a celebrity match than a genuine title contender’s effort.
Power and Weight Concerns
Garcia’s concerns about Crawford’s power at the higher weight class are valid. In Crawford’s last fight against former WBA junior middleweight champion Israil Madrimov on August 3rd, it was evident that his power had diminished at 154 pounds. Madrimov, a larger opponent, was able to absorb Crawford’s punches and counter effectively. This suggests that Crawford’s punch power will be even less significant at 168 pounds, further highlighting the risks he is taking by skipping a tune-up fight.
The Importance of a Tune-Up
Crawford’s decision not to take a tune-up fight to acclimate to the super middleweight division is a contentious one. Many fans and analysts, including Garcia, believe that fighting a top contender at 168 pounds before facing Canelo would be a prudent move. This would give Crawford valuable experience and help him gauge his capabilities at the new weight class. However, Crawford’s resistance to a tune-up indicates that his primary motivation is financial gain. He has already secured a significant payday, and a preliminary fight could potentially complicate his plans.
Strategy and Adaptability
Garcia advises Crawford to focus on his boxing skills rather than trying to match Canelo’s physical strength. He suggests that Crawford should be elusive, use his speed, and change stances to confuse Canelo. Garcia believes that Crawford’s talent and experience are his biggest assets, and by leveraging them, he can create opportunities to land effective shots. Canelo, on the other hand, will likely use his size, power, and combination punching to dominate the fight. Garcia’s strategy emphasizes the importance of adaptability and intelligence over raw physicality.
The Potential for a Boring Fight
Despite the high stakes, there are concerns that the Crawford-Canelo fight could be a boring and tactical affair. Crawford’s trainer, Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre, has outlined a game plan that involves boxing, jabbing, moving, and holding Canelo to keep him from landing his shots. This approach, inspired by fighters like Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Dmitry Bivol, is likely to result in a defensive and slow-paced match. While such a strategy might be effective, it could lead to a lackluster performance that leaves fans feeling shortchanged.
In summary, Mikey Garcia’s insights provide a nuanced perspective on the Crawford-Canelo fight. While the financial rewards are undeniable, the strategic and physical challenges are significant. Whether Crawford’s talent and adaptability will be enough to overcome Canelo’s advantages remains to be seen.
