The Heavyweight Battle of Wits and Experience
On September 13th, the boxing world will witness a highly anticipated matchup between unified super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford. Promoted by Turki Al-Sheikh, this fight has been hyped to the hilt, but it might end up being a letdown for fans. Crawford, who turns 38 in September, is coming off a year-long layoff and a less-than-impressive performance in his debut at 154 pounds against Israil Madrimov. The boxing community is divided on whether Crawford can make a successful two-division jump to super middleweight (168 pounds) after such an extended break. Many argue that this fight feels more like a financial opportunity for Crawford than a genuine challenge for Canelo.
The Skepticism Surrounding Crawford’s Leap
Terence Crawford, known for his exceptional skills and undefeated record (41-0, 31 KOs), has always been a formidable opponent. However, his recent performance raises significant doubts. His lackluster bout against Madrimov, a fighter who was winless in his last four fights, did little to inspire confidence. Crawford’s movement and punch accuracy were off, and the fight could have gone either way. Now, Crawford is expected to move up two more divisions, a move that has been met with skepticism by many in the boxing community. The idea of a 38-year-old fighter making a two-division jump after a 13-month layoff and a subpar performance seems fraught with risks.
Canelo Alvarez: The Dominant Force at 168 Pounds
Canelo Alvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs) has established himself as a dominant force in the super middleweight division. His ability to adapt his style and maintain his effectiveness as he ages has been a testament to his skill and experience. Canelo is known for his relentless pressure, precise boxing, and capacity to wear down his opponents over time. His recent performances, including his wins over Caleb Plant and John Ryder, have solidified his position as the top dog at 168 pounds. For Crawford to have a chance at upsetting Canelo, he would need to show a level of adaptability and resilience that his recent form does not suggest he possesses.
The Financial Incentive and Its Impact
The financial incentive for Crawford to take this fight is undeniable. A payday of this magnitude is hard to turn down, especially for a fighter at the twilight of his career. However, the question remains whether this motivation will be enough to overcome the physical and technical challenges. Crawford’s recent inactivity and the significant weight jump are major obstacles. His last fight at a lower weight class and the year-long layoff have likely taken a toll on his conditioning and sharpness. These factors, combined with his age, make it a daunting task for Crawford to perform at his best against a fighter of Canelo’s caliber.
Expert Opinions and the Possibility of an Upset
Despite the odds being stacked against him, some boxing experts still see a path to victory for Crawford. Gareth A. Davies of talkSport Boxing predicts a points win for Crawford, praising his boxing IQ and adaptability. Spencer Oliver also believes that Crawford’s style and size could give Canelo a run for his money. They argue that Crawford’s movement, angles, and hand speed could neutralize Canelo’s power and pressure. While these predictions are intriguing, they overlook the practical challenges Crawford faces. A victory would be more convincing if Crawford had at least one fight at 168 pounds to demonstrate his capabilities in this division.
The Final Verdict: A Risky Proposition
In the end, the Crawford vs. Canelo fight feels like a risky proposition. Crawford’s age, inactivity, and lack of experience at 168 pounds are significant hurdles. While his talent and boxing IQ are undeniable, the physical demands of a two-division jump after such a long layoff are daunting. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Crawford can pull off the upset, but the odds are decidedly in Canelo’s favor. The fight is set to be a significant test of Crawford’s willingness to chase the green and whether he can deliver the performance that fans and experts are hoping for.
