Crawford’s Best Strategy: Stay Lean
Terence Crawford, the undefeated boxing champion with a record of 41-0 and 31 knockouts, faces a daunting challenge on September 13th in Las Vegas when he takes on the three-belt 168-pound champion, Canelo Alvarez. Crawford’s best chance at victory lies in maintaining his current fighting weight rather than bulking up. In his last bout against WBA junior middleweight champion Israil Madrimov, Crawford debuted at 154 pounds and appeared larger than he was a year earlier at 147 against Errol Spence. However, despite the additional weight, he showed no significant increase in power. If Crawford hopes to stand a chance against the naturally stronger and larger Canelo, he must remain lean and agile.
The Risks of Bulking Up
Bulking up to match Canelo’s power and size would be a critical error for Crawford. While the idea of adding muscle might seem appealing, it could slow him down and make him more vulnerable to Canelo’s punches. Crawford’s agility and speed are his greatest assets, and increasing his weight would only diminish these advantages. Knockout losses have been a rarity for Crawford, thanks to his evasive skills, but he won’t win this fight by fighting defensively all night. Nevada judges tend to favor active, aggressive fighters, and Crawford must be proactive to secure a decision.
Preparing for 168: The Ideal Approach
Ideally, Crawford should have moved up to 168 pounds gradually, with a couple of preparatory fights in the division to acclimate. However, the allure of a lucrative payday has prompted him to take on this challenge immediately. At 154 pounds, Crawford’s performance already suggested that he was not designed to move beyond this division. He lacks the size, strength, and youth to compete effectively with the top contenders at 154, let alone 168. A strategic approach, focusing on maintaining his current weight and leveraging his speed and accuracy, is his best chance at success.
Crawford’s Perfect Weight: 160 Pounds
Ade Oladipo, a boxing analyst, suggests that Crawford should come in at 160 pounds for the fight. Canelo, despite his status at 168 pounds, is known for his fit and lean physique. Crawford should not attempt to match Canelo’s muscle mass, as it will only hinder his performance. At 160 pounds, Crawford can maintain his agility and mobility, which are crucial for outboxing a fighter of Canelo’s caliber. Oladipo emphasizes that Crawford should focus on being fleet-footed and moving in and out of the pocket, rather than trying to out-strength his opponent.
Canelo’s Vulnerability: Early Gassing
While Canelo is a formidable opponent, he has shown a tendency to gas out early in recent fights. In his bouts against Edgar Berlanga and Jaime Munguia, Canelo appeared fatigue-stricken after the fourth round, fighting in brief spurts for the remainder of the contest. Crawford can exploit this weakness by maintaining a consistent pace and capitalizing on Canelo’s fatigue. By staying lean and agile, Crawford can avoid the mistakes of his predecessors, such as Jermell Charlo and Erislandy Lara, who tried to outbox Canelo but were ultimately outclassed.
Crawford’s Strategy: Movement and Precision
Crawford’s approach should focus on movement and precision. He must be more fleet-footed and strategic, using his speed to land quick, accurate punches and then moving out of range. This strategy will allow him to outlast Canelo and take advantage of any fatigue issues. Ade Oladipo’s advice to gauge the best weight for Crawford, much like how Oleksandr Usyk approaches his heavyweight fights, is sound. By coming in at 160 or 161 pounds, Crawford can ensure he is in the best possible condition to face Canelo. The key to victory lies in maintaining his agility and using his natural speed and accuracy to outbox the formidable champion.
