Crawford’s Uphill Battle
Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero, a seasoned boxing insider, is predicting a challenging night for Terence Crawford when he faces Canelo Alvarez on September 13th. Romero believes that while Crawford will initially outbox Canelo, much like Amir Khan did in his match against the Mexican star, he will ultimately be caught by a big shot and knocked cold. Crawford, currently unbeaten with a record of 41-0 and 31 knockouts, is stepping up to 168 pounds to challenge Canelo, who boasts a impressive record of 62-2-2 and 39 knockouts. Romero sees this as a significant disadvantage for Crawford, who is moving up 14 pounds from 154 to 168, a move reminiscent of Canelo’s ill-fated jump to 175 pounds to face Dmitry Bivol in 2022.
Size Matters
Romero emphasizes the size disparity, comparing Crawford’s situation to Canelo’s struggle against Bivol. Just as Canelo was too small to effectively challenge Bivol at 175 pounds, Romero argues that Crawford’s smaller stature will be a critical factor in his battle against Canelo. Crawford’s last fight at 154 pounds against Israil Madrimov last August was also a testament to his physical limitations. Romero notes that Crawford’s performance in that bout was far from stellar, indicating that the 38-year-old is not as dominant as he once was. At 154 pounds, Crawford struggled, and moving up to 168 pounds without significant adaptation is expected to exacerbate these issues.
Age and Decline
Romero’s prediction is also influenced by Crawford’s age. At 38, Crawford is no longer the dynamic, youthful fighter he was when he burst onto the scene at 147 pounds in 2018. The physical signs of aging are evident, with his hair graying and his face showing the wear and tear from the sport. Crawford’s recent fight against Madrimov revealed his vulnerability, as he was hit more frequently and his face appeared swollen. Romero points out that Crawford’s movement and agility have diminished, and he now relies heavily on his length and timing to stay out of harm’s way. This strategy may work for a while, but it is unlikely to be effective against a power puncher like Canelo.
Crawford’s Strategy
Crawford’s strategy against Canelo is expected to be similar to Amir Khan’s approach. Romero predicts that Crawford will attempt to box Canelo’s head off, using his superior technical skills to stay ahead on the scorecards. However, Romero anticipates a dramatic turn in the fight. He believes that at some point, Canelo will land a big shot that catches Crawford off guard, leading to a knockout. Canelo’s left hook, a weapon he has perfected over the years, is likely to be the deciding factor. Romero’s prediction is a stark reminder of the unpredictability of boxing, where a single punch can change the course of a fight.
Potential Preparatory Fights
Despite the challenges, Romero suggests that Crawford could have improved his chances by fighting a few 168-pound opponents before taking on Canelo. Potential opponents include Osleys Iglesias, Diego Pacheco, Christian Mbilli, Caleb Plant, and David Morrell. These fighters would have provided Crawford with the necessary experience and acclimation to the higher weight class. However, Crawford has chosen to bypass these potential stepping stones, likely to avoid the risk of a loss. This decision, while understandable from a career management perspective, may come at a cost on fight night.
The Final Prediction
In summarizing his forecast, Romero is unequivocal in his prediction. He states, "Crawford is 38 years old. He’s about to see the canvas. Canelo doesn’t even jab anymore. All he throws is left hooks." Romero’s confidence in Canelo’s ability to overcome Crawford’s technical advantages with sheer power and size is palpable. The boxing world will be watching closely on September 13th to see if Romero’s prediction comes to fruition, as Terence Crawford faces the formidable challenge of Canelo Alvarez at 168 pounds.
