September 14, 2025 | 12:00am
LAS VEGAS – It might be a case of Terence Crawford biting greater than he can chew. He’s transferring up two divisions to problem Mexico’s Saul (Canelo) Alvarez who’s defending his WBO, WBA, WBC and IBF supermiddleweight belts in a scheduled 12-rounder on the 65,000-seat Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas this morning (Manila time).
The battle is destined to be a basic confrontation between two future Corridor of Famers. Crawford, 37, is undefeated with a 41-0 file, punctuated by 31 KOs. Alvarez, 35, has a 63-2-2 slate with 39 KOs and his solely losses have been to Floyd Mayweather at lightmiddleweight and Dmitry Bivol at lightheavyweight, each on factors. The attracts have been with Jorge Juarez on his fifth bout and Gennady Golovkin. Alvarez decisioned Golovkin twice after their standoff.
Though Alvarez is 2 years youthful, there’s much more put on and tear on his armor. Alvarez turned professional at 15 and has logged 520 rounds in 67 matches whereas Crawford made his professional debut at 20 and has fought 245 rounds in 41 bouts. The standard of Alvarez’ opposition is at a better degree than Crawford’s and it’s a knock on the Omaha switch-hitter’s means to face a examined gladiator.
Alvarez is a pure 168-pounder and he’s unbeaten at that weight. Crawford scaled 153 1/2 kilos in his final outing, a win by unanimous verdict over Israil Madrimov in August final yr. Alvarez weighed in at 167 in his final battle, a win by unanimous resolution over William Scull final Could. Transferring up in weight has its pitfalls. Flash Elorde went up from junior light-weight to light-weight to problem world light-weight champion Carlos Ortiz and was rebuked twice, each by stoppage. However Manny Pacquiao did the inconceivable by transferring up from welterweight to superwelterweight to defeat Antonio Margarito in turning into the one fighter ever to seize world titles in eight divisions. However Pacquiao and Margarito agreed to duel at a catchweight of 150 even because the superwelterweight restrict is 154. In Crawford’s case towards Alvarez, there isn’t any catchweight clause. Crawford will hand over a minimum of 15 kilos in battling Alvarez and the load issue might be decisive.
Can Crawford face up to the facility of a a lot larger opponent? Alvarez is a plodder with dynamite in each fists however he’s slow-footed. If Crawford can use his velocity to keep away from getting caught, he’ll have an opportunity to win. Alvarez, nevertheless, is a grasp at reducing off the ring and if he connects, Crawford will really feel the sort of impression he’s by no means felt earlier than.
Crawford will attempt to flip it right into a tactical battle, utilizing distance to avoid Alvarez’ firing vary. He’ll jab, use his four-inch attain benefit, dart out and in, confuse Alvarez by switch-hitting and strike in calculated moments. Alvarez will come ahead, pushing Crawford alongside the ropes and into the corners. He’ll flip it right into a slugfest whereas Crawford will use house to maneuver away from hurt’s method.
Clearly, each fighters are in a category of their very own. Crawford has held world titles in 4 divisions from light-weight to lightmiddleweight. Alvarez has additionally received world titles in 4 divisions and is the one fighter ever to say undisputed standing as supermiddleweight king. It’ll be the largest payday for the protagonists with Alvarez pocketing $150 million and Crawford, $50 million. Count on a battle within the ring as Alvarez, the favourite, and Crawford, the underdog, try and protect their legacies as two of the best fighters within the trendy period.
