Canelo vs. Crawford: Predictions from Boxing Legends

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez v
Terence Crawford

Venue: Allegiant
Stadium, Las Vegas Date: Saturday, 13 September

Coverage: Follow live
text commentary from 03:00 BST on Sunday, 14 September on BBC Sport website and app

Mexico’s Saul ‘Canelo’
Alvarez defends his undisputed super-middleweight crown against American Terence Crawford at Las
Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium on Saturday.

Boxing fans will be treated to a dream match-up between two
modern-day greats.

Alvarez, 35, enters the ring with 63 wins from 67 professional
bouts, with two draws and two defeats.

‘Bud’ Crawford, the undefeated four-division world champion
and two-weight undisputed king, takes the bold step of moving up two weight classes in pursuit of even
greater glory.

Will the slick skills and ring IQ of the 37-year-old unsettle
the bigger man? Or will Alvarez’s power and proven pedigree at the higher weights shine under the Las
Vegas lights?

Follow live text commentary from 03:00 BST on BBC Radio 5 Live,
BBC Sounds, and the BBC Sport website and app.

We asked the boxing world for their predictions – here’s what
they said…

The boxing world is buzzing with anticipation for the clash between
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Terence Crawford. This fight isn’t just about two champions; it’s a battle of
styles, experience, and ambition. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect, drawing from expert predictions and
analysts’ insights.

“It’s a fantastic fight but I just can’t see Canelo beating him. I
see Crawford winning this fight by skill, movement and holding his weight well. Crawford is an amazing
wrestler so when it comes to grappling and pushing fighters’ around, he’s strong. I’m sure he won’t have
a problem with Canelo, even though Canelo is a strong, big guy.”

Prediction – Crawford

“Bud is going to punch him up – Crawford is a unique fighter. He
ain’t the most powerful puncher but he’s strong. Good technique, physically strong, very accurate. He’s
defensively sound, can fight southpaw and orthodox. Bud is tough, he doesn’t mind getting tagged also.
We’re overlooking age and speed. Bud doesn’t mind keeping it that way and boxing if he has to. Canelo is
tough and has taken bigger shots from bigger guys so you never know.”

Prediction – Crawford

“My old adage is that a good big ‘un always beats a good little
‘un and I’ll go with Canelo on this. Against William Scull, he got clipped quite a few times and I thought
he got frustrated. Then I look at Crawford in his previous fight against Israil Madrimov and I thought
there were moments where it was quite close. But I’ve got to go with Canelo – and I hope it is Canelo
because our man Hamzah Sheeraz is going to be ringside and we’re going to make it if Canelo wins.”

Prediction – Alvarez

“I think Crawford will start fast, test this theory that Canelo
doesn’t have the energy to fight at a higher pace. Getting up on the lead if he can and force Canelo to
push the fight. I do think we’ll see a better Canelo than we’ve seen in the last few years and size will
play a factor and I think he might stop Crawford. I’m not totally sure on that and I can see Crawford
outboxing Canelo. The only thing I don’t see is Crawford stopping Canelo, which is probably what will
happen now that I’ve said it.”

Prediction – Alvarez

“People are asking if size will be a big factor. I was lucky
enough to see Canelo up close when I was in the corner for my mate Callum Smith – he had a very thick set.
But I do believe Crawford has taken his time building up to the weight, he’s unbelievably strong. People
forget what a good wrestler away from boxing he is. His biggest strength is that he’s so versatile. He
can go orthodox or southpaw, fight on the inside or outside, he can do it all. I think timing could be
perfect here. It may be a chess match – no thrills and spills – but I think Crawford edges it on points.
He may have to take one or two big ‘uns and weather the storm, though.”

Prediction – Crawford

“Canelo may have dipped over the last couple of years but this is
the kind of fight which will get him excited and I think he could edge up. Crawford is going up two
weights and history will tell you that might be too big of a jump.”

Prediction –
Canelo

“I’m going with Crawford, he’s got the legs and the IQ. He can
switch stances too, and we know Canelo has struggled with southpaws in the past. He’s also got longer arms
and is not physically that small in comparison. This version of Canelo is very slow-footed with single
shots, or maybe two shots at a time. Crawford is smart enough that when he does get hit with a bomb,
because Canelo will register, he can ride it out and make sure nothing else lands, get the distance and go
back to work again.”

Prediction – Crawford

“I have Crawford as a strong favourite. Nobody has shown us how
to beat him yet. He has so many different parts to his game that I think it will be difficult for Canelo
to work out that puzzle. We’ve seen guys who are fast with good movement and footwork that Canelo can
struggle against them.”

Prediction –
Crawford

“I’m going for Crawford. They’re both so highly skilled but while
Crawford may not have the weight advantage, he has the reach with his long arms which people
underestimate. I think he wins on points.”

Prediction –
Crawford

“I’m going with Crawford to win. At this level, the real fight
begins in camp, and Crawford is simply harder to prepare for. His ability to switch stances, his
unorthodox style, the way he makes you think every second in there, it’s all mental. And when you’re at
the very top, that mental challenge is what separates champions. That’s why I believe Crawford comes out
on top.”

Prediction –
Crawford

“It’s tough to call because I know there is a size difference
but Crawford ain’t no mug, some people jump up weight classes just for the pay days but Crawford is
different and I can see him nicking the fight to be honest. He is smaller but he’s game, I’m going to go
with him.”

Prediction –
Crawford

Several elements will shape the outcome of this highly anticipated bout.

Canelo, the naturally bigger man, often uses his size and strength to his advantage. However, Crawford’s
precision and ring IQ could mitigate this disparity.

Canelo’s power-punching style contrasts with Crawford’s slick, adaptable approach. Crawford’s ability to
switch stances and control the pace will be crucial.

Both fighters bring considerable experience. Canelo has faced elite competition, while Crawford’s
unblemished record showcases his mastery.

The outcome of this fight will have significant repercussions for the boxing landscape.

A victory for either fighter cements their status as a modern boxing legend. The winner gains a
significant edge in the pound-for-pound rankings.

The winner could attract even more high-profile fights, potentially setting up further super-fights and
extending their dominance in the sport.