Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford have reached an agreement to fight in September 2025 in Las Vegas, as part of a Riyadh Season event via Ring Magazine.
Betting Odds:
As of now, Canelo Álvarez is favored to win, with odds at -185, while Terence Crawford is the underdog at +155.
Fight Breakdown
1. Size and Strength
- Canelo Álvarez:
Canelo is a natural super middleweight (168 lbs) and has even fought at light heavyweight (175 lbs). His size, power, and physical strength would be a major factor in this fight. Canelo is accustomed to fighting bigger opponents and has a proven ability to absorb punches while delivering devastating counter shots. - Terence Crawford:
Crawford is a natural welterweight (147 lbs) and has recently moved up to junior middleweight (154 lbs). Jumping up to 168 lbs to face Canelo would be a significant challenge. While Crawford is a skilled boxer, the size and power disparity could be a major hurdle.
2. Skill and Technique
- Canelo Álvarez:
Canelo is one of the most complete fighters in boxing. He has elite counterpunching skills, a strong jab, and excellent body work. His defense, particularly his head movement and ability to slip punches, is among the best in the sport. Canelo also has a high ring IQ and adapts well during fights. - Terence Crawford:
Crawford is arguably the most technically skilled fighter in boxing today. He is a switch-hitter with impeccable timing, footwork, and punch selection. His ability to adjust mid-fight and exploit opponents’ weaknesses is unparalleled. However, his lack of experience at higher weight classes could limit his effectiveness against a bigger, stronger opponent like Canelo.
3. Power and Chin
- Canelo Álvarez:
Canelo has proven knockout power, especially at super middleweight. His punches carry significant weight, and he has dropped and stopped durable opponents. Additionally, Canelo has a granite chin, having never been knocked out in his career. - Terence Crawford:
Crawford has power at welterweight and junior middleweight, but it remains to be seen if his power would translate effectively at 168 lbs. While Crawford has a solid chin, he has not faced anyone with the size and power of Canelo.
4. Stamina and Conditioning
- Canelo Álvarez:
Canelo has shown some vulnerability in the later rounds, particularly in his fights against Gennadiy Golovkin and Dmitry Bivol. However, he is generally well-conditioned and capable of maintaining a high pace for 12 rounds. - Terence Crawford:
Crawford is known for his exceptional stamina and ability to maintain a high work rate throughout fights. His conditioning and endurance could be key factors if the fight goes into the later rounds.
Likely Winner
- Canelo Álvarez would likely be the favorite to win this hypothetical matchup. His size, power, and experience at higher weight classes would give him a significant advantage. While Crawford’s technical skills and ring IQ are elite, the size disparity and Canelo’s ability to absorb punches and deliver fight-ending power would likely be the deciding factors.
- Prediction: Canelo Álvarez by late-round TKO or unanimous decision.
Key Factors to Watch
- Crawford’s Adjustments: Can Crawford use his footwork and angles to neutralize Canelo’s power and land clean shots?
- Canelo’s Body Work: Canelo’s ability to attack Crawford’s body could slow him down and limit his movement.
- Size Difference: How will Crawford handle the physicality and strength of a naturally bigger opponent?
This fight would be a fascinating clash of styles and skills, but the size and power advantage would likely tilt the scales in Canelo’s favor.
