Boxing fans are in for a thrilling ride through the rest of 2025, with several blockbuster matchups on the horizon. But one bout stands above the rest, capturing the attention of even the most casual observers worldwide: a showdown between undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez and two-division undisputed king Terence Crawford. The only question that remains: who will emerge victorious?
Just the other day, several reports emerged on social media, suggesting the Mexican superstar has enlisted an undefeated world champion from Crawford’s former weight class to help him train for the Crawford fight. Despite the development, though, the predictions for the September 13th fight haven’t changed much. WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson has shared his prediction for the bout, which seems to seal Canelo’s fate. Though bias is expected of Stevenson, who is a long-time friend of Crawford and even a former training partner, the Newark native highlighted some great factors to make his point.
“I think Bud is going to cook Canelo,” Stevenson told The Ring. “I think Canelo is a helluva fighter, but Bud has all of the tools to beat him,” he added. “Y’all make [the weight difference] something. In certain fights, yes. If this [were] David Benavidez, that would apply because he’s a lot bigger than Bud.” However, against Canelo, Stevenson believes Crawford’s weight won’t matter much. Why?
Well, because Stevenson claims Canelo Alvarez is much shorter for his weight, which evens the playing field, if not gives the advantage to Crawford, who has the reach advantage in the fight. Stevenson went as far as to predict that the fight could also have a knockout finish. “I think [the stoppage] is possible,” he said during the interview.
September 14, 2024, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA: SAUL CANELO ALVAREZ 62-2-2-39KOs of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico defeats EDGAR BERLANGA 22-1-17KOs of Brooklyn, NY by a unanimous decision 118-109, 117-110, 118-109 during PBC on Prime boxing at the T Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Las Vegas USA – ZUMAo117 20240914_zsp_o117_127 Copyright: xMikaelxOnax
“I’m not saying it’s going to happen, but I think it’s a possibility if Canelo acts out of line, not understanding that Bud can crack, too,” he concluded. That being said, the question is—who has Canelo enlisted to help defeat Crawford? If the rumors are to be believed, Jaron Ennis may join Canelo’s camp as a sparring partner. But why?
You see, Ennis possesses some striking similarities with Crawford, especially his switch-hitting ability that has helped Crawford get the upper hand in several fights. This can get Canelo accustomed to Crawford’s agility and slick boxing style before the fight. Interestingly, though, Stevenson isn’t alone in sharing a prediction for the fight.
Tony Bellew predicts ‘all good things come to an end’ ahead of Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford
Former cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew knows exactly how age can slow a fighter down, hence, he has predicted that “all good things come to an end” for the Mexican superstar. Even though doubters have pointed out Crawford’s weight jump for the fight, Bellew continues to rally behind Crawford, walking away with his hand raised.
August 2, 2024, Los Angeles, California, USA: Former three weight world champion and pound for pound stalwart Terence ÃâËBudÃââ Crawford 40-0 steps on the scale to weigh in for his bout with WBA Super welterweight champion Israil Madrimov Los Angeles USA – ZUMAd151 20240802_znp_d151_024 Copyright: xAdamxDelGiudicex
“Bud’s actually big. Terence Crawford’s a big dude. I’ve been around him. I know,” Bellew told Cardplayer. “He’s a brilliant fighter, technically very adaptive. He can do it all—he has got power.” While highlighting Crawford’s win over Errol Spence Jr., Bellew argued that Canelo won’t be able to control the pace of the fight like he usually does.
“Canelo likes to wait. It has to be all at Canelo’s rate and pace. He’s not gonna get that way with Terence Crawford,” he added. Acknowledging that he understands why people are backing Canelo, Bellew predicted Crawford to win on points.
All said and done, despite Canelo Alvarez’s legendary resume, the Mexican superstar is on the wrong end of expert opinion. Can he prove everyone wrong? Possibly, but is Crawford a threat? Definitely! What are your predictions for the fight?
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