Experts Weigh In: Floyd Mayweather, Roy Jones Jr., and Errol Spence Make Their Picks for Canelo vs. Crawford
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 15 Feb 2025
The highly anticipated showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, set for September 13, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, continues to dominate boxing headlines. As the fight draws closer, experts and legends of the sport are weighing in with their predictions and opinions. From Floyd Mayweather’s surprising pick to Roy Jones Jr.’s candid advice, the debate over who will emerge victorious is heating up.
Floyd Mayweather’s Verdict: Crawford’s Skill Over Canelo’s Power
Floyd Mayweather, who famously defeated Canelo in 2013, has shared his thoughts on the upcoming fight. In an interview with FightHype, Mayweather made a surprising pick, siding with Crawford. “Crawford’s skill set is unmatched. He’s a true student of the game, and his ability to adapt is second to none. Canelo is a great fighter, but Crawford’s IQ and versatility will be the difference,” Mayweather stated.
Praising both fighters but emphasizing Crawford’s technical superiority. “Canelo has power, but Crawford has the brains. In boxing, skill beats power every time,” he added. Mayweather’s endorsement of Crawford has sparked debate, as many consider Canelo the favorite due to his size and experience at 168 pounds.
Roy Jones Jr.’s Priceless Counsel for Canelo
Legendary boxer Roy Jones Jr. also shared his perspective, offering advice to Canelo while delivering a blunt assessment of Crawford’s chances. In a report from Essentially Sports, Jones Jr. warned Canelo not to underestimate Crawford but also highlighted the challenges Crawford faces.
“Crawford is a phenomenal fighter, but he’s moving up two weight classes. That’s a big ask, especially against someone like Canelo, who’s been dominant at 168 pounds,” Jones Jr. said. He advised Canelo to use his size and power to wear down Crawford, stating, “Canelo needs to pressure him early and make him feel the weight difference. If he does that, Crawford’s speed and skill won’t matter as much.”
Errol Spence’s Stance: A Shift in Perspective?
Errol Spence Jr., who lost to Crawford in their 2023 welterweight unification bout, has also weighed in on the fight. In a recent interview, Spence initially expressed skepticism about Crawford’s chances but later acknowledged his former rival’s abilities.
“At first, I thought Canelo would be too big and strong for Crawford, but you can’t count Bud out. He’s one of the smartest fighters in the game, and he’s proven he can rise to the occasion,” Spence said. His comments raised eyebrows, as many expected Spence to side with Canelo given his history with Crawford.
The Experts’ Consensus: A Close but Clear Favorite
While opinions vary, the consensus among experts is that Canelo’s size, power, and experience at 168 pounds make him the favorite. However, Crawford’s technical brilliance and adaptability give him a legitimate chance to pull off the upset.
Canelo’s Advantages: Natural size, devastating power, and a proven track record at super middleweight.
Crawford’s Path to Victory: Superior speed, footwork, and fight IQ, coupled with his ability to switch stances and control distance.
Conclusion: A Fight for the Ages
As the boxing world counts down to September 13, 2025, the debate over who will win continues to intensify. Whether it’s Mayweather’s endorsement of Crawford, Jones Jr.’s advice for Canelo, or Spence’s nuanced perspective, one thing is clear: this fight is a clash of styles, strategies, and legacies.
When the bell rings, fans will witness a battle that could redefine the sport. Will Canelo’s power and experience prevail, or will Crawford’s skill and intelligence defy the odds? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this is a fight that will be remembered for generations.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: The Boxer
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Sat, 02 Aug 2025Duarte vs. Sims Jr. Title Eliminator Official: All Fighters Make Weight in Chicago
Sat, 02 Aug 2025ALLEN v MAKHMUDOV, SUGAR NUNEZ IN MEXICO AND MORE AS MATCHROOM BOXING CONFIRMS HUGE AUTUMN LINE-UP – LIVE ON DAZN
Sat, 02 Aug 2025Undaloc Jr. leads BBG 300 Ultra Marathon
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 02 Aug 2025Round One: Dr. Bernard Remollino Brings Pancho Villa Back Into the Ring
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Fri, 01 Aug 2025Panya Pradabsri, Carlos Cañizales Make Weight for WBC 108 World Title Rematch in Venezuela
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 01 Aug 2025“NOWHERE TO RUN” OSCAR “LA MIGRAÑA” DUARTE VS. KENNETH “BOSSMAN” SIMS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Fri, 01 Aug 2025Pabular to make 1st title defense on Aug. 12
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 01 Aug 2025Tacurong excited to play in Buhangin slugfest
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 01 Aug 2025Kenneth “Lover Boy” Llover vs Former Champ Luis “Nica” Concepcion August 17 in Manila!
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 31 Jul 2025Xiao Time: Where History Pulls No Punches
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Thu, 31 Jul 2025Vargas Speaks After Retaining WBA Bantamweight Title in Gritty Battle with Daigo Higa in Japan
Thu, 31 Jul 2025The “ATV” Plan is set for Undefeated Bay State Junior middleweight prospect Anthony Velazquez
Thu, 31 Jul 2025Youth High Performance Team Captain Salim Ellis-Bey Takes the World Stage With One Goal in Mind
Thu, 31 Jul 2025Trainer Tommy Brooks Passes Away at 71
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 31 Jul 2025