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.
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