Crawford to defy odds?
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 14 Sep 2025
It could be a case of Terence Crawford biting more than he can chew. He’s moving up two divisions to challenge Mexico’s Saul (Canelo) Alvarez who’s defending his WBO, WBA, WBC and IBF supermiddleweight belts in a scheduled 12-rounder at the 65,000-seat Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas this morning (Manila time).
The fight is destined to be a classic confrontation between two future Hall of Famers. Crawford, 37, is undefeated with a 41-0 record, punctuated by 31 KOs. Alvarez, 35, has a 63-2-2 slate with 39 KOs and his only losses were to Floyd Mayweather at lightmiddleweight and Dmitry Bivol at lightheavyweight, both on points. The draws were with Jorge Juarez on his fifth bout and Gennady Golovkin. Alvarez decisioned Golovkin twice after their standoff.
Although Alvarez is two years younger, there’s a lot more wear and tear on his armor. Alvarez turned pro at 15 and has logged 520 rounds in 67 matches while Crawford made his pro debut at 20 and has fought 245 rounds in 41 bouts. The quality of Alvarez’ opposition is at a higher level than Crawford’s and it’s a knock on the Omaha switch-hitter’s ability to face a tested gladiator.
Alvarez is a natural 168-pounder and he’s unbeaten at that weight. Crawford scaled 153 1/2 pounds in his last outing, a win by unanimous verdict over Israil Madrimov in August last year. Alvarez weighed in at 167 in his last fight, a win by unanimous decision over William Scull last May. Moving up in weight has its pitfalls. Flash Elorde went up from junior lightweight to lightweight to challenge world lightweight champion Carlos Ortiz and was rebuked twice, both by stoppage. But Manny Pacquiao did the improbable by moving up from welterweight to superwelterweight to defeat Antonio Margarito in becoming the only fighter ever to capture world titles in eight divisions. But Pacquiao and Margarito agreed to duel at a catchweight of 150 even as the superwelterweight limit is 154. In Crawford’s case against Alvarez, there is no catchweight clause. Crawford will give up at least 15 pounds in battling Alvarez and the weight factor could be decisive.
Can Crawford withstand the power of a much bigger opponent? Alvarez is a plodder with dynamite in both fists but he’s slow-footed. If Crawford can use his speed to avoid getting caught, he’ll have a chance to win. Alvarez, however, is a master at cutting off the ring and if he connects, Crawford will feel the kind of impact he’s never felt before.
Crawford will try to turn it into a tactical fight, using distance to stay away from Alvarez’ firing range. He’ll jab, use his four-inch reach advantage, dart in and out, confuse Alvarez by switch-hitting and strike in calculated moments. Alvarez will come forward, pushing Crawford along the ropes and into the corners. He’ll turn it into a slugfest while Crawford will use space to move away from harm’s way.
Clearly, both fighters are in a class of their own. Crawford has held world titles in four divisions from lightweight to lightmiddleweight. Alvarez has also won world titles in four divisions and is the only fighter ever to claim undisputed status as supermiddleweight king. It’ll be the biggest payday for the protagonists with Alvarez pocketing $150 million and Crawford, $50 million. Expect a war in the ring as Alvarez, the favorite, and Crawford, the underdog, attempt to preserve their legacies as two of the greatest fighters in the modern era.
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