Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford: Boxing Legends Weigh in on a Mega Fight

The boxing world is abuzz with excitement as Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford prepare to clash in a highly anticipated mega-fight. This bout, which pits the undisputed super middleweight champion against one of the most skilled pound-for-pound fighters of this generation, has drawn mixed reactions from boxing legends and analysts. While some believe Crawford’s technical brilliance gives him a real shot at victory, others argue that the sheer size and power of Canelo could be too much for him to handle.

Among the most vocal critics of this matchup is boxing icon Mike Tyson, who sees the weight difference as a major issue. Tyson pointed out that Crawford struggled against Israil Madrimov due to the Uzbek fighter’s size and awkward style. Moving up to 168 pounds to face Canelo, who has dominated the division for years, could be an insurmountable challenge. “I don’t like that fight,” Tyson said, emphasizing that the weight disparity is simply too much.

However, not all boxing legends share Tyson’s skepticism. David Benavidez, a top contender in the super middleweight division, believes that Crawford has a legitimate chance of pulling off an upset. Benavidez, who has been chasing a fight with Canelo himself, acknowledges that while Canelo is the “money fight” everyone wants, Crawford’s skill set, mindset, and work ethic make him a dangerous opponent. That being said, even Benavidez admitted that he personally doesn’t favor the fight, as the jump in weight could put Crawford at a disadvantage.

Oleksandr Usyk, a master of technical boxing and footwork, is another prominent figure backing Crawford. Usyk, who himself moved up from cruiserweight to defeat heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, believes that skill beats size. He sees Crawford as the sharper and more technically gifted fighter and argues that his ability to control distance and adjust to opponents could give him the edge against Canelo. “Crawford wins,” Usyk stated confidently, despite acknowledging Canelo’s strength and experience.

Roy Jones Jr., another legend of the sport, sees two possible outcomes. He believes that if Canelo fights the way he should—using his size, power, and pressure—he will win. However, if Canelo is not at his best or strays from his usual game plan, Crawford will capitalize and emerge victorious. According to Jones, the fight hinges entirely on which version of Canelo shows up on fight night.

Shawn Porter, a former opponent of Crawford, raised concerns about the physical toll of fighting Canelo. While acknowledging Crawford’s resilience and defensive prowess, Porter questioned whether he could absorb Canelo’s power over 12 rounds. He pointed out that Canelo has knocked out bigger men than Crawford and that a sustained attack could wear him down as the fight progresses.

Teddy Atlas, a highly respected boxing analyst, took a different perspective, focusing on skill rather than size. He argued that Crawford’s ability to read opponents, switch stances, and control the pace of the fight could be the deciding factor. Atlas dismissed concerns over Crawford’s struggles against Madrimov, comparing it to a tough meal that’s hard to digest but ultimately consumed. He firmly believes that Crawford has what it takes to dethrone Canelo.

Another critical factor in this fight is Canelo’s age and potential decline. Sports analyst Ariel Helwani pointed out that Canelo may not be as mobile as he once was, raising the question of whether his legs can keep up with Crawford’s movement. Meanwhile, Crawford has been gradually moving up in weight, preparing for a challenge like this for years. Helwani suggested that Crawford’s boxing IQ and adaptability could make this an extremely competitive fight.

With the boxing world divided, one thing is certain: this fight will be one for the ages. Will Crawford’s skill and strategy allow him to overcome the size and power of Canelo, or will the Mexican superstar prove that weight classes exist for a reason? Fans will have to wait until fight night to find out.