Undisputed light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol has shared his bold prediction on the highly anticipated September 13 showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence “Bud” Crawford, asserting that Crawford has what it takes to defeat the Mexican superstar. Drawing from his own experience beating Canelo in 2022, Bivol’s analysis has sparked intense debate among boxing fans.

Bivol, who handed Canelo one of only two losses in his career, believes Crawford’s success hinges on adapting to the 168-pound weight class and maintaining a strong mental edge. “He needs to get used to the power and pressure of 168—it’s a big difference,” Bivol explained in a recent interview. He noted Crawford’s impressive skills, including his ability to switch stances and his awkward fighting style, which could disrupt Canelo’s rhythm. Having seen Crawford in person, Bivol added, “He’s big and has very good skills. He’s able to win this fight.”

The Russian champion emphasized mentality as the key factor, recalling his own victory over Canelo. “When people are not prepared mentally, they become weak,” Bivol said, suggesting that Canelo’s past opponents often faltered due to fear, while Crawford’s champion mindset could give him an advantage. He also pointed to Canelo’s recent performance against William Scull, where the Mexican star struggled to impose his power, hinting that Crawford’s agility and footwork—evident in his 2023 win over Errol Spence Jr.—could exploit this.

While acknowledging Canelo’s defensive prowess and natural fit at super middleweight, Bivol remains optimistic about Crawford’s chances if he prepares thoroughly. The boxing world is abuzz, with fans debating whether Crawford’s two-weight-class jump will pay off. As the fight nears, all eyes are on whether Bivol’s insight will prove prophetic.