Boxing
Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford: A Battle of Titans or a Mismatch?
2025-04-05

The upcoming September showdown between Cabelo Alvarez and Terence "Bud" Crawford has sparked widespread anticipation and debate in the boxing world. While many fans eagerly await this clash, renowned trainer Abel Sanchez voices strong skepticism about the fight's viability. In his view, Crawford, despite being one of the sport's elite fighters, is simply too small to compete effectively against Alvarez, the reigning super-middleweight champion. During an interview with Fight Hub TV, Sanchez labeled the bout as "ridiculous," predicting that Alvarez will dominate and likely stop Crawford in the later rounds.

Abel Sanchez’s critique centers on the significant size difference between the two boxers. He argues that while Crawford possesses exceptional hand speed and footwork, these advantages will diminish as the fight progresses. Drawing parallels to Gennady Golovkin’s match against Kell Brook, Sanchez suggests that Crawford's early edge will fade under Alvarez's relentless pressure. According to Sanchez, the critical factor lies in weight classes, which exist for a reason. He points out how Crawford struggled physically even at lighter weights, such as in his recent bout with Israil Madrimov. Thus, moving up to 168 pounds poses a monumental challenge for Crawford.

Despite Sanchez's doubts, other experts like Teddy Atlas and Tim Bradley remain optimistic about Crawford's potential to surprise. They highlight Crawford's intelligence, adaptability, and proven ability to perform at higher levels. Atlas insists that dismissing Crawford outright would be premature, given his track record and skill set. For many observers, the intrigue stems from the possibility of witnessing history—instances where smaller yet extraordinary fighters have triumphed over larger opponents abound in boxing lore. Examples include Michael Spinks defeating Larry Holmes, Manny Pacquiao besting Oscar De La Hoya, and Thomas Hearns' remarkable ascent across multiple weight divisions.

In the end, this matchup offers both excitement and uncertainty. While Abel Sanchez makes compelling arguments regarding the physical mismatch, the unpredictability inherent in boxing means anything can happen. Should Crawford emerge victorious, it would rank among the most stunning upsets in recent memory. Conversely, a loss wouldn't tarnish his legacy significantly due to the clear size disadvantage. Regardless of the outcome, the September showdown promises to be a defining moment for both fighters, showcasing their courage and determination in pursuit of greatness.

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