In the upcoming mega-fight scheduled for September 13th, boxing enthusiast Jose Benavidez Sr. anticipates a disappointing performance between Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez. According to Benavidez Sr., Crawford's strategy may lean heavily on constant movement, potentially rendering the match uneventful. This prediction stems from Crawford's recent inactivity, age concerns, and size disadvantage against Alvarez. While Crawford has claimed he will aggressively attack Alvarez, many observers, including Benavidez Sr., believe that Crawford will instead adopt a defensive approach similar to fighters like William Scull and Jermell Charlo, who previously faced Alvarez.
Jose Benavidez Sr. foresees Crawford replicating strategies employed by past Alvarez opponents such as Jermell Charlo and William Scull. Speaking on Sean Zittel’s YouTube channel, Benavidez Sr. highlighted how Crawford, despite his declarations of aggressive tactics, is likely to focus on evasive maneuvers due to Alvarez's superior physicality. He pointed out that Crawford's last bout at 154 pounds was lackluster, indicating that Crawford may not possess the power or resilience needed to withstand Alvarez's punches. Furthermore, Crawford's prolonged absence from the ring since 2020 raises questions about his current form and ability to compete effectively.
Beyond the strategic considerations, Benavidez Sr. emphasized Crawford's limitations stemming from age and inactivity. With only one fight per year over the past five years, Crawford's skills might have eroded, especially given his age surpassing 30. Despite Crawford's assertions of an aggressive approach, Benavidez Sr. doubts this claim, suggesting that Crawford will prioritize survival over engagement. The comparison drawn with David Benavidez underscores the contrast in fighting styles—while David would likely bring excitement through forward pressure, Crawford appears set to rely on defensive tactics akin to Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s blueprint.
The financial aspect also plays a significant role in these discussions. Jose Sr. mentioned Canelo's purported asking price of $200 million for a potential bout with David Benavidez, reflecting Alvarez's reluctance to face a fighter he perceives as unfavorable. This stance highlights strategic decisions driven by both monetary incentives and stylistic matchups. As fans gear up for the Crawford-Alvarez showdown, Benavidez Sr.'s insights paint a picture of a cautious and perhaps uninspiring contest.
As anticipation builds for the Crawford-Alvarez clash, it becomes evident that Crawford's tactical choices could significantly impact the match's outcome and audience reception. With a focus on movement and defense, coupled with concerns over his physical capabilities and competitive readiness, Crawford faces an uphill battle against Alvarez. Fans eager for thrilling action may find themselves disappointed if Crawford indeed opts for a more reserved approach, emphasizing safety and strategic positioning rather than engaging in an all-out assault. Ultimately, the matchup promises to test Crawford's adaptability and resolve amidst challenging circumstances.