Mexico’s Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez defends his undisputed super-middleweight crown against American Terence Crawford at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium on Saturday.
Prediction – Crawford “My old adage is that a good big ‘un always beats a good little ‘un and I’ll go with Canelo on this.
Prediction – Crawford “I’m going with Crawford, he’s got the legs and the IQ.
Prediction – Crawford “I’m going with Crawford to win.
Prediction – Canelo
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez of Mexico will fight American Terence Crawford for his undisputed super-middleweight title on Saturday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Fans of boxing will witness a dream bout between two contemporary titans.
When he steps into the ring, 35-year-old Alvarez has 63 victories from 67 professional fights, two draws, and two losses.
In an attempt to achieve even more glory, “Bud” Crawford, the unbeaten four-division world champion and two-weight undisputed king, makes the audacious decision to move up two weight classes.
Will the bigger man be unnerved by the 37-year-old’s slick skills and ring IQ, or will Alvarez’s strength and track record at the higher weights be evident in the Las Vegas lights?
Check out BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, and the BBC Sport website and app for live text commentary starting at 03:00 BST.
Here is what the boxing community had to say when we asked them for their predictions.
“Bud will give him a hard punch because Crawford is a special kind of fighter. Despite not being the strongest puncher, he is strong. Excellent technique, robust body, and high accuracy. He can battle both orthodox and southpaw and has good defensive skills. Bud is a tough guy who doesn’t mind being tagged either. Age and speed are being ignored. Bud doesn’t mind boxing if necessary and keeping things that way. You never know because Canelo is tough and has taken bigger shots from bigger guys. “..”.
Prediction: Crawford.
A good big ‘un always beats a good little ‘un, according to my old saying, and I’ll agree with Canelo on this one. He was clipped several times against William Scull, and I believe this made him angry. When I think back to Crawford’s last bout with Israil Madrimov, I believe there were some close moments. I must choose Canelo, though, and I hope he wins because our man Hamzah Sheeraz will be at ringside and we will be there if he prevails. “.
Speculation: Alvarez.
Crawford will likely get off to a quick start, which would support the idea that Canelo lacks the stamina to fight more quickly. if he can, taking the initiative and pressuring Canelo to intensify the battle. In my opinion, Canelo will be better than he has been in recent years. Size will also be an issue, and I believe he could defeat Crawford. Though I can see Crawford outboxing Canelo, I’m not entirely sure about that. Crawford stopping Canelo is the only thing I can’t see happening, and now that I’ve said that, it sounds like it will. “..”.
Alvarez is the prediction.
“People want to know if size will significantly affect things. When I was in the corner for my friend Callum Smith, I had the good fortune to get a close-up look at Canelo, who had a very thick set. However, I do think Crawford has gradually gained strength; he is incredibly powerful. His skill as a wrestler is forgotten when he is not boxing. His greatest asset is how adaptable he is. He is capable of fighting both inside and outside, going orthodox or southpaw. Here, timing might be ideal, in my opinion. Even though it’s a chess match with no spills or excitement, I believe Crawford has the advantage. However, he might have to take one or two big ‘uns and wait out the storm. “.”.
Crawford, the prediction.
Crawford has both the IQ and the legs, so I’m going with him. In addition to being able to change positions, Canelo has a history of having trouble against southpaws. In addition to having longer arms, he is not as small in stature. Single shots, or perhaps two shots at a time, are used by this slow-footed Canelo. When a bomb is dropped on Crawford, he is shrewd enough to know that Canelo will register, so he can ride it out, make sure nothing else lands, get away, and resume his work. “.”.
Prediction: Crawford.
“I’m betting on Crawford to prevail. At this point, the real battle starts in camp, and Crawford is just more difficult to get ready for. His unconventional approach, his ability to change positions, and the way he makes you think constantly are all mental. And that mental challenge is what distinguishes champions when they are at the top. I think Crawford wins because of this. “.
Crawford is the prediction.
“I know there is a size difference, but Crawford isn’t a mug. Some people move up weight classes only for pay days, but Crawford is unique, and I can honestly see him winning the fight. That’s why it’s difficult to call. He’s game, and even though he’s smaller, I’ll accompany him. “.”.
Crawford, the prediction.
“I believe Canelo’s size will be a major factor in this; Canelo is very strong at that weight, and Crawford is introducing a few weight divisions where there will be a size difference. Though I believe Canelo will be too big and strong and win on points, Crawford’s skills will be his greatest advantage, and he might even outbox Canelo. “,”.
Speculation: Canelo.
