It is a rarity that two future hall-of-famers, who are actually at home in different limits, meet. Canelo vs. Crawford was long just a fever dream, a “mythical matchup” for fans, but tonight (September 13) it becomes reality. BOXSPORT makes the check for the mega-fight.
The super middleweight is a rather young weight class – and yet some big fights have already taken place in the limit up to 76.2 kilograms. Leonard against Hearns, Jones Jr. against Toney, Calzaghe against Kessler or Ward against Froch. But none of these duels was as big, as huge as the fight between pound-for-pound greats Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford for the undisputed 168-pound crown. When the bell rings at the Las Vegas Raiders’ NFL stadium on September 13, two of the best fighters of our time will clash. Streaming giant Netflix will broadcast the spectacle worldwide, with Saudi boxing potentate Turki Al-Sheikh once again providing the patronage with his “Riyadh Season”.
The cash register will ring, that much is certain. But what does it look like in sporting terms? Defending champion Canelo or challenger Crawford, who is moving up two weight classes for the showdown – who will climb into the ring as the favorite? BOXSPORT takes a look at the mega-fight.
EXPERIENCE
Canelo Alvarez has fought 67 fights since his professional debut 20 years ago, 27 of them for a world title. Crawford has also been in the business for what feels like forever and has 41 prize fights under his belt (19 world championship fights). Both boxers have experienced almost everything between the ropes and have been through it all. Canelo’s advantage: the Mexican has had more elite fighters in front of his fists and has been in the ring with legends such as Shane Mosley, Floyd Mayweather, Miguel Cotto and Gennadiy Golovkin. Apart from Errol Spence Jr., Crawford’s record lacks the really big names.
KAMPFSTIL
Canelo prefers to dominate a fight from the center of the ring, to drive his opponent and then strike in a targeted and effective manner. …
Text: Martin Armbruster
You can find the complete analysis of Canelo vs. Crawford in the current issue of BOXSPORT! Now in the BOXSPORT app! Click here to subscribe!