Floyd Mayweather breaks down Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford: a battle of power and precision
The boxing world is abuzz about the potential mega-fight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford. This showdown, if it goes ahead, would pit one of the sport’s most powerful and experienced champions against one of its most s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ed and technically gifted boxers. To add to the intrigue, Floyd Mayweather Jr., one of boxing’s greatest defensive geniuses, has weighed in on the potential clash, offering opinions based on his own experience and deep knowledge of the sport.
Mayweather, who outpointed Canelo in 2013, sees this fight as a battle of styles: Canelo’s strength and aggression against Crawford’s speed and tactical brilliance. A four-division world champion, Canelo has dominated multiple weight classes, showcasing his devastating power and enhanced defensive s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s. However, as Mayweather noted, he has historically struggled against fighters with superior movement and superior defensive awareness, as seen in his loss to Dmitry Bivol.
On the other hand, Crawford has been widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. His ability to change stances, adjust mid-fight, and outsmart his opponents have made him a dominant force. His destruction of Errol Spence Jr. proved that he is a cut above his competition at welterweight. However, the biggest question remains: Can Crawford take his s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s to a higher weight class and withstand the power of Canelo?
Size will certainly play a crucial role in this fight. Canelo has fought at weights as high as 175 pounds, absorbing punches from naturally larger fighters, while Crawford has never fought at more than 147 pounds. Mayweather acknowledged that while Crawford’s s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s could be an issue for Canelo, the weight disparity could be the deciding factor. If the fight takes place at super middleweight (168 pounds), Canelo would have a major advantage in strength and durability. However, if they agree to a catchweight closer to 160 pounds, Crawford could maintain his speed advantage without sacrificing too much power.
Mayweather also cautioned against comparing Crawford’s dominance over Spence to what he could do against Canelo. While Spence is a great fighter, he doesn’t possess Canelo’s knockout power or physical presence. Furthermore, Canelo has already faced some of the best technical boxers in the world, including Mayweather himself, and has learned from them. Unlike Spence, Canelo has experience adapting to elite opponents in multiple divisions.
If the fight does take place, there are two possible scenarios. If Canelo can pressure Crawford effectively, cut off the ring and land his signature body shots, he could wear him down and secure a late stoppage or a dominant decision win. However, if Crawford can keep his distance, use his superior footwork and capitalize on counterpunching opportunities, he could outbox Canelo and win on points. His best chance would be to replicate the model Mayweather used in 2013: frustrating Canelo with movement and precise counterpunches.
Beyond an exciting fight, this fight would have significant historical implications. A Canelo win would cement his legacy as one of the best boxers of his era, proving that he can defeat elite boxers no matter their style. If Crawford were to pull off the upset, he would join the ranks of legends who have defied weight disadvantages to achieve greatness. Moving up several divisions to beat Canelo would make his case as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in history even stronger.
Mayweather’s final assessment remains cautious. While he leans toward Crawford in terms of s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁, he acknowledges that Canelo’s size and power could make the difference. One thing is certain: if this fight happens, it will be one of the biggest boxing events in recent history, a showdown between two of the sport’s best and a battle that could define their legacies for years to come.
