LAS VEGAS – It’s fight week for what many are calling “The fight of the century,” as Terence “Bud” Crawford will take on Saúl Canelo Álvarez for the chance to become the greatest of this generation.
On Saturday, Sept. 13, the two multi-division champions will put everything on the line inside Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
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Crawford, 37, remains unblemished, having fought 41 times and won all 41 bouts with no losses, while Álvarez, 35, is 63-2-2, with losses coming against Grand Rapids native Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2013 and Dmitry Bivol in 2022.
Boxing sometimes offers fighters who are willing to put their skills to the test and throw a Hail Mary in order to achieve greatness.
Boxers like Crawford come once in a generation, as he has followed those footsteps to challenge for greatness, risking his undefeated record to move up two weight classes to cement his legacy as one of the sweet science’s best ever if he can pull off the upset of Álvarez, who is the current face of boxing.
The talk of the fight has mainly focused on the size difference between Álvarez and Crawford, but it’s not always about how much bigger one fighter is compared to their opponent, as it also showcases a fighter’s skill, heart, and strategies that lead them to victory.
Throughout history, many champions have dared to test themselves this way. Sometimes, that challenge proves too great, especially against a future all-time great.
Quests like what Crawford is trying to embark on have been done before, rarely being achieved by the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Mayweather Jr., Detroit’s own Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns (Cobo Hall, 1987 vs. Dennis Andries), and Roy Jones Jr., to name a few.
Also in 1987, “Sugar” Ray Leonard stepped up from being an elite welterweight world champion to challenge “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler for the middleweight crown and emerged victorious in a historic fight.
Terence Crawford: The time is now
Crawford is no stranger to challenges, having already become a two-time undisputed champion, moving up from 140 to 147 pounds.
He recently became a four-weight world champion at 154 pounds and now aims to jump up two more weight divisions to face Álvarez.
Crawford has discussed the move for a while, seeking to become a three-time undisputed champion—a feat that has never been accomplished in the illustrious history of boxing.
Despite questions about size, Crawford believes in his abilities, noting that Álvarez is not a big guy in terms of height.
Álvarez has operated comfortably between 168 and 175 pounds since 2019, adapting to carrying that weight against top competition.
Bud has been steadily adding weight behind the scenes to prepare, but how his body will react on fight night remains uncertain.
Crawford brings elite technical skill and arguably the best ring IQ in the sport, which may help neutralize the size difference.
Not to mention his switch-hitting in live action, similar to Hagler in his prime, should set up a great matchup.
Key tactical elements for Crawford
As a switch-hitter, meaning he’s amperdexterous, Crawford is able to dictate fights as he has exceptional range and his movements throw off his opponents, as seen in recent bouts against Israil Madrimov, Errol Spence Jr., David Avanesyan, and Shawn Porter.
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Facing Álvarez, Crawford will likely need to fight more on the outside, using his jab, feints, and lateral movement to prevent Álvarez from setting his feet.
The southpaw stance will be crucial, giving Crawford more time and space to control distance and disrupt Álvarez’s forward pressure.
Bud’s counters are a major weapon, tempting opponents with different looks before firing hooks or uppercuts.
Crawford must time Álvarez’s jab and right hand to counter effectively, especially as Álvarez tends to overcommit.
Consistent body work will be vital for Bud.
Crawford’s body shots can chip away at Álvarez, potentially creating openings in the later rounds of the fight.
Mixing punches in combinations rather than single shots may frustrate Álvarez and control the fight’s rhythm.
Canelo Alvarez: The weight of legacy
Álvarez faces the pressure of establishing himself as the defining figure of this generation.
He has campaigned between 168 and 175 pounds for six years and is fully adjusted to facing bigger men.
Since his loss to Bivol, criticism has followed him, with questions about whether he is still testing himself at the highest level, especially during his last fight against Willium Scull.
A showdown with Crawford is seen by many as the true proving ground of his greatness.
Álvarez is expected to impose pressure and aggression, cutting off the ring and breaking down opponents with single power shots.
He will aim to push Bud toward the ropes and corners to unleash his power like he did against Jermell Charlo in the seventh round of their fight back in 2023.
Mixing up target locations—body, arm, head—will be key to keeping Crawford guessing.
Álvarez’s jab and double-flicker jab set up his powerful right hand, creating unpredictability.
Álvarez’s counterpunching up close will be essential, especially as Bud may take risks throwing combinations.
Álvarez’s ability to block, parry, and counter sharply has been a hallmark of his style.
Managing energy and pace is critical.
Álvarez has shown signs of fading in high-tempo fights, so he must balance pressure with discipline, investing in the body early and avoiding long combinations that favor Bud’s counterpunching.
Prediction
Sept. 13 will be more than just a championship bout.
It is a clash between two of boxing’s finest multi-weight champions.
The winner will not only claim the crown but also leave a lasting mark on the sport’s history.
How do you think the fight will play out?
Does Bud have what it takes to move up and beat Álvarez, or will Álvarez prove the bigger man cannot be challenged?