With the highly anticipated fight between Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez looming, the boxing world has been divided.
Some fans argue that Canelo‘s size and power will be too much for Crawford, a fighter who only moved up to higher weight classes recently.
Others believe Crawford‘s superior skill and ring IQ will allow him to overcome the size difference. One expert, however, has already made his pick: Ronnie Shields, a Hall of Fame trainer who believes Crawford has what it takes to defeat the Mexican champion-if he fights smart.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. is the best example
Boxing fans often point to Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s 2013 victory over Canelo as the ultimate blueprint for defeating him.
Mayweather used his movement, defense, and experience to school the 23-year-old Canelo, handing him his first-ever loss. However, as Shields points out, Canelo is a far different fighter today.
“He’s a seasoned warrior now,” Shields said. “He’s not the same guy he was when Floyd fought him.”
While Canelo has clearly evolved, Shields still believes the blueprint to beating him remains rooted in Mayweather‘s tactics. And that’s where Terence Crawford comes into play.
A key question surrounding this fight is whether Crawford, moving up in weight, can handle a bigger, stronger opponent like Canelo.
But Shields isn’t concerned about the size difference. In a recent interview with FightHype, the trainer expressed confidence that Crawford‘s skill would be more than enough to compete at 168 lbs, despite the weight disparity.
“Crawford has the skills to fight anybody in the world,” Shields stated. “It’s not about power. If you have the skills, that’s tough for anybody.”
Shields emphasized that Crawford won’t struggle to make the 168 lb weight class, pointing out that Crawford naturally walks around at about 180 lbs, while Canelo likely walks around at 190 lbs or more.
“Crawford won’t have a problem at 168,” he explained. “Canelo will have to kill himself to make the weight, but Crawford is already in a good position.”
Shields also noted that being in top shape from the start will give Crawford a distinct advantage over Canelo, who may enter the fight a bit drained from his weight cut.
Shields‘ plan for Crawford to defeat Canelo is built on the idea of outsmarting and outmaneuvering him rather than trying to match his strength.
Drawing inspiration from Mayweather‘s performance, Shields advises Crawford to focus on his footwork, constantly moving and forcing Canelo to reset.
“Floyd kept stepping around him. Every time Canelo tried to press, Floyd would step around, and Canelo had to reset,” Shields recalled.
“Crawford can do the same thing. He’ll perfect that movement and keep Canelo on the defensive.”
Read the full article here
