The anticipation for the fight between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Terence “Bud” Crawford on September 13 has reached a new level, not only because of the caliber of the fighters, but also because of the surprising consensus that has emerged among boxing’s elite. Both Canelo and undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk have expressed, in their own way, unprecedented admiration for Crawford, suggesting that he may be the best fighter not only of today, but of all time.
In a recent interview with Ring Magazine, a revealing moment captured the deep consideration Canelo has for his next opponent. When the host asked him to name a boxer better than Terence Crawford, the Mexican remained silent. As a list of legends such as Floyd Mayweather, Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao and Dmitry Bivol was read out, Canelo did not utter a word, positioning Crawford above each of them. It is a particularly significant gesture considering that both Mayweather and Bivol are the only two boxers to have managed to defeat the Mexican champion in his professional career.
Canelo is not the only one who thinks about Crawford
Canelo’s opinion is not alone. Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has reinforced the narrative. Despite being at the top of The Ring’s pound-for-pound list himself, Usyk humbly rejected that honor in an interview, stating that the true recognition belongs to Crawford.
“I’m not the best boxer in the world,” said Usyk. “That is Terence Crawford”. This endorsement from one of the sport’s most respected figures adds immeasurable weight to Crawford’s reputation ahead of his biggest challenge. It may be sincerity or a tactic to put pressure on him, but apparently, Crawford is highly regarded by his peers and he will have to prove it in the ring, which is where he knows how to do things best.
The big challenge for Crawford
On September 13 at Allegiant Stadium, Crawford will face Canelo by moving up two weight classes, which gives him a clear physical disadvantage. However, many experts believe that his unique style could be the key to overcoming Canelo. The biggest risk for Crawford is to avoid trading blows at close range, where Canelo’s devastating power could be decisive
If Crawford manages to beat the Mexican champion, he will become the first male boxer in history to be undisputed champion in three different weight divisions, an achievement that would undoubtedly seal his place among the greatest of all time. The question now is whether he will be able to live up to the immense expectations that boxing greats have placed on him and withstand all the pressure.
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