Facing Saul “Canelo” Alvarez three times gives Gennady Golovkin’s team a very complete picture of how the Mexican fights in the ring, what his strengths are and what his weaknesses are.
Between 2017 and 2022, both fighters completed the trilogy, where Canelo won two fights and drew one. In this 36-round period, Golovkin’s trainer Abel Sanchez analyzed the super middleweight champion and has given his opinion on the upcoming fight against Terence Crawford.
The boxing world will witness one of the most anticipated fights of the decade in 2025 when Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Terence Crawford face off for the undisputed super middleweight championship in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Mexican fighter will put his four super middleweight belts (WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF) on the line, while the undefeated American will challenge him by moving up three weight divisions, a situation that has caused a series of criticisms.
The trilogy experience knows how Canelo Alvarez hits
In an interview with Johnny Boy Boxing, Abel Sanchez said that during the first few rounds Bud Crawford will be faster than Canelo. However, he stressed that when the Mexican starts to hit him, it will be like a huge truck running over him. “Crawford will be faster in the first three or four rounds, because he’s faster than Canelo. But once Canelo starts hitting his arms and hitting him in the body, it will be difficult for him to stay away from him unless he fights like (William) Scull and evades him around the ring.”
Abel Sanchez continued with a vision of the Canelo vs Crawford fight. “Terence will not have much strength in his legs, especially if he has jumped to the 168-pound category when he naturally belongs to the 147 (pounds). This is a very important factor to take into account,” Sanchez commented.
Terence Crawford will be able to take advantage of his weight gain
The weight difference between Bud and Alvarez has been pointed out by specialists as an element with the potential to significantly impact the outcome of the clash between the two. Beyond the similarity in height, weight is perceived as a crucial component that could tip the scales in favor of one or the other during the fight. If there is one trainer who knows the Guadalajara boxer well, it is Abel Sanchez, who faced him three times when he was in Gennady Golovkin’s corner.
“It is true that he may get tired faster (Crawford), but if that strength materializes in the later rounds he will have a great opportunity to win the fight by decision,” said Abel Sanchez who, although he could not defeat Canelo during the trilogy as a trainer, was marked by the knowledge and experience. During this period, the rivalry was consolidated as one of the most intense of the decade, attracting international attention and generating long discussions about the decisions and strategies of each contender.
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