Terence Crawford, undisputed champion in two different categories, has already defeated top-level boxers such as Shawn Porter and Errol Spence Jr., but now faces a weight difference that could be lethal. He will be 14 pounds heavier than his last fight and could be 20 or more pounds lighter than Saul “Canelo” Alvarez after rehydration.
Crawford is not intimidated, but he knows he cannot afford the mistakes made by other big names who dared to move up two categories without a proper physical strategy. The odds are against him, but the past also offers examples of how he can achieve victory if he executes a smart plan.
Which boxers managed to win when they moved up in weight?
One of the most iconic cases that can inspire Crawford is that of Sugar Ray Leonard against Marvin Hagler in 1987. Leonard came out of retirement, moved up two divisions and managed to win thanks to a strategy based on mobility, accuracy and specific contract conditions. Controlling the pace of the fight, using the ring to his advantage and limiting power exchanges were key to his historic victory.
Another case is Manny Pacquiao against Oscar de la Hoya in 2008, although De la Hoya arrived dehydrated, the Filipino’s merit was to find the right balance between increasing muscle mass and maintaining speed. Pacquiao focused on his own body, not on matching the size of his opponent. Crawford should do the same: not compete in power, but exploit his technique, agility and combat reading.
Canelo vs Crawford: Should Terence look for power or conserve speed for the fight?
The fight between Adrien Broner and Paulie Malignaggi in 2013 also holds lessons for Terence Crawford. Broner moved up from 135 to 147 pounds, looked bigger and although he did not knock him out, he won with precision, rhythm control and defensive efficiency. His style focused on minimal wear and tear and intelligent punch selection
The big decision for the American boxer will be how to adapt physically without losing his essence. If he wants to defeat Canelo, he cannot fall into the power exchange game, he will have to turn the fight into a chess match and win it with every move.
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