The fight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, scheduled for September 13 in Las Vegas, is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events of the year, as is customary with the fights of the Mexican boxer.
But in the midst of the countdown, the undefeated WBC interim super welterweight champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. surprised by revealing an anecdote of his experience training alongside Canelo, which highlights the Mexican’s physical strength.
Ortiz Jr., who was briefly under the tutelage of Eddy Reynoso, Canelo‘s trainer, shared the ring with the undisputed champion during several sparring sessions, and in a recent interview Ortiz did not hesitate to praise the Mexican:
That guy is good… He hits hard, but he was definitely holding back
Ortiz Jr. talks about Canelo Alvarez’s resistance
However, what stood out the most was the account of one particular moment. “I set him up with a feint, he dropped his hand, and I hit him with the hardest punch I’ve ever thrown in my life,” he said. But to his surprise, the impact had no effect on the Mexican fighter.
I hit him as hard as I could… and his head barely moved
These statements reinforce the perception of Canelo’s ability to absorb punishment, a key aspect in his upcoming clash with such a fast and technical opponent as Crawford.
Mike Tyson also sends a warning to Crawford
Not only Ortiz Jr. has put into perspective the complexity of facing Alvarez. Mike Tyson, a boxing legend, had already expressed his concern about this fight even before it was officially confirmed.
“He got to do what he wants to do, but I don’t think it’s a good idea,” he said of Crawford‘s attempt to move up two divisions to face Canelo.
“I just think he doesn’t have to do it,” added the former heavyweight champion.
Canelo has faced and defeated much larger boxers, while Crawford is just venturing into a new weight class, seeking a historic third undisputed championship.
As the date approaches, the expectation grows. Canelo has the power and stamina, according to Ortiz Jr., but Crawford has speed, ring intelligence and the ability to switch guards, which could unsettle the Mexican
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