Terence Crawford is embracing the biggest challenge of his career with calm intensity.
In just a few months, the undefeated champion will step into the ring against Canelo Alvarez, moving up two weight divisions in pursuit of boxing history.
While many have questioned whether Crawford can handle the physicality of a naturally larger opponent, the Nebraska native is not entertaining the doubts.
During a new interview shared by Mail Sport Boxing, Crawford was asked if fans and analysts are simplifying the matchup by focusing solely on Canelo‘s size and power. His answer was measured but clear.
“We don’t know yet, until we fight,” Crawford said. “I can’t never say somebody is bigger and more powerful, if I never been in the ring with them.
“A lot of people that I fought, riders and the fans may have thought these fighters were stronger, bigger, and punch harder.
“But come fight time, you see a big difference in my size, my power, my strength, and so forth.
“So I can’t never say how big, how strong, how hard a fighter is until I fight him.”
Crawford outlines what will separate him from Canelo
While the conversation around their upcoming bout has largely revolved around Alvarez‘s power, Crawford insists the outcome will depend on more than just physical attributes.
Asked how elements like speed, ring IQ, and timing will influence the fight, he said they are all connected.
“Well, all that goes hand in hand,” Crawford explained.
“My style, I’m very powerful, explosive, strong. That’s why I have the ability to adapt to a lot of fighters because I can do so many things in the ring.
“So, come fight night, we will be preparing, and we will see what would be the best way to tackle this.”
Crawford‘s self-belief is grounded in a remarkable resume. The 37-year-old is currently riding a ten-fight knockout streak and has already unified titles in two separate weight classes.
If he beats Alvarez on September 13, he will become the first boxer in the four-belt era to claim undisputed status in three divisions.
Beyond tactics and accolades, this matchup is also personal.
At their recent press conference, Alvarez shoved Crawford on stage in a moment that sparked headlines. Crawford was not fazed.
“Canelo, you’re going to pay for that weak a** push. I got you. Remember I said this,” he warned.
He added a message for Canelo‘s supporters as well: “I’m just going to keep it real. I’m hunting him, that’s it. I’m hunting everything that he’s got and I’m going to take it come September 13.
“I want all the people in the stands that boo me, they are going to cry when they go home.”
The stakes are as high as they come. Crawford knows this fight is about legacy, not just belts.
“I’m all about making history. I was the first two-time undisputed champion of the world. And I can assure you that I’m going to be the first three-time undisputed champion of the world,” Crawford said.
“It just motivates me to go out there and put on a great performance. This is my homecoming fight. I’m expecting to win, however it comes.”
Crawford‘s tone is resolute. With three months to go, he is already setting the stage for what could be a defining moment in boxing history.
Whether Canelo‘s strength will prevail or Crawford‘s skill will carry him into the record books remains to be seen, but there is no questioning the determination of a man chasing greatness.
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