The fireworks have officially started ahead of the September 13th mega-clash between boxing titans Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Terence Crawford.
While promoting their upcoming bout on “The G.O.A.T.S.” podcast alongside legends like Shaquille O’Neal, Tom Brady, and Dana White, Crawford didn’t just respond to Canelo’s dismissive “Who’s that guy?” jab – he uncorked a verbal counterpunch that could redefine their rivalry.
The exchange began with Canelo doubling down on his January remarks to TMZ Sports, where he questioned Crawford’s resume. When asked by Shaq to clarify, the undisputed super middleweight champion challenged Crawford to “mention me one elite fighter” he’d faced.
Canelo then brutally dismissed Crawford’s mentions of Viktor Postol and Ricky Burns, further attempting to diminish “Bud’s” career. But Terence Crawford wasn’t about to let his legacy be shattered.
Crawford blasted Canelo
While acknowledging Canelo’s “great resume” and the “lot of great champions” he’s fought, Crawford subtly introduced a devastating asterisk. “At the age that he fought him in, they was already on a decline. Some of them, you know, and when he didn’t, you see what happened,” he declared.
Crawford then unleashed a series of pointed criticisms, highlighting moments where Canelo arguably fell short against top-tier opponents.
He pointed to Alvarez’s unsuccessful attempts to “make history” against Floyd Mayweather and Dmitry Bivol, stating that when Canelo “went up and try to be great like I’m doing, and you know he came up short.”
“Bud” even revisited Alvarez’s 2014 split decision victory over Erislandy Lara, flatly stating, “I thought Lara beat him.” He also referenced Jermall Charlo, noting “my boy from Texas… they gave him problems,” implying Canelo struggled in that bout as well.
Terence’s final warning to Saul
With the September 13th showdown at Allegiant Stadium looming, Terence Crawford didn’t mince words about his intentions. “I got the style, I got the skills, I got the heart, and I’m not going to sit around and you know play no games with Canelo,” he vowed.
His ultimate claim: Canelo Alvarez has simply “not faced anyone like him yet.” The stage is now set for a battle not just of fists, but of legacies, as Crawford aims to prove his words in the ring.
Read the full article here
