“@Canelo, you’re in my way… and I’m not leaving Las Vegas without that victory,” warned Terence Crawford months ago on social media. The chilling message followed the announcement of a great showdown between the two pound-for-pound kings of boxing. On September 13, a 12-round duel will decide it all: will Crawford achieve his historic third undisputed title, or will Canelo, with a victory over a craftsman like Crawford, finally cement his place as the best boxer of the generation?
Crawford is known for backing up his words with actions, and no one doubts his skill, technique and power. However, Canelo, with his granite chin and decisive punches, has knocked down opponents who, on paper, were superior to him. Nevertheless, Terence’s close friend Shakur Stevenson also heated up the scene with another statement.
Shakur Stevenson and his message to Canelo
“Do you think you know Terence Crawford? Think again,” the WBC lightweight champion began in an interview with TMZ, “Bud is ready,” he stated firmly. “Bud will always be 100% and will be at his best. He will be agile, fast and strong,” he continued.
And for Stevenson, the power that Crawford has been having could surprise many. “What is going to surprise a lot of people with this fight is that Bud Power holds up. It’s not just power that he had at 147 or 140 pounds. His power has weight. So I think that’s what’s going to surprise everyone the most,” he said.
Crawford’s physical change divides opinion
While a boxing connoisseur like Shakur Stevenson claims that Crawford “hasn’t slowed down. Bud is 38 years old; he’s like a 30-year-old,” he said. “He’s just different. He doesn’t drink or smoke. He’s very disciplined. He was always active every day of his life. So he’s not a normal athlete.” These statements, although not outlandish, are still words laden with a strong sense of friendship.
A man who fought both Crawford and Canelo, Amir Khan, was critical of this physical change. “In boxing, weight divisions have a purpose and I say that, pound for pound, the best boxer is Crawford, without a doubt, and he beats anyone. But when you start to go up in weight and fight with fighters like Canelo, even if Canelo is a little older and his pace is a little slower, he will still be very dangerous.”
The truth is that everything will be decided in the ring on September 13, where two will enter, but only one name will put an end to this debate that has been heating up for some time.
Read the full article here
