If there is one once-in-a-lifetime fight that boxing fans are looking forward to, it is the undisputed super middleweight clash between Terence Crawford and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez on September 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The American has sought a showdown with Canelo for years, not out of rivalry, but out of deep respect and admiration. At 37 years of age, he has repeatedly praised him, but it is also the ultimate opportunity to cement his legacy.
Now, with two elite champions ready to clash where the question is: Who will lead the division the next day? Most boxing analysts already see Canelo Alvarez winning the matchup. The Mexican champion is favored in the betting at the big casinos in the host city and will have the backing of the vast majority of those in attendance at the Raiders’ home. But there are those who think otherwise.
Who thinks Terence Crawford beats Canelo Alvarez?
Boxing greats such as Shakur Stevenson, Claressa Shields, Keyshawn Davis, Dmitry Bivol, Timothy Bradley Jr. and many others back Terence Crawford to overcome the weight disadvantage thanks to his superior skills. However, another prominent voice has joined the chorus. In an Instagram post he wrote: “HE KNOWS HOW THIS ENDS”, words written by Antonio Tarver about the $200 million fight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford.
“Terence has to fight the way he knows how, he processes fights like no one else and I’m sure he’s seen how to beat him. He’s lived it two or three times. He knows how it ends. You can see it in the way he shadow boxes. He visualizes Canelo right in front of him, you know? Look at the movement. That’s all you have to do,” Antonio Tarver said of Crawford’s style. The unified light heavyweight world champion added: “Look at the movement, that’s the kind of master boxer Canelo is going to face. And the only thing I’ll say is that Canelo hasn’t faced an opponent like this in a long time.”
Canelo Alvarez’s chances of retaining the super middleweight title
The 56-year-old went on to add that he believes Canelo will need to revisit the form he showed in his 2021 fight against Caleb Plant. Despite knocking him down twice in the 11th round, Tarver feels Alvarez must prepare for an equally intense and high-paced battle. “I think Canelo will have to go back to the fight with Caleb Plant and look that good, that active. He must move gracefully to beat Terence Crawford.”Weight won’t make the difference, it will be the skill set. Tarver seems to be completely convinced that Terence “Bud” Crawford will come out on top, a belief now shared by another undefeated boxer who is ready to step into the ring in just a few hours. He finally mentioned that Terence Crawford will have the victory because he has better footwork, he has the speed. He is ambidextrous, he is more versatile, he has what it takes to win.
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