On Saturday night September 13th, a mega fight is set to take place as two-time undisputed super-middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (63-2-2, 39 KOs) will defend his crown against former two-division undisputed champion Terence “Bud” Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs).
This extraordinary world title bout is set to take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, and it will feature two boxers who have both been fixtures at the top of boxing’s pound for pound list for multiple years. Canelo Alvarez has an admirable resume, and on September 13th he plans on adding the distinct accomplishment of placing a blemish on Crawford’s perfect record.
Canelo is a great boxer, but he doesn’t have an unblemished record, which means, there is a blueprint that Crawford can follow.
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CAN CRAWFORD FOLLOW THE BLUEPRINT THAT BEAT CANELO?
Back in September 2013, the unified super-welterweight world champion Canelo Alvarez was defending his titles against Floyd “Money” Mayweather.
Casual fans label Mayweather as a runner, but in the opening round against Canelo, Mayweather was the aggressor. Floyd Mayweather was constantly pressing forward feinting and changing levels with the jab. Mayweather was so sharp to the point that he made the first half of the fight look like a glorified sparring session. In the second half of the bout, Mayweather continued to overwhelm Alvarez with his movement, reflexes, the lead right hand, the left hook, and precise counter punching.
At the conclusion of the match, the scores would reveal that Canelo suffered his first career loss. Nine years later, Canelo Alvarez moved up to 175 to challenge the WBA light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol. The defending world champion displayed an immense amount of discipline as he stuck to his game plan. Throughout the championship bout, Bivol utilized movement, an active jab, and he routinely threw punches in bunches. At the conclusion of the 12-round contest, Dmitry Bivol was declared the winner via unanimous decision.
WHY CRAWFORD’S SKILLS GIVE HIM THE EDGE ON SEPTEMBER 13
Mayweather and Bivol navigated a path to victory against Canelo in their own unique ways. However, both men used some of the same tools such as being defensively responsible, utilizing movement, elite footwork, controlling the distance, having good timing, and precise counter punching.
Terence Crawford is an elite boxer who is capable of utilizing the same tools that Mayweather and Bivol used against Alvarez. On fight night, Canelo will obviously have the size advantage, but Crawford holds multiple advantages. The mega fight against Canelo is a bout that Crawford will win.
Crawford is a switch-hitter who is faster and more athletic than Canelo. Crawford has a high ring IQ, speed, good power, and impeccable timing. Crawford will cleverly use his ring generalship and skill set to pull off the biggest win of his career.
During the first couple of rounds, Crawford likes to download the data and basically gauge the range and distance. At this point of the fight, Terence Crawford is switching between the orthodox and southpaw stance. Once Crawford figures everything out, he will commit to fighting out of the southpaw stance. Crawford will have an active lead hand as he will probe, feint, and utilize the jab. Crawford will dictate the pace of the fight with his footwork and movement.
Canelo likes to use the high guard when he applies physical and mental pressure, but Crawford is aware of the tactic, and he will be prepared for it.
Crawford will neutralize Canelo’s guard with feints and level changes. Bud Crawford will make things easy for himself by boxing from the outside. The brief moments he is inside of the pocket, he will utilize foot work, good punch selection, precise timing, and he will be defensively responsible. On the night of September 13th, Terence “Bud” Crawford is going to execute his game plan by utilizing his skills, being smart, and staying disciplined. Canelo has the size advantage, but skills pay the bills, and Crawford plans on cashing in by winning and becoming a three-division undisputed world champion.
