The boxing world continues to buzz with excitement over a potential showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford. The sport has seen its fair share of cross-division superfights. Now, another historic matchup could be on the horizon, with pound-for-pound stars from different weight classes looking to collide.
The intrigue behind this potential matchup stems from both fighters’ incredible achievements in recent years. Terence Crawford solidified his legacy by becoming undisputed at two weight classes.
Canelo Alvarez has dominated the super-middleweight division as its undisputed champion. Now, they are reported to fight in September of this year at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. With Crawford already dipping his toes at super-welterweight by defeating Israil Madrimov, the boxing community is split on whether he can successfully jump two more divisions to challenge Canelo.
Teddy Atlas Backs The Underdog
Renowned boxing trainer Teddy Atlas, known for his sharp analysis and no-nonsense approach, isn’t shy about picking Crawford (+185) to pull off the upset against Alvarez (-225). Speaking on The Fight podcast, Atlas expressed his belief in Crawford’s special qualities that transcend physical advantages.
“I think you know where I’m leaning. I’ll make it even clearer when I’m leaning so there isn’t a lot of suspense. I ain’t going against Crawford. I do think he is that special guy, I think Canelo’s special too, but Crawford even more so. He hasn’t learned how to lose yet. I think he does have those special ingredients that go beyond the physical. So, that’s it. Okay? You don’t like it? Too bad.”
Atlas acknowledged that while both fighters are exceptional, Terence Crawford possesses something unique. Teddy Atlas’s endorsement carries significant weight, given his decades of experience training world champions and analyzing the sport’s biggest fights.
Contrasting Paths To Greatness
Terence Crawford started his career at lightweight, systematically conquering division after division while maintaining his undefeated record. Meanwhile, Canelo Alvarez transformed from a teenage prodigy into boxing’s biggest star, facing everyone from Floyd Mayweather to Gennady Golovkin. After his recent setback against Dmitry Bivol at light heavyweight, Canelo returned to form with dominant performances against Jaime Munguia and Edgar Berlanga at super middleweight.
Conclusion
Looking ahead, this matchup would represent more than just another big fight. It is a chance to witness something truly historic. Terence Crawford aims to accomplish what few fighters have ever attempted: moving up multiple weight classes to challenge a dominant champion.
If the fight materializes, it would not only determine supremacy between two of boxing’s finest but could also reshape how fans view weight class limitations in the sport. With Teddy Atlas’s bold prediction adding fuel to the fire, fans can only hope that boxing politics don’t prevent this dream matchup from becoming reality (hope that Turki Alalshikh can get this one finalised for the fans as well!)
