Coach Abel Sanchez says Terence Crawford isn’t “sufficiently big” or “sturdy sufficient” to defeat four-belt 168-lb champion Canelo Alvarez on September thirteenth at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. He believes it comes right down to the scale of Canelo (63-2-2, 39 KOs) that might be an excessive amount of for Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs).
Canelo’s Power is a Downside
“I don’t assume he’s sufficiently big. I don’t assume he’s sturdy sufficient to muscle Canelo,” mentioned coach Abel Sanchez to Fighthype, speaking about Terence Crawford missing the scale and energy to defeat Canelo Alvarez on September thirteenth.
Crawford has packed on a lot weight within the final 12 months that he now seems greater than Canelo. If Canelo’s marked-up face from his sparring with Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis is any indication, Crawford has greater than sufficient measurement to offer him issues along with his photographs.
Crawford’s Punch Resistance Examined
The actual downside for Terence may very well be the stable photographs that Canelo hits him with. Placing on measurement is one factor, nevertheless it doesn’t do something to enhance his potential to take Canelo’s photographs. He’s by no means been hit by a fighter as huge or as highly effective as Alvarez in an expert struggle. It’s late within the sport for Crawford to search out out, with him turning 38 subsequent month on September 28.
“I see Canelo going away with a call,” mentioned Sanchez. “Terence must press as a lot as he can. He’s lively as a lot as he can. As soon as Canelo begins pounding on him, Terence goes to be getting hit with a truck. That’s an enormous, sturdy man. Wherever he hits you, he’s going to wreck you. Not solely zap your energy, nevertheless it additionally damages your physique.”
Crawford will undoubtedly keep away from getting hit as a lot as attainable by Canelo, but when he plans on successful, he’s going to wish to place himself within the line of fireside. Simply shifting round and jabbing gained’t win the struggle for Crawford.
The Risks of Engagement
He’s going to wish to interact, and that’s the place Canelo may have the possibility of hitting him onerous. Crawford isn’t as huge, quick or as highly effective as Canelo’s final opponent, William Scull. Canelo took his photographs nicely and dealt along with his hand pace successfully. Crawford had good pace when he was youthful, however he’s slowed down as he’s gotten older. Now, he’s reasonably quick and will get by along with his ring IQ.
“I hope it’s a great struggle as a result of the general public is in search of an awesome struggle. I see Canelo successful. I feel they’re each the identical,” mentioned Abel when requested who’s extra clever within the ring. “Canelo has outsmarted everybody he’s fought apart from Floyd when he was a child [22].”
Individuals have been undervaluing Canelo’s intelligence going into this struggle. They’ve largely talked about Crawford’s ring smarts whereas ignoring Canelo, which is stunning as a result of he has extra expertise than Crawford and has realized extra from combating higher opposition.
A Lackluster Efficiency In opposition to Madrimov
“Terence didn’t look too good towards Madrimov, did he? And Madrimov was in a position to hit him with some photographs. They’re each very sensible. I simply assume the distinction is the scale,” mentioned Abel.
Crawford regarded lackluster towards former WBA junior middleweight champion Israil Madrimov final 12 months on August 3, 2024. That struggle was shut sufficient to be scored as a draw or a win for Madrimov.
