By Admin When Terence “Bud” Crawford steps into the ring on September 13, 2025, against Saul “Canelo” Álvarez, the world will witness more than a boxing match. It is a clash of eras, a test of skill against size, and a gamble that could define both men’s legacies.
Kellerman vs. Stephen A.: The Skill Debate
On ESPN’s desk, Max Kellerman broke it down simply: “Tactical advantage by tactical advantage, most of them belong to Crawford. What Canelo has is size — size, strength, and punching power.” For Kellerman, the technical mastery of Crawford outweighs the declining sharpness of Canelo, who has evolved from a natural counterpuncher into a “seek and destroy” fighter.
But Stephen A. Smith injected caution. He believes Crawford wins on points — if he resists the temptation to trade. “If Crawford engages too much, he could get in trouble,” Smith warned, echoing Gervonta Davis’s camp. Against a man with a neck “as wide as Broadway” and a proven chin, Crawford must rely on speed, defense, and ring IQ.
Tarver: The Toughest Test Yet
Former champion Antonio Tarver sides with Crawford but acknowledges the scale of the challenge. “This is Bud’s toughest fight — and maybe the best fighter Canelo has ever faced.” Tarver’s sentiment captures why the bout resonates: two pound-for-pound elites daring to meet at the crossroads of weight, age, and ambition.
Bradley: The Chess Opening
Analyst Timothy Bradley Jr. predicts a measured opening. Both men, he argues, will spend the first round “gathering information” — feints, level changes, and foot positioning. “It’ll be calm and cautious early,” Bradley noted, “but by round two, Canelo starts applying pressure.” That patience-versus-pressure theme may define the fight.
Khan: Respect and Risk
Having fought both, Amir Khan brings unique perspective. He calls Crawford the better pure boxer, harder to hit clean, but warns against overlooking size. “Weight divisions exist for a reason,” Khan said. “Crawford’s legacy is already secure. Taking on Canelo is ambition — but also risk.” Khan admires the boldness, but stresses that Canelo’s power at 168 is a different animal.
Haye and Horn: Shifting Perspectives
Initially, David Haye dismissed Crawford’s chances. But after observing his training and size, he changed his tune: “If they’re the same size on fight night, then it’s simple — who’s pound-for-pound better?” Similarly, Jeff Horn cautions that size alone won’t decide it: “Crawford’s defense can nullify Canelo’s power. If Canelo can’t land clean, the weight won’t matter.”
Coldwell and Mayweather: Feet vs. Frame
Trainer Dave Coldwell highlights Crawford’s footwork as the X-factor. “He can switch stances, create angles, frustrate opponents. If he avoids the ropes, he wins rounds.” But Jeff Mayweather reminds fans that Canelo is fighting in his natural division. “This is Canelo’s house. Crawford is the visitor.”
The Verdict
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Promoter Tom Loeffler sums it up best: “It’s not just a fight, it’s two empires colliding.” Canelo, the face of Mexican boxing and reigning super middleweight king. Crawford, the pound-for-pound maestro daring to do the unthinkable.
On September 13, it won’t just be about who punches harder — but whose strategy holds under the lights. Crawford’s skill or Canelo’s size? The answer could reshape boxing history.