Terence Crawford vs Canelo Alvarez: Bud’s camp sees secret weapon as unique challenge for Mexican fighter

As anticipation builds for the September 12th showdown in Las Vegas, Terence Crawford’s inner circle believes the undefeated fighter represents a challenge that Canelo Alvarez has yet to solve in his long and decorated career. According to Bernie “Tha Boxer” Davis, a close associate of Crawford, no sparring partner or training camp can truly simulate what Crawford brings to the ring.

Davis argues that Crawford’s adaptability and high boxing IQ present an unsolvable puzzle and secret weapon for the Mexican superstar. “Nobody fights like Crawford,” he emphasized in a recent interview with MillCity Boxing, suggesting that Canelo will struggle to prepare for a fighter with such fluid style-switching and tactical unpredictability.

While some expect Crawford to adopt a strategy similar to Floyd Mayweather’s—elusive movement, defensive precision, and calculated counters—there’s a growing sentiment that Bud might do far more than just survive Canelo’s power.

Nevertheless, some analysts believe that excessive stance switching may prove ineffective against a seasoned veteran like Canelo, who is not easily thrown off by such tactics. Canelo’s reduced output in recent bouts has not prevented him from winning rounds through clean, heavy shots that command the judges’ attention.

Physical disparity and weight class concerns

While Crawford’s résumé at 154 pounds is unquestioned, this jump to 168 pounds introduces major uncertainties. Unlike other fighters who gradually acclimate to a new weight class, Crawford has opted to leap directly into a championship bout without a tune-up.

Meanwhile, Canelo’s most recent opponent, William Scull, was a larger, younger, and arguably more explosive fighter. Yet Canelo handled him with relative ease, controlling the pace and neutralizing his offense. That performance, according to Davis, proves that Canelo’s timing and experience remain potent: “He looked sharp. The man lives in the gym. His skills are still elite.”

Will Crawford replicate his performance?

Davis is confident that Crawford can replicate—or even surpass—his demolition of Errol Spence Jr., an opponent he dominated in a lopsided fashion. “Crawford is going to make Canelo look like sludge,” Davis predicted, asserting that the Mexican champion won’t be able to find the proper sparring to simulate Crawford’s style.

Legacy at stake for both fighters

Ultimately, this fight is more than just a stylistic clash. It’s a litmus test for Crawford’s greatness across weight classes and a critical opportunity for Canelo to silence critics who suggest his prime has passed. While Davis and Team Crawford are brimming with confidence, the physical demands of moving up and the legacy of Canelo’s experience pose real threats.