The countdown is on for one of the most highly anticipated showdowns in recent boxing memory: Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford. With the bout officially set for Saturday, September 13, fans and pundits alike are already speculating on how the clash of styles—and legacies—might unfold. While Las Vegas is rumored to host the event, the location remains unconfirmed, adding to the suspense.
Canelo, boxing’s reigning undisputed super-middleweight champion, will face a formidable challenger in Crawford—who is aiming to become the first male fighter to claim undisputed titles in three weight divisions. It’s a matchup that transcends weight classes and generations, pitting two of the sport’s most cerebral and technically gifted athletes against each other on the biggest stage.
Shortly after Canelo’s recent victory over William Scull in Riyadh—a win that didn’t fully impress critics—the sport’s attention shifted to Crawford, who had been waiting in the wings. And now, as the promotional engines begin to roar, one legendary voice has already made his opinion clear.
Duran’s prediction
Panamanian icon Roberto Duran, never one to mince words, was asked about the fight during a recent interview with Fight Hub TV. Without hesitation, he laid out what Crawford must do to pull off the historic upset.
Canelo Alvarez will face Terence Crawford in a bout confirmed for September 2025. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
“It’s a tough fight, but it depends on how Crawford comes in,” Duran stated. “He needs to box and brawl, keep confusing Canelo. Brawl, then box when Canelo expects a brawl. Next round, box when he expects you to brawl, keep him confused and you can win the fight vs. Canelo.”
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It’s a veteran strategist’s perspective—one that emphasizes rhythm disruption, mental warfare, and calculated shifts in style. Duran’s assessment hinges on Crawford’s ability to be unpredictable, a quality that has defined his rise through the welterweight and light-middleweight divisions.
Crawford’s legacy and the leap to 168
Crawford, known as “Bud,” has never competed above 154 pounds. His last outing came in August, when he handed previously unbeaten Israil Madrimov his first professional loss via unanimous decision in Los Angeles. That victory earned him the WBA light-middleweight crown and set the stage for this monumental leap.
Now, as he prepares to challenge Canelo at 168, questions remain. Can Crawford carry his power and speed into the super-middleweight division? As September draws near, the boxing world will be watching closely—not just to see if Crawford can dethrone Canelo, but to witness whether a once-in-a-generation fighter can defy history once again.
