Boxing legend who beat Evander Holyfield predicts winner of Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford

The boxing world is inching closer to a monumental clash, one that has fans and analysts alike buzzing with anticipation. With two undisputed champions set to collide, the stakes have never been higher—or the opinions more divided. At the center of it all: Canelo Alvarez, the Mexican powerhouse who has ruled the super-middleweight division for years, and Terence Crawford, the Omaha technician looking to carve out yet another chapter in his historic career.

The announcement came moments after Canelo’s most recent victory, a dominant performance over William Scull that earned him the IBF title and made him the only boxer in history to unify the super-middleweight division twice. The win served as the perfect launchpad for the long-awaited showdown against Crawford, now officially set for September 13 at a yet-to-be-named venue in the United States.

Among the chorus of voices weighing in on the fight, one stands out with the authority of experience: James Toney. A former world champion in three divisions, Toney is remembered for his bold leap to heavyweight, where he shocked the world by stopping Evander Holyfield. Now, he’s placing his faith in Crawford—and he’s not holding back.

Toney believes skills will trump size

In an interview with ESNEWS, Toney made his position clear, dismissing concerns about the size gap between the two fighters. “I got [Terence] Crawford, all about skills. They all said that [size difference] when I fought [Evander] Holyfield, they all said that,” he recalled.

Mexican Canelo Alvarez will face Terence Crawford in a bout confirmed for September 2025. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Crawford eyes historic third undisputed crown

Already a two-division undisputed champion, Crawford now looks to add an unprecedented third to his résumé. The 37-year-old made his 154-pound debut last August against Israil Madrimov, securing the WBA title despite a performance that many deemed below his usual standard.

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If he can overcome Canelo, Crawford would not only etch his name deeper into the annals of boxing greatness but also redefine the limits of what’s possible across weight classes. For Toney and others who believe in Crawford’s talent, the challenge is real—but so is the opportunity.

Canelo remains the standard at 168

Canelo’s dominance at 168 lbs is no fluke. Since making his debut in the division with a demolition of Rocky Fielding in 2018, the Guadalajara native has taken on and defeated some of the best in the business.

Both fighters enter this bout chasing more than a win. For Crawford, it’s immortality. For Canelo, it’s validation. And for boxing, it’s a reminder of what makes the sport endure—the drama, the doubt, and the daring that legends are made of.