Canelo Alvarez or Terence Crawford? Only man to face both delivers blunt verdict on power ahead of fight

Few boxers can speak with more authority about the looming clash between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Terence Crawford than Amir Khan. As the only fighter to have shared the ring with both men, Khan offers a rare and insightful perspective on their strengths, their styles—and most importantly, their power.

Khan’s journey into the ring with each came at pivotal moments in his own career. In 2016, he dared to leap two weight classes to challenge Canelo for the WBC middleweight title.

That bold move ended with Khan unconscious on the canvas after a thunderous right hand in the sixth round. Just three years later, the former Olympic silver medalist faced Crawford at 147 pounds, hoping to claim the WBO welterweight title—but was overwhelmed and stopped again in the sixth round.

Now retired, Khan reflects with candor and clarity. Ahead of one of the most anticipated matchups in modern boxing, he’s breaking down exactly what makes each man dangerous—and why the result may not hinge solely on raw power.

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

Canelo’s explosiveness vs. Crawford’s precision

In a recent conversation with The Ring Magazine, Khan made one thing clear: Canelo hits harder—but that doesn’t mean Crawford isn’t dangerous. “Crawford does hit hard, a lot of people don’t give him the credit for the punch power he has,” Khan explained.” I’ve been in the ring with him; he’s hit me hard.“

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While many view Crawford as a technical wizard rather than a knockout artist, Khan emphasized that the Nebraska native’s power is deceptive. Crawford’s timing, angles, and ability to land cleanly contribute to his finishing ability—even against opponents accustomed to pressure.

That said, Khan was direct when asked to compare raw force: “Obviously the most powerful fighter between the two is gonna be Canelo,” he said. “But I think Crawford still has enough power to hurt Canelo and push him back.“

A rare perspective on a rare matchup

Khan’s insights come at a crucial moment as speculation mounts ahead of the September 13 clash between the reigning undisputed welterweight champion and Mexico’s face of boxing. While the venue has yet to be confirmed, Las Vegas is expected to host the fight that could redefine pound-for-pound rankings for years to come.

From his unique vantage point, Khan doesn’t simply measure the outcome by who hits harder. He knows firsthand that timing, tactics, and movement—Crawford’s specialties—can level the playing field even against a natural power-puncher like Canelo.

Though most boxing veterans only face one legend per weight era, Khan’s rare battles against both lend weight to his analysis, offering fans an informed angle on how this megafight might unfold.

What comes next?

As anticipation builds, Khan’s words serve as a reminder that the fight won’t just be about brute strength. With two tacticians at the peak of their mental game—one moving up, one defending legacy—Canelo vs. Crawford may come down to strategy and adaptability, not just muscle.

Khan’s verdict is clear: while Canelo may carry the heavier hands, Crawford’s all-around skills make him a live threat. “He’s not someone you walk through,” Khan would likely say—and if he’s right, fans are in for a dramatic, closely contested battle come fight night.