Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford: Former heavyweight champion makes bold knockout prediction

Just months ahead of what many are calling a mega-fight, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch in the boxing world as Canelo Alvarez prepares to face Terence Crawford in a high-stakes clash set for September in Las Vegas.

Earlier this year, the bout was officially confirmed, pitting two of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world against each other. Crawford, the reigning unified welterweight champion, will move up to the 168-pound super middleweight division to challenge Canelo, who currently holds the WBC, WBA, and WBO titles.

The stakes could become even higher if Canelo defeats IBF champion William Scull on May 3, potentially reclaiming undisputed status in the super middleweight division. Canelo had previously vacated the IBF belt after choosing to fight Edgar Berlanga Jr. instead of mandatory challenger Scull. The Cuban-born Scull went on to win the vacant title last October by defeating Vladimir Shishkin, setting up a possible undisputed title fight in Riyadh should Canelo prevail.

Former heavyweight champ’s prediction

Despite the immediate challenge posed by Scull, much of the boxing world’s attention has already turned to Canelo vs. Crawford—and predictions are pouring in. Among the boldest is former WBO heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs, who told ESNEWS he’s backing Crawford to make history in a dramatic fashion.

Shannon Briggs celebrates victory over Emilio Ezequiel Zarate during a Heavyweight contest at The O2 Arena on May 21, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

“I got Crawford by stoppage. Brutal stoppage. I’m telling you Crawford by stoppage … [Betting] 100,000 dollars? I might make a little bit of bread,“ Briggs declared with absolute confidence.

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Such a claim is striking, given the obstacles Crawford must overcome. Not only is he jumping up two weight classes, but he’ll also face one of the sport’s most durable champions. Canelo has fought 66 times as a professional, suffering only two losses—both by unanimous decision, to Floyd Mayweather and Dmitry Bivol. He’s never been knocked out.

Briggs’ conviction that Crawford can do what no man has done before adds even more intrigue to a fight that is already being billed as one of the most compelling matchups in recent memory.