Anticipation for a potential showdown between Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez continues to grow, with much of the debate centered on Crawford’s ability to carry his power up to 168 pounds.
Crawford, who has been calling out Canelo since his undisputed welterweight victory over Errol Spence Jr. in 2023, took a step toward that goal by moving up to 154 pounds and defeating Israil Madrimov last year. However, that decision victory raised questions about whether Crawford’s power remains as impactful in higher weight classes.
Facing Canelo, a fighter who has never been knocked down or stopped, at 168 pounds poses a monumental challenge for Crawford. Shakur Stevenson, Crawford’s training partner and friend, has weighed in on the issue, warning that Canelo should be cautious, as he has witnessed Crawford “hurt heavyweights.”
Shakur Stevenson on Crawford’s power
In an interview with The Ring Magazine, Stevenson emphasized Crawford’s power, noting that it goes beyond just his right hand. “How does Canelo handle the power of Bud? It ain’t just the right [hand]. I get [he has a great chin], but when Bud hits him, is he just gonna walk forward and take the punches? I just don’t know. I done seen Bud hurt heavyweights,” Stevenson said.
Terence Crawford looks on prior to the World Welterweight Championship bout against Errol Spence Jr. at T-Mobile Arena on July 29, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Stevenson, a three-division world champion, revealed that he has always believed Crawford has the tools to defeat Canelo, particularly because of his style. “I just feel as though with Canelo’s style – and this was before [Dmitry] Bivol did it – I thought Terence Crawford was the only guy who could beat Canelo with his style.”
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Crawford: The southpaw advantage
Stevenson also highlighted Crawford’s southpaw stance as a potential key factor in the matchup. Crawford’s ability to adapt and his ring intelligence could prove decisive against Canelo. “Bud is a southpaw. I think that’s underestimated about the fight. It makes it harder for Canelo. I think Canelo has some type of trouble with southpaws,” Stevenson added.
Expectation and uncertainty in the boxing world
Stevenson’s warning about Crawford’s power adds an extra layer of intrigue to what could be a historic fight. The question remains: Can Crawford carry his power and skill up to 168 pounds and overcome Canelo, or will the Mexican superstar’s experience and power prevail? The answer will be revealed this September in Las Vegas, where the boxing world will be watching closely.
