Terence Crawford could be pound-for-pound number one if he beats Canelo Alvarez in style on September 13th.
‘Bud’ would go ahead of Oleksandr Usyk as the recognised number one in the world if he were able to win and become a three-time undisputed champion in three different weight classes.
Boxers have advised Crawford to step on Alvarez early, to ensure the Mexican doesn’t find his rhythm and make it his style of bout on September 13th.
Photo by Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing/Getty Images
But he will need to count on his skills to turn the contest in his favour because of the considerable weight advantage of the reigning super middleweight king, Canelo.
Terence Crawford will be my #1 all-time if he beats Canelo Alvarez, but it is unlikely, says contender
His time at super welterweight was short-lived when he was pushed to the limit by Olympian Israil Madrimov, who lost to Vergil Ortiz in February.
Ortiz has fought in two former weight classes of the Omaha boxer and beaten his ex-opponents in devastating style, but has never faced off with him.
Speaking to Ring Champs, the Texan gave his opinion on how he saw the super-fight panning out.
He said: “If he beats Canelo, he’ll be like my number one of all time.
“I respect Crawford and everything that he’s doing. But he just moved up from 147. So, I’m just going to treat him as a 147-pounder. He’s jumping up three weight classes to fight someone who was like the number one fighter in all of boxing.”
The current WBC 154 lb interim champion believes every attribute is in favour of the current undisputed super middleweight champion, except for the in-ring IQ.
While he thinks the American can see something ‘most people’ don’t, he is unsure if he can capitalise on the weaknesses he has potentially picked out in training.
“I just think the weight difference is going to be the deciding factor here. I just think that Crawford just bit off a little more than he can chew,” he said.
Veteran trainer advises Terence Crawford on how he should train to beat Canelo
The 37-year-old has reportedly been sparring rising super middleweight contender Lester Martinez in preparation for his September showdown to replicate the size of his opponent.
A move which veteran trainer Abel Sanchez would welcome, as he suggested how the smaller man will need to train to make up for his disadvantages.
In an interview with Johnny Boy Boxing, Sanchez said: “I would have had him fighting bigger guys, and doing a lot more strength and conditioning because he’s going to need that.
It’s going to be difficult to stay away from him unless he does the (William) Scull fight. But I don’t think he’s got the legs, especially at 168, that he had at 147.”
William Scull attempted to stick around the ropes in his May fight with the champion but drew criticism for the lack of activity on display.
Suggestions from stars in the sport for different game plans have included a hybrid of Floyd Mayweather and Jermell Charlo for the most success, but fans will find out exactly what his method is next month.