According to Sergio Mora, the additional weight Terence Crawford has gained for the upcoming fight will not negatively impact his performance against Canelo Alvarez this Saturday, September 13th. Mora expresses that Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) has the potential to achieve an unexpected victory against Canelo (63-2-2, 39 KOs), which would be a significant accomplishment.
Canelo’s Declining Form
Despite Canelo being favored by bookmakers, Crawford’s chances of winning should not be dismissed. He has a proven track record against formidable opponents. Observers have noted that Canelo’s performance has diminished in recent bouts, with fatigue setting in after only a few rounds since 2022.
Crawford is set to challenge Canelo for his undisputed super middleweight championship in a match broadcast on Netflix from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The event is expected to draw a large audience, which could influence the fighters depending on the effect it has on their motivation.
“Canelo is a superb fighter. He is favored, and he is likely to barely secure the win. However, as the fight approaches, Crawford is capable of something remarkable, something unforeseen,” commentator Sergio Mora stated on DAZN Boxing.
It would not be surprising if Crawford, at 37 years old, were to dominate Canelo in a manner reminiscent of Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s performance in 2013 or Dmitry Bivol’s victory on May 7, 2022. Many fans might be left questioning Alvarez’s decline and their failure to recognize the warning signs beforehand.
“I believe that the difference in weight, and its consequences for Terence Crawford carrying 14 extra pounds of muscle, are being underestimated,” Chris Mannix remarked. “He will undoubtedly look impressive at the weigh-in, possibly even better than Canelo.”
Past Encounters and Lessons for Canelo
“Did Erislandy Lara rely on muscle to nearly defeat Canelo?” Mora inquired, referencing junior middleweight Erislandy Lara, who presented a challenge to Canelo but ultimately lost via a 12-round split decision on July 12, 2014.
“He was naturally suited to 154 pounds,” Mannix replied regarding Lara.
“Did Austin Trout utilize muscle effectively?” Mora questioned.
“He also was naturally suited to 154 pounds,” Mannix confirmed about Trout.
