Boxing fans are buzzing about one of the most fascinating matchups in recent memory. Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford have captured everyone’s attention as these two elite fighters prepare to settle their differences in the ring. Crawford, widely considered the most technically gifted boxer of his generation, is taking a massive gamble by jumping up two full weight classes to challenge Alvarez at super middleweight.
Crawford has been chasing big money boxing fights for years. After his masterful destruction of Errol Spence Jr. last year, he proved he belongs in the best pound-for-pound fighters alive. Meanwhile, Alvarez has been the undisputed king of super middleweight, collecting belts and big paychecks while. When these two finally agreed to terms, it sent shockwaves through boxing. Netflix stepped in to broadcast the fight globally. The Mexican superstar gets to defend his undisputed titles against perhaps the craftiest boxer in the sport. Meanwhile, Crawford gets his biggest payday ever!
Alvarez brings a record of 63 wins with 39 knockouts, showing his devastating power throughout his career. At 35 years old, he’s still in his prime and has been fighting at super middleweight for years now. Standing 5’7.5″ with 75 inch reach, he’s built perfectly for this weight class. His orthodox stance and explosive combinations have troubled everyone from Gennady Golovkin to Caleb Plant. The Mexican fighter has proven time and again that he can adapt his style mid-fight and find ways to break down opponents.
Crawford’s resume is equally impressive but tells a different story. With 41 fights and 31 knockouts, he’s shown incredible finishing ability throughout his career. The 37 year old southpaw stands 5’8″ with a 74 inch reach, measurements that served him perfectly at welterweight and super welterweight. His technical mastery is unquestioned. But now he’s venturing into uncharted territory, moving up to a weight class where his natural advantages might disappear.
The betting market tells a fascinating story about this fight. According to FanDuel, Canelo Alvarez is a a -195 favorite. Meanwhile, Terence Crawford sits at +150 underdog. These numbers might seem modest for a fighter defending his home turf against someone moving up two weight classes, but they reflect genuine respect for Crawford’s abilities.
The odds for the fight going the distance have also come out. The probability of the fight ending before the final bell is lower and the odds (+270) reflect that. The odds for the fight seeing the judges scorecards stand at -400.
This fight comes down to whether Crawford can survive Canelo’s early pressure and turn it into a technical boxing match. Crawford’s best chance lies in using his movement, timing, and ring intelligence to frustrate Alvarez early. He needs to make this ugly, tie Canelo up when he gets close, and steal rounds with cleaner punching.
Canelo Alvarez’s path to victory seems more straightforward but requires patience. His body work has been devastating throughout his career, and Crawford’s frame might not handle the punishment that comes with fighting at super middleweight. If Canelo can drag Crawford into pocket exchanges and land those signature uppercuts and body shots, this fight could end early.
If we bet on the fight, we are going with Canelo Alvarez to win via unanimous decision.
(All odds taken from FanDuel. Bet on the most up-to-date MMA odds, lines, and spreads with FanDuel Sportsbook)
(Image Credit: Joe Camporeale – Imagn Images)
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