Philippines, 05 Oct 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Crawford to defy odds?


PhilBoxing.com





It could be a case of Terence Crawford biting more than he can chew. He’s moving up two divisions to challenge Mexico’s Saul (Canelo) Alvarez who’s defending his WBO, WBA, WBC and IBF supermiddleweight belts in a scheduled 12-rounder at the 65,000-seat Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas this morning (Manila time).

The fight is destined to be a classic confrontation between two future Hall of Famers. Crawford, 37, is undefeated with a 41-0 record, punctuated by 31 KOs. Alvarez, 35, has a 63-2-2 slate with 39 KOs and his only losses were to Floyd Mayweather at lightmiddleweight and Dmitry Bivol at lightheavyweight, both on points. The draws were with Jorge Juarez on his fifth bout and Gennady Golovkin. Alvarez decisioned Golovkin twice after their standoff.

Although Alvarez is two years younger, there’s a lot more wear and tear on his armor. Alvarez turned pro at 15 and has logged 520 rounds in 67 matches while Crawford made his pro debut at 20 and has fought 245 rounds in 41 bouts. The quality of Alvarez’ opposition is at a higher level than Crawford’s and it’s a knock on the Omaha switch-hitter’s ability to face a tested gladiator.

Alvarez is a natural 168-pounder and he’s unbeaten at that weight. Crawford scaled 153 1/2 pounds in his last outing, a win by unanimous verdict over Israil Madrimov in August last year. Alvarez weighed in at 167 in his last fight, a win by unanimous decision over William Scull last May. Moving up in weight has its pitfalls. Flash Elorde went up from junior lightweight to lightweight to challenge world lightweight champion Carlos Ortiz and was rebuked twice, both by stoppage. But Manny Pacquiao did the improbable by moving up from welterweight to superwelterweight to defeat Antonio Margarito in becoming the only fighter ever to capture world titles in eight divisions. But Pacquiao and Margarito agreed to duel at a catchweight of 150 even as the superwelterweight limit is 154. In Crawford’s case against Alvarez, there is no catchweight clause. Crawford will give up at least 15 pounds in battling Alvarez and the weight factor could be decisive.

Can Crawford withstand the power of a much bigger opponent? Alvarez is a plodder with dynamite in both fists but he’s slow-footed. If Crawford can use his speed to avoid getting caught, he’ll have a chance to win. Alvarez, however, is a master at cutting off the ring and if he connects, Crawford will feel the kind of impact he’s never felt before.

Crawford will try to turn it into a tactical fight, using distance to stay away from Alvarez’ firing range. He’ll jab, use his four-inch reach advantage, dart in and out, confuse Alvarez by switch-hitting and strike in calculated moments. Alvarez will come forward, pushing Crawford along the ropes and into the corners. He’ll turn it into a slugfest while Crawford will use space to move away from harm’s way.

Clearly, both fighters are in a class of their own. Crawford has held world titles in four divisions from lightweight to lightmiddleweight. Alvarez has also won world titles in four divisions and is the only fighter ever to claim undisputed status as supermiddleweight king. It’ll be the biggest payday for the protagonists with Alvarez pocketing $150 million and Crawford, $50 million. Expect a war in the ring as Alvarez, the favorite, and Crawford, the underdog, attempt to preserve their legacies as two of the greatest fighters in the modern era.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Weights from Washington, PA
    , Sun, 05 Oct 2025
  • 2026 Ironman 70.3 is back in Davao
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 05 Oct 2025
  • Cebuana Lhuillier Sweeps Semis, Gears Up for PCA Men’s Team Tennis Finals
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 05 Oct 2025
  • Kalimudan Festival games starts Oct. 9
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 05 Oct 2025
  • The Filipino American Center at 100 Larkin: A Sanctuary of Story, Spirit, and Memory (Special Series 4 of 5)
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Sat, 04 Oct 2025
  • THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 16: JOE FRAZIER’S FIGHTS IN THE MID TO LATE 1960’S
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Sat, 04 Oct 2025
  • Riyadh Season and Boxxer forms an alliance in the British boxing
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 04 Oct 2025
  • Lorenzo Parra Vs Elijah Pierce and Jimuel Pacquiao Pro Debut Featured in Manny Pacquiao Promotions Nov. 29 Inaugural Event at Pechanga Resort Casino
    , Fri, 03 Oct 2025
  • Villar and Astuvilca Make Weight for Title Rematch at All Star Boxing: Seneca Fight Night
    , Fri, 03 Oct 2025
  • Allan Villanueva vs. Jyl Wright Headlines Peter Maniatis Event in Melbourne Oct. 3
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • BUSTAMANTE AND JONES NAMED CAPTAINS FOR REYES CUP 2025
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • Mike Tyson Joins BoltBetz as Strategic Investor and Promotional Partner to Usher in a New Era of Cashless Gaming
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • BOXING LEGEND MANNY PACQUIAO LAUNCHES “MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS” IN THE UNITED STATES
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • BOOTS HUNTING THE BIG FISH AT 154LBS
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • IBA Unveils Historic 2025 IBA Men’s Elite World Championships as Part of a Spectacular Two-Week ‘Festival of Boxing’ in Dubai with Unprecedented $8 Million Prize Pool
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • Final Bell for 2025 USA Boxing National Open Event National Open Event Concludes with 1,870 Registered Participants in Tulsa, Oklahoma
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 15: JOE FRAZIER’S PROFESSIONAL CAREER
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • World Boxing relocates Congress 2025 to Rome
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: Behind the WBC Boxing Grand Prix
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 01 Oct 2025
  • JOHANN CHUA BEGINS TITLE DEFENCE AGAINST IVICA PUTNIK AS DRAW CONFIRMED FOR 2025 HANOI OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
    , Wed, 01 Oct 2025
  • CUBAN FUTURE CHAMPIONS YOENLI HERNANDEZ, ARMANDO MARTINEZ RABI & GUSTAVO TRUJILLO HEADLINE ‘FISTS OF FURY 8’
    , Wed, 01 Oct 2025
  • USA Boxing Finishes Canada Duel Undefeated
    , Wed, 01 Oct 2025
  • Dana White Seeks to Make Significant Changes in the World Boxing
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 01 Oct 2025
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 29 September 2025: Ferreira Retains IBF 135 Belt by Outpointing Moneo; Clavel Dethrones IBF 105 Champ Cudos
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 30 Sep 2025
  • Canelo Alvarez Facing Extended Layoff After Crawford Loss; Surgery Confirms Injury Rumors
    By Dong Secuya, , Tue, 30 Sep 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.