Philippines, 31 Jan 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford: Size Matters


PhilBoxing.com





The much-anticipated matchup between Canelo Alvarez and Terrence Crawford is officially here. These two pound-for-pounders meet in an undisputed fight at super middleweight. The biggest question of them all heading into fight night is Crawford’s ability to still look himself despite jumping two weight classes. Both men have elite level skill but will size ultimately tell the story? This event will take place in Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, streaming live on Netflix.

Terence Crawford has slowly but surely proved many wrong as he’s made his way through a successful career. The Nebraska native doesn’t have a sterling resume when it comes to high level opposition. However, the eye test tells us all we need to know along with several quality victories. Names such as Errol Spence, Shawn Porter, and Viktor Postol are fights he showed his worth.

Against Postol, Bud Crawford proved he could box wisely on the outside, a gameplan he will likely attempt to employ versus Canelo. Crawford devoured Errol Spence and regardless of what we think of Spence post-accident, Bud dismantled him. Shawn Porter gave Crawford a competitive fight until Bud was informed, he may need a stoppage, so he delivered just that.

In his last bout Crawford moved up to the 154-pound division and Bud’s performance was lackluster. It should be noted his opponent Israil Madrimov fought in a particular style that some thought winning was secondary. Either way Madrimov was able to hang in there without taking all that much damage. So, was it the style clash or the new weight class or a little of both?

Canelo Alvarez’s resume is full of names that will be or already in the hall of fame. Lots of folks thought he would duck Erislandy Lara post Alvarez losing to Floyd Mayweather. Even more people who follow the sport closely thought Canelo was ducking Gennadiy Golovkin. When it was all said and done, he fought GGG three times. Yes, the third time took too long but the fact remains the deepest resume in the current crop of boxers from this generation, Canelo has the best win-lose-or-draw.

In recent years Canelo has been doubted he will ever take on David Benavidez. Having been offered the most upfront money of his career at the time, Canelo has for whatever reason denied Benavidez a shot. Every boxer late in his or her career will face pressure to take on the younger boxer trying to make a name. In his case Canelo signed a 4-fight deal and continues to fight on so it’s not like he had just one or two fights left at the time then retired. Facing guys like Edgar Berlanga, Jaime Munguia, and William Scull makes one wonder why Benavidez hasn’t earned his shot at Canelo.

The first ballot hall of famer once claimed he had no interest in fighting Terrence Crawford because he wouldn’t get any credit due to size. And that is in fact the most important item when predicting the outcome.

Both fighters tend to start slow meaning Bud will have to buck that trend to get an early lead. Besides hand and foot speed advantages for Bud, Canelo fights at a slow pace overall which could fall right into what gameplan Crawford chooses.

On this week’s episode of the Rope A Dope Radio boxing podcast the topic was discussed involving Jermell Charlo and his two-weight class jump he made fighting Canelo Alvarez. Many believed Charlo would revert to his old self by using his jab and boxing on the outside creating a moving target while scoring points to win rounds. Once Jermell got knocked down, he went into survival mode for the rest of the fight.

This Saturday night will find out if Terrence Crawford is built different. From media members, longtime boxing fans, to ex-pro boxers the theme is Bud Crawford will try to win this fight until the final bell. This boxing junkie does believe Crawford is a higher-level boxer than Jermell Charlo. Another item boxing folks have brought up is Bud’s reach advantage which does exist. And if Bud decided to fight at range the whole fight, he could trouble Canelo not allowing him to set up his offense and dig into his punches.

That said Canelo has been at a disadvantage for many of his fights when it comes to arm reach. One last thing to bring up is just how difficult it is to win a decision over Canelo Alvarez. Just ask Golovkin and let us not forget the draw scorecard Canelo received in a clean loss to Mayweather. The combination of Canelo being patient and at the same time motivated to beat the smaller guy, along with having an iron chin has this boxing podcaster leaning for Canelo.

My Official Prediction is Canelo Alvarez by Decision.

PODCAST LINK: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rope-a-dope-radio-podcast/id1794655742?i=1000725818312

Side Note: Don’t miss the sure fire Mbilli vs Martinez co-feature. Lester is a bit green, but Mbilli has shown to be vulnerable. My Pick is a minor upset Lester Martinez via Split-Decision.
Written by Chris Carlson Host/Producer of The Rope A Dope Radio Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, I-Heart Radio, Amazon Podcasts, Google Podcasts & More! Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Chris Carlson.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • THE RING 6: OFFICIAL WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER FOR TEOFIMO LOPEZ VS. SHAKUR STEVENSON
    , Sat, 31 Jan 2026
  • Legendary Soccer Player Sergio Ramos to make professional boxing debut
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 31 Jan 2026
  • Weigh-In Results: Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou
    , Sat, 31 Jan 2026
  • Teofimo vs Shakur Fight Analysis
    By Ralph Rimpell, , Sat, 31 Jan 2026
  • Rohan Polanco-Christian Gomez Welterweight Showdown Canceled
    , Sat, 31 Jan 2026
  • NEWCASTLE WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED AS MURTAZALIEV AND KELLY CLASH FOR WORLD TITLE
    , Fri, 30 Jan 2026
  • Boxers Make Weight for Brico Santig’s Exciting 21-Bout Promotion in Thailand (PHOTOS)
    By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 30 Jan 2026
  • “It’s time for TSABZ to shine” Get to know Tanaka Saburi as he retuns March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Fri, 30 Jan 2026
  • ATLANTIC CITY BOXING HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES CLASS OF 2026
    , Fri, 30 Jan 2026
  • Manny Pacquiao Chess Philippines: WCM Nika Juris Nicolas is Ready to Fight
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 30 Jan 2026
  • PFDA Grass Nationals in Tagum on June 5-7
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 30 Jan 2026
  • Press Conference Notes: Puerto Rican Star Xander Zayas Ready for Saturday's Hometown Unification Battle against Abass Baraou
    , Fri, 30 Jan 2026
  • PFDA Grass Nationals in Tagum on June 5-7
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 30 Jan 2026
  • ‘THE RING 6’ TEOFIMO LOPEZ VS. SHAKUR STEVENSON PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
    , Fri, 30 Jan 2026
  • NEWCASTLE PRESS CONFERENCE: WHAT WAS SAID AS JOSH KELLY AND BAKHRAM MURTAZALIEV ARE KEPT APART AFTER HEATED FACE-OFF
    , Fri, 30 Jan 2026
  • Weights From ProBoxTV’s ‘Flores vs. Castillo’ at Live! Casino Hotel Maryland
    , Fri, 30 Jan 2026
  • WAPA Deportes Confirmed as Puerto Rican Broadcast Home for Saturday’s Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou Title Unification Showdown
    , Fri, 30 Jan 2026
  • Legendary Panamanian Juan Carlos Tapia will be inducted into the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Fri, 30 Jan 2026
  • Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announces Additional Matchups for Saturday, February 28 Event at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York
    , Fri, 30 Jan 2026
  • SWERVE TV STRIKES MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS TO EXPAND PREMIUM BOXING CONTENT
    , Fri, 30 Jan 2026
  • Leuenbergers to join IRONMAN® 70.3 Davao
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 30 Jan 2026
  • Open Workout: Xander Zayas and Abass Baraou Prepare For Saturday's Unification Showdown in Puerto Rico
    , Thu, 29 Jan 2026
  • Cabrera-Zapata Kicks Off All Star Boxing's 2026 Season
    , Thu, 29 Jan 2026
  • Manny Pacquiao Chess Philippines: Cash prizes, FIDE rating at stakes this Sunday
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 29 Jan 2026
  • IBP Fun Run & Family Day on February 15
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 29 Jan 2026




  •  



     
    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
    © 2026 philboxing.com.