Trainer Stephen Edwards believes Terence Crawford has the size, power, conditioning, and technical skills necessary to move up to 168 and defeat unified super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez.
Edwards asserts that Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) would struggle against fighters like Benavidez, Morrell, Beterbiev, or Bivol due to their size and technical abilities. However, he believes the aging Canelo (62-2-2, 39 KOs) is vulnerable and beatable by Crawford.
Vulnerable Champion
Canelo, who will turn 35 on July 18th, has not secured a knockout victory in his last six fights, with his last knockout occurring three years ago. Edwards suggests that Canelo is hesitant to face Crawford unless he believes he can win, given his substantial wealth.
“Yes, I think he can go up to 168 and fight certain people. Do I think he can fight Benavidez or Morrell? No, they’re too big, too skilled, and too tall. That would be a lot to overcome,” said Stephen Edwards.
“Canelo comes from the smaller weights and is the same height as Crawford. I actually think Crawford is a little taller. Crawford’s arms are way longer, and he has the much better gas tank. I’ve never seen Crawford tired.
“Canelo let’s guys off the hook nowadays that when he was on his best run, he would normally stop them. Now, he’s letting them off the hook because he doesn’t have that extra push in his gas tank. If Bud fought Canelo at 168, Bud would be full of calories. He would be able to eat whatever he wanted to eat at any time of day,” said Edwards.
Crawford, now 37, almost lost his debut at 154 against Israil Madrimov and may struggle to secure rounds against Canelo. Edwards believes that Canelo’s power will sway judges in his favor.
Genius At Work?
Edwards suggests that Crawford needs to maintain his speed for a potential fight with Canelo. He reminiscences about Crawford’s past performances but acknowledges that age and physical changes may impact his abilities against Canelo.
Edwards concludes by stating that while Crawford may not defeat fighters like Bivol or Beterbiev, he sees a potential victory against Canelo due to the champion’s perceived decline.
