Canelo: A Fighter Like Crawford, It’s Hard To Find Weaknesses In Him

By Miguel Maravilla

Mexican superstar Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs) is set for his showdown with undefeated Terence “Bud” Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) of Omaha, Nebraska. Canelo will once again take the big stage ahead of Mexican Independence Day as he squares off with Crawford on Saturday, September 13 in headlining the first boxing event at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas live on NetFlix.

“I’m very happy to be involved with this big fight and I’m glad to be going up against this guy,” (Terence Crawford) Canelo said at the Las Vegas Press Conference. “It’s going to be big,” Canelo added.

Canelo is coming off a lackluster one-sided unanimous decision over William Scull in his last fight taking place in Riyadh and was joined by Turki Alalshikh and Crawford as the fight was announced shortly after the victory.

Crawford, a four-division world champion, was last in the ring nearly a year ago, winning a decision over Israil Madrimov last August capturing the WBA super welterweight title. He won his first world title at lightweight and moved up to junior welterweight and welterweight, where he captured the undisputed crowns.

“Terence is a great fighter. He has a very good style, a fighter like Crawford, it’s hard to find weaknesses in him. I have fought the best and I have the experience to adapt to him and any situation,” Alvarez said. “This will be one of the biggest wins of my career,” Alvarez added.

Preparations will resume for Canelo in Lake Tahoe with his longtime trainer Eddie Reynoso as they gear up for the undefeated fighter.

“My preparation for Crawford will be different. I need everything speed, power, strength, my sparring partners need to be on point,” Canelo said about his upcoming training camp.

Perhaps in the twilight of his career, Alvarez, 34, appears to be far from it, as he began his pro career in 2005 as a youth at the age of 15. Canelo was impressive, beating up men and wiping out the competition in Mexico. Making his debut stateside in 2008, Alvarez defeated Larry Mosley at the Morongo Casino in Cabazon, California. Two years later, Canelo made his Las Vegas debut stopping Jose Miguel Cotto on a big stage on the Floyd Mayweather vs. Shane Mosley Pay per view undercard at the MGM Grand.

“I’m a way different fighter now with more experience,” Canelo told Fightnews.com “I’m much more mature in the ring. I have grown more throughout the years in all aspects,” said Alvarez on evolving as a fighter

Winning his first world title in 2011 with a unanimous decision over Matthew Hatton, Canelo won the WBC super welterweight title and went on to win more titles. Picking up the WBC middleweight title by defeating Miguel Cotto back in 2015, collecting the undisputed super middleweight titles and winning the WBO light heavyweight title with a knockout of Sergey Kovalev.

“I’m honestly happy with what I have accomplished throughout the years,” Canelo explained “I think my resume will talk when I’m done,” Canelo added.

Facing the likes of Floyd Mayweather Jr, Dmitry Bivol, Shane Mosley, and his rivalry with Gennadiy Golovkin. Canelo has been showcased in Vegas as well as headlining the first ever boxing event at the T-Mobile Arena, from fighting at New York’s Madison Square Garden, to major stadiums such as Dallas Cowboys home field AT&T Stadium, Minute Maid Park in Houston, the Alamodome in San Antonio, Miami Dolphins home field Hard Rock Stadium, his homecoming fight at Akron Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico and his last fight in Riyadh.

“I have always given it my best to give a great fight. I want to make it clear I give it my all so that the fans come out happy,” Alvarez explained.

Selling out stadiums, Canelo will now be headlining the first ever boxing event at the home of the Las Vegas Raiders, Allegiant Stadium.

“I’m very excited to fight there. It’s going to be the first fight in that Stadium for me. It’s always great to see many Mexicans cheering for me,” Canelo said.

Having earned his way to the top as one of best in boxing and a case for one of the great Mexican fighters of all times, there is no satisfying the critics and most especially, the Mexican fan base. Facing heavy criticism, Canelo won’t stop hearing the negative backlash until he faces undefeated current WBC interim light heavyweight champion David Benavidez (30-0, 24 KO’s). If all goes well in September against Crawford, let’s hope his excellence Turki Alalshikh can secure a showdown for next year.

“We will see September 13, everyone can talk but we shall see,” Canelo concluded.

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