A potential showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford has boxing fans buzzing. It’s the kind of matchup that defines legacies – two undisputed champions, both at the peak of their powers, stepping into the ring to prove who’s the best.
But while opinions are split on who would win, Eddie Hearn isn’t hesitating to make a bold call. The renowned promoter believes Canelo’s power will be too much for Crawford, and an early knockout could be in the cards.
The Weight Factor: A Tough Climb for Crawford
Canelo, the undisputed super middleweight champion, has made a habit of dismantling top-tier opponents. His strength, precision, and tactical mind make him one of the most dangerous fighters in boxing today. Crawford, on the other hand, has dominated the welterweight division, recently cementing his greatness by stopping Errol Spence Jr. to become the undisputed champion at 147 lbs.
But here’s the challenge: this fight would take place at 168 lbs. That means Crawford would be jumping up two weight classes, something rarely seen at the elite level. While he fought at 154 lbs in his last bout, even that wasn’t his natural division. Can he handle the sheer power of a natural super middleweight like Canelo?
Hearn has his doubts. Speaking to Fight Hub TV, he pointed out that Crawford wasn’t physically dominant at 154 lbs, let alone at 168. Even in his last fight against Israil Madrimov, he didn’t look like a true junior middleweight. Now, moving up against a powerhouse like Canelo? That’s a different beast altogether.
Hearn’s Breakdown: Canelo Must Start Fast
Hearn believes Canelo needs to come out aggressively, applying pressure from the opening bell. The key, he says, is to cut off Crawford’s movement and force him into a firefight. If Crawford is allowed to dictate the pace, things could get tricky for the Mexican superstar.
“Canelo’s got to get to him early,” Hearn explained. “Crawford will move a lot, and Canelo won’t like that. He wants his opponents to engage, and if Crawford keeps moving, it could frustrate him.”
But if Canelo can corner Crawford and land clean, Hearn sees a stoppage coming fast. Canelo has knocked out bigger men, including Caleb Plant and Sergey Kovalev, so the idea of him finishing Crawford isn’t far-fetched.
“If Canelo is active and presses the action, he can get the stoppage,” Hearn said.
The real question is whether Crawford can take Canelo’s power over 12 rounds. If Canelo lands flush, does Crawford have the chin to withstand it?
Can Crawford Overcome the Odds?
There’s no doubt that Crawford is one of the smartest fighters in the game. His ability to adapt mid-fight and expose weaknesses has made him nearly unbeatable. If he can keep Canelo at bay, avoid the big shots, and control the tempo, he absolutely has a chance to pull off the upset.
But this is unfamiliar territory for him. Canelo has ruled the super middleweight division since 2021, beating top contenders and proving he belongs among the sport’s all-time greats. However, critics argue that he’s not quite as sharp as he once was—his loss to Dmitry Bivol at 175 lbs exposed some vulnerabilities, and his recent performances haven’t been as explosive. Is this the perfect time for Crawford to strike?
Legacy on the Line
If this fight happens, it’s one of the biggest events boxing has seen in years. Both fighters are among the top pound-for-pound talents, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
A Crawford victory would be historic—moving up two divisions to beat an undisputed champion? That would instantly go down as one of the greatest achievements in boxing history.
A Canelo win, on the other hand, further cements his dominance and silences any doubters who question whether he’s still in his prime.
Eddie Hearn’s prediction adds even more intrigue. While some believe Crawford’s skill set gives him a real shot, Hearn sees Canelo’s size and power as overwhelming factors.
Will this fight happen? If it does, fans are in for an unforgettable battle. Speed vs. power. Skill vs. strength. Heart vs. heart. When two all-time greats collide, anything can happen.
One thing’s for sure: if this fight becomes a reality, the boxing world will be watching. And if Hearn is right, it might not last long.