In just a month, the debate over who is the best super middleweight boxer will be settled. Fans are split on the outcome of the upcoming Terence Crawford vs. Canelo Alvarez showdown. Few know the power and precision of both fighters better than Amir Khan, who has faced them both in the ring. For Crawford, this could be the most important fight of his career, and Khan is weighing in on how it might unfold on September 13.

Back in 2016, Canelo Alvarez delivered a devastating sixth-round knockout to Khan, ending his five-fight win streak. The loss was particularly notable as Khan had moved up two weight classes to fight the Mexican great, something he hadn’t done since turning pro in 2005. Now, Crawford is making a similar leap, adding intrigue to the matchup. In 2019, Khan returned to welterweight to face Crawford, suffering another sixth-round knockout. Having shared the ring with both men, in their prime, Khan brings a unique perspective on how this high-stakes clash could end.

Amir Khan, who has previously shared his prediction for the Terence Crawford vs. Canelo Alvarez’s $200 million worth super fight, isn’t backing down from his earlier stance. Speaking on Episode 248 of The PorterWay Podcast yesterday, Khan was asked if he had any advice for either fighter. He replied, “It’s hard to say because I think since I fought Canelo, you have to understand, I fought both guys at the peak of their career… I just feel that power is something that is going to stay with a fighter. For example, with Canelo, he is a very strong fighter, but then again, don’t get me wrong, I think Crawford can bang as well.” Here, Khan acknowledged Canelo’s raw power but made it clear that Crawford’s punching ability should not be underestimated either.

Expanding on his point, Khan said, “Crawford is a strong puncher. As he’s adding weight on, and he’s put that muscle on, he’s become a stronger fighter. Back in the day, when we used to see Crawford fight at lightweight or featherweight, we did not really give him that respect for power. We thought he was a good boxer, a technical fighter. But later, you can see he’s carried that power with the weight and the muscle.”

Khan noted that Bud Crawford’s growth into higher weight classes has only enhanced his power, making him a more complete threat. “It’s a hard fight to call honestly because it just depends what type of fighters show up on the night,” Khan admitted to Shawn Porter, stressing that both men are dangerous at their best.

Amir Khan also broke down their career paths. “I think that looking at both fighters, Canelo has had more harder fights going up and down the weight divisions. I think he’s been in more wars than Crawford. I think Crawford is the fresher fighter, who has been in less wars, but had as many hard fights,  just not as hard as Canelo,” he explained. Based on that, Khan feels that the Omaha native has the edge. “I feel that Crawford has this fight in the bag because I have sparred with him even after we fought each other, and when he puts on that weight, he holds it so well- that muscle, and it’s not like he looks heavy or soft. He looks built and strong,” Khan predicted boldly.

The Brit further went on to paint a vivid picture of the 37-year-old’s physical presence, saying, “When he walks around weighing 170 or 175 pounds, he looks like a natural 175 guy.” This is why, when he heard the fight was announced, Khan immediately believed Crawford would give Canelo “a hell of a fight.” And with Amir Khan’s belief that Terence Crawford will likely win, even if he doesn’t, he seems to know exactly how to get it done.

Ex-foe’s confession puts Canelo Alvarez in a tough spot before the Terence Crawford bout

A few days ago, John Ryder, who faced Canelo Alvarez in 2023 and lost via unanimous decision, shared his thoughts too in an interview with Fight Hub TV. Initially, Ryder sounded pessimistic, predicting that Terence Crawford would be broken down by the “special” Alvarez due to the weight and size difference. The British southpaw, who has shared the ring with the four-division champion, stressed how much size and physicality could influence September’s clash. Still, he acknowledged there’s one potential roadblock for Alvarez.

When asked how Crawford could win, Ryder said, “I think you just got to watch the [Dmitry] Bivol blueprint in and out. I mean, a lot of fighters getting the stick now for being runners – Tom and Jerry and whatnot. But I’d stick to what you’re good at. Terence Crawford is an excellent talent. He’s won titles through the weights, undisputed at (two) weights now. And listen, if anyone can do it, it’s him. I think the weight will be too much an issue. Canelo is a special talent, and I think the weight will play a factor in the fight.”

Ryder concluded with a note on risk and ambition, explaining, “But listen, Canelo once done it. I mean, to step up middleweight. So I would like Crawford to be more at light middle to middle to build into it. But you take these opportunities when they come, and that’s what greatness he’s chasing.”

In other words, Ryder believes Crawford would have benefited from more time to adjust to higher weight classes before taking on a super middleweight challenge like Canelo. However, he respects that legendary careers are often built on bold opportunities, even when the odds and the scales are stacked against you.

That said, do you agree with Amir Khan and believe Terence Crawford will be able to keep his unblemished record after fighting Canelo Alvarez?