Canelo Alvarez is rarely the one being warned about his opponents, but this time, the script has flipped on the four-division world champion. The Mexican superstar is gearing up for a high-stakes clash against two-weight undisputed champion Terence Crawford, set for September 13th.

While Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and New York are being considered as potential venues, the fight promises fireworks wherever it lands. Originally scheduled for September 12th at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the bout was moved due to a scheduling conflict with a UNLV college football game. 

But even months out, the buzz is already building—and it includes a stark warning from someone who’s been in the ring with Crawford. John Molina Jr., who faced Crawford in December 2016 and suffered an eighth-round TKO loss, offered a brief but telling take. Reflecting on the challenge, he called Canelo’s fight against Crawford “tough.”

When asked for his prediction, Molina Jr. kept it measured, stating, “Crawford can make it very interesting, but it’s going to be a fun fight.” Then came the warning for Canelo. “Crawford is the best of our generation right now.” It’s worth noting that Canelo Alvarez is coming off a lackluster performance against William Scull earlier this month. 

This has caused many to question his capabilities against someone like ‘Bud’ Crawford, who is known for his ability to switch hit, high ring IQ, counter punching, footwork, and controlling the distance. The shift in opinions also contradicts the original speculations about Crawford’s abilities, as he traverses two weight divisions to fight Canelo at super middleweight.

Regardless, Canelo’s last performance seems to have affected this boxing veteran’s predictions as well.

Teddy Atlas predicts Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford

Legendary trainer Teddy Atlas has weighed in on the upcoming super middleweight clash between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, backing ‘Bud’ to pull off the upset on September 13. Speaking on THE FIGHT with Teddy Atlas, he said, “I liked Crawford before Canelo looked not so good in his last fight. I just think Crawford is really special, I think Canelo is really good, I think Crawford is special.”

Atlas defended Crawford’s debut at 154 lbs against Israil Madrimov, stating the former undisputed welterweight champ simply needed time to adjust to the new weight. He even compared Crawford to Sugar Ray Leonard, noting his unique “ingredient” that separates him from others. Atlas questioned Canelo’s form and motivation, pointing to recent close fights and suggesting the Mexican star might be a bit overrated.

Sticking to his guns, Atlas believes Crawford’s elite skills will carry him past Canelo, despite the weight jump.

That said, it appears the pre-fight prediction tides are shifting in Crawford’s favor. However, predictions are often wrong, especially when two skilled fighters are involved in the bout. Who do you think will win?