If there’s a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ fight that boxing fans are eagerly anticipating, it’s the $200 million undisputed super middleweight showdown between Terence Crawford and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, set for September 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. At 37, the American star sees this bout as the ultimate chance to etch his name into boxing history and has repeatedly praised the Mexican icon. Now, with two elite champions preparing to collide in less than 3 weeks, the big question is: who will emerge as the king of the division when the dust settles? While many back Canelo Alvarez for being the natural super middleweight, others lean toward Terence Crawford for his unmatched skill set. But what’s the real story?

According to Ronnie Shields, the World Boxing Hall of Fame’s 2003 Trainer of the Year, Floyd Mayweather’s blueprint could be the key for Crawford to unlock the Canelo Alvarez puzzle. However, the two-division leap poses a potential disadvantage for Crawford. That said, Amir Khan, who has shared the ring with both, disagrees. “If you look at his frame… he’s a thick, big type of person. When I fought Crawford, he was strong… I see him taking the big guys down in the gym,” Khan noted. So, while some believe the fight favors Crawford, a deeper reflection suggests it may not even be close when they step in the ring. Why? Former pro boxer Carl Froch might just have the answer.

A few days ago, as Carl Froch sat down for an exclusive interview with Escapist Magazine, our team at EssentiallySports had the opportunity to send over a few questions. Escapist Magazine kindly shared the quotes from their conversation, including Froch’s thoughts on the upcoming Canelo-Crawford clash. Since Froch had recently spoken with Canelo in Riyadh, we asked, “Who do you think wins it on September 13, Crawford or Canelo? And what advice would you give to Crawford?”

Froch gave a measured, realistic take. “I think it’s a great fight. It’s really interesting and intriguing because Crawford’s so good, so talented, unbeaten, and he’s got a box of tricks. I thought the Errol Spence fight would’ve been close, and he absolutely demolished him. But I just think he’s out of his weight division.”

He essentially believes Terence Crawford is coming up “two or three weight divisions” and that’s exactly where the major disadvantage lies. “I don’t see how Crawford can sustain that for more than four, five, maybe six rounds. I think the weight would get to him.” Then, sharing from personal experience, Carl Froch elaborated in the interview, “I used to spar with welterweights and they’re good for a round or two because they’re quicker than you. When they’re skillful and fast, they’ve got you on the end of the jab, they catch you with shots, but the minute you get pissed off and just close that distance a little bit, start to lean on them, start to wrap them around the body and bring it back upstairs. It’s almost like the fight’s over. It’s like you can just bully somebody.” 

With that detailed explanation, it seems that if the 63-2 champion gets frustrated and decides to abandon caution, he could gain the upper hand, especially if he manages to decode Terence Crawford’s pattern. However, some fans argue that if Crawford does win, critics might later attribute the victory to PED use, something ‘Bud’ must actively work to avoid. That’s why Bill Haney has recently introduced a solid plan to address those concerns.

Terence Crawford must play safe

A few days ago, Pro Boxing Fans shared a YouTube video featuring Bill Haney. When asked for his take on the September 13 showdown, Haney gave a peculiar but pointed response. He praised the southpaw from Omaha, saying, “Come on, man, that’s the biggest fight in boxing right now… Well, listen, Canelo is big, and shoutout to Crawford for stepping up. But does Crawford have to be worried about more things than just boxing? Absolutely.” So why the caution?

Haney’s concerns stem from the controversial Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia bout last year. Despite Devin being dropped three times and seemingly outmatched, the fight was later ruled a no-contest after Garcia tested positive for the banned substance, PED, Ostarine. Drawing from that experience, Bill Haney doesn’t want Terence Crawford to walk into a similar scenario unprepared. “You can never go and repair that, so let’s be cautious, let’s be prepared, and at the very least, join 365 VADA drug testing, like Devin is doing,” Bill Haney suggested.

However, Terence Crawford doesn’t appear too concerned, placing trust in both camps to handle this legacy-defining bout with integrity. Still, even though Canelo holds a height and reach disadvantage, many continue to label Bud Crawford the underdog. But what do you think, who will emerge victorious between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford?