If one still wonders how a fight can change perceptions, then they only need to look at the May 3 Canelo Alvarez vs. William Scull fight. Of course, the Cuban-born German fighter received a fair share of brickbats for running a marathon in the ring. But despite his profuse confessions, a lackluster performance against a lesser-known fighter had Canelo facing seething criticisms, not to mention the fans’ ire. Given the mega showdown with Terence Crawford has now been officially confirmed, the problem compounds.

Till recently, most felt that Canelo would roll over Crawford, who’s climbing up two divisions for the challenge. But last Saturday’s fight in Riyadh had many question their views. Some believe that Crawford may actually have a chance to stage a historic upset in September. Surprisingly, even those who may not have been on the best of terms with him now feel Crawford can turn the tables on Canelo. According to Derek ‘Bozy’ Ennis, the former undisputed champion just needs a few minor tweaks.

A recipe for disaster (for Canelo)

Speaking with YSM Sports Media, Bozy Ennis shed light on a range of topics, including the recently concluded Riyadh Season cards in New York and Riyadh. Given how the Canelo-Scull fight unfolded, the reporter first offered his apologies to Ennis. If they were to meet, like most, he believed that Canelo enjoyed the upper hand over Crawford.

But the Skull fight forced a change in opinion. They agree with Ennis, who always attested that the Canelo-Crawford fight is a 50/50 affair. “Terence got a great chance to beat him, man. You know what I mean. Terence can box. Terence can move. Terence can punch,” Jaron Ennis‘ father insisted.

Interestingly, the previously held views of Canelo’s apparent physical size and weight advantage seemingly evaporated when Crawford joined him and Turki Alalshikh in the ring. Bozy believes Crawford has the skills and mindset to potentially stop Canelo in a fight. Canelo can take big punches without getting seriously hurt. That’s why some people doubt if anyone could knock him out.

But Bozy pointed out that Canelo hasn’t been hit by someone like Crawford. The Nebraskan not only punches hard but also lands his shots with precision. What he could do is follow a well-structured tactical plan: “I would go to the body, go to the head, go back down to the body, and then once you keep on going to the body, he’s going to drop his hands. Once he drops his hands, Good night.”

Terence Crawford: Switching over the Switch-Hitter 

Unlike Scull, Crawford will ‘fight’ Canelo. Earlier, the reporter asked Bozy Ennis the right way to defeat Canelo. The venerable trainer responded that he would have his fighter box from a distance. Then, using jabs and quick punches, they should keep the opponent at bay while avoiding getting too close. “I’m boxing him, you know what I mean? And he’s coming at me. I’m hitting pop,” he said.

If Canelo tries to press forward and gets too close, Bozy would have Crawford tie up Canelo to neutralize his offense. Then, he’d walk Canelo back to the center of the ring, resetting the position. Thus making it harder for him to land clean shots. “We could lose to the ropes and do the same thing, keep on frustrating, hit him with the jab, boom boom. Keep on moving but also hitting him, though. You know what I mean, and he gets frustrated, and then he lets his guard down, and it is a good night,” he added.

How much of Bozy Ennis’ advice Terence Crawford will actually heed remains a million-dollar question. But under BoMac’s watchful eye, he may already be on a course correction that could pave the way for a momentous victory at Allegiant Stadium four months from now.

What’s your take? If he follows Derek Ennis’ wise counsel, do you think Crawford may secure a sure-shot victory over Canelo?