Champions Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford fight this Saturday night – who wins?

A year ago, Terence Crawford’s call-out didn’t impress Canelo Álvarez. He dismissed the idea of fighting Crawford, adding that Crawford didn’t look good after moving from 147 to 154 to fight Israil Madrimov last year.

That was then; this is now.

A few months later, he said this during a press conference.

“Crawford is one of the best fighters in the last decade, and I’m glad to be here.”

Alvarez and Crawford will throw hands this Saturday night in Las Vegas, in what is easily the biggest fight of the year.

Recently, Crawford has posted pictures online of a bulkier version of himself.

Alvarez has been sparring with undefeated sharpshooter Boots Ennis. This is a smart move by trainer Eddy Reynoso. Alvarez, 35, is two years younger than Crawford, but in boxing years, he appears older.

Like Manny Pacquiao several years ago, Alvarez hasn’t won a fight by knockout since stopping Caleb Plant in 2021. His last six fights have gone the distance. He’s knocking guys down, but can’t finish them. Not a huge deal, but important in signalling where Alvarez is right now.

Alvarez has been boxing for 20 years. His record stands at 63 wins in 65 fights. His biggest win was controversial, a split decision over Gennady Golovkin in 2018. The fight was a rematch of a controversial draw, which this writer thought Golovkin won.

Alvarez has won some close fights during his career. Austin Trout and Erislandy Lara come to mind. Many feel he lost, both of them.

Crawford, 37, has never lost in 41 fights. He’s smart and smooth and gets meaner after he warms up. His biggest win was over former champion Errol Spence in 2023. Crawford took apart Spence in nine one-sided rounds.

Many boxing folk felt at the time that Spence entered the fight shopworn – a shell of his former self. They blamed his horrific car accident. Perhaps that played a part, but it’s important to note that Spence had been victorious in four fights in a row before meeting Crawford.

Alvarez recently discussed the level of Crawford’s opposition.

“If you look at his career, mention one elite fighter. Just mention to me one elite fighter,” Canelo said on The G.O.A.T.S Podcast.

“So Postol wasn’t elite?” Crawford said, “Viktor Postol.”

“Who’s that guy?” Canelo asked.

“Oh, so because he’s not commercialized he wasn’t great,” said Crawford. “Ricky Burns wasn’t elite?”

“A 40-year-old champion in that moment beat Viktor Postol in my gym. I saw that,” Canelo said. “Ricky Burns wasn’t elite. Those are champions, good fighters, but elite fighters is different.”

“So, I’m going to fight an elite fighter in September,” Crawford responded.

“Ok, we’re going to find out,” said Canelo. “And don’t get me wrong, you’re a great fighter, but you’re going to find out.”

Fighting words for sure.

For months, people have discussed Crawford moving up to super middleweight. In 1938, featherweight champ Henry Armstrong moved up two weight classes to fight Barney Ross. The smaller Armstrong won the fight, which has happened several times in boxing history. (see Michael Spinks versus Larry Holmes) but not always.

It’s a big jump. (14 pounds)The big question is whether the weight gain will affect his athleticism.

If he’s a hair slower, Alvarez could catch him. Crawford likes to counter, as does Alvarez. Who gets home first?

Tune in this Saturday night and find out.