Can Terence Crawford’s Power Translate To 168? Tarver Questions If He Can Hurt Canelo To Secure A Definitive Victory

Commentator Antonio Tarver says Terence Crawford “can’t win a decision” against the superstar Canelo Alvarez on September 13th.

Tarver doesn’t believe the judges will give Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) the decision if he outboxes the undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo (63-2-2, 39 KOs) and appears to win. It’s the popularity advantage that Saul Alvarez has that will prevent the B-side fighter, Crawford, from getting the nod by the judges.

Knockout Is The Only Way

Tarver questions whether Crawford, 37, can hurt Canelo because he’s got to be able to do that to have a shot at knocking him out. Bud couldn’t hurt his last opponent, Israil Madrimov, in their fight on August 3, 2024. Crawford hasn’t fought since that fight and will be fighting for the first time at 168.

Canelo vs. Crawford will be headlining on Netflix on September 13th at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The subscription price for Netflix is $7.99 with ads per month, $17.99 ad-free.

“Can he hurt Canelo? That’s going to be the key because you can’t knock nothing out that you can’t hurt,” said commentator Antonio Tarver to Fight Hub TV, talking about Terence Crawford on whether he can hurt Canelo Alvarez. “If Crawford is in here to do 12 grueling rounds against a strong fighter like Canelo, I think his best game plan is to box, be in and out.”

Crawford didn’t show enormous power in his debut at 154 against Madrimov last year. If the extra muscle he’s packed on has given him more power, he might be able to buzz Canelo. It would be risky for Crawford to try to sit down on his shots because Canelo is an excellent counter-puncher.

Age and Layoff Concerns

The two-division move up in weight, 13-month layoff, and his increasing age will make it tough for him to get into a war with Alvarez. Crawford turns 38 on September 28th. So, he’s essentially 38, and there aren’t many fighters who are still performing at a high level at that age.

“Never stand still to allow Canelo to get three or four in on you with your back against the ropes. Canelo only needs one punch. That’s what it boils down to,” said Tarver. “Also looming is the controversy. Can Crawford win a close decision? I don’t think so. It’s Canelo.”

If Crawford is never going to stand still, his chances of knocking out Canelo are slim. He won’t be able to hurt Canelo by throwing punches on the run. This isn’t the car-crash-wrecked Errol Spence that Crawford is fighting.

A Tough Fight For Bud

“That can be a situation or an issue. If Crawford wins 8-4, they say it’s a draw or they give it to Canelo. I think if Crawford is going to guarantee victory, he’s got to stop him. That’s going to be the challenge. Can he hurt him, and can he prevent him from getting knocked out? Bud is in a hell of a fight. If Saul shows up, it’s going to be a problem,” said Tarver.