Can Terence Crawford’s Superior Boxing Overcome Canelo Alvarez’s Physical Advantage?

Paulie Malignaggi says the one thing that Canelo Alvarez has in his favor against Terence Crawford is size. He states that Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) is a better fighter all around.

The size advantage that Canelo (63-2-2, 39 KOs) might not be enough because Crawford has packed on a lot of size in training.

The Power of a Bigger Man

“The only dynamic that makes this fight competitive, in my opinion, is the difference in weight class,” said Paulie Malignaggi to talkSport Boxing about the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight. “Call it age or whatever you want to call it.”

Canelo doesn’t have the same kind of boxing skills that Crawford has. What he does have is the size and power. That could prove to be more than enough to win.

“The only reason he’s still around at this level is because he avoided his top contenders in his weight class,” said Malignaggi about Canelo. “So, he’s been able to remain a champion in that weight class. Now, being a champion in that weight class has brought up the opportunity to fight a smaller, excellent champion, Terence Crawford.’

The List of Avoided Opponents

• David Benavidez
• Jermall Charlo: *When he was still active and in his prime.
• David Morrell

The Ghost of Golovkin

Paulie didn’t mention how Canelo made Gennadiy Golovkin wait three years before they finally fought each other for the first time in 2017. When GGG first started showing interest in fighting Alvarez, he was 32 and looking invincible. Canelo didn’t fight Golovkin until he was 35. The rematch didn’t happen until a year later, on September 15, 2018. Some boxing fans believe Canelo intentionally made Golovkin wait for the rematch to age him.

“I think when it comes to levels of boxing, Crawford is heads and shoulders above Canelo,” said Malignaggi. “But they do make weight classes for a reason. Canelo is still very strong, he’s a good body puncher, and he’s a bigger guy naturally. So, that does bring a bit of risk to the table.”

It’s not just the weight that could cause Crawford to lose to Canelo. There’s also Crawford’s inactivity. He hasn’t fought in over a year since August 3, 2024. His age is also a factor. Crawford turns 38 on September 28.

“I think Crawford can win the fight. I just wonder if he can get a decision. That’s always the question with Canelo. Can anybody get a decision against Canelo. We know Bivol did, but he won essentially a 10-2, 11-1 fight, and they barely,” said Malignaggi.

There have been five questionable fights in Canelo’s career that many fans felt he deserved to lose. These are the fights:

• Gennady Golovkin: 2017 and 2018
• Erislandy Lara: July 2014
• Austin Trout: April 2013
• Jorge Juarez: June 2006