Terence Crawford may be the underdog going into his fight with Canelo Alvarez, but one legendary trainer is backing Bud to shock the world on September 13.
Crawford and Canelo will battle it out in Las Vegas, with the Mexican’s Super Middleweight world title on the line.
It will be a tough fight for Crawford, as he jumps up to Super Middleweight for the first time after becoming world champion in four different divisions.
The weight gain will be tough for him, although a former boxer turned trainer thinks he still has the edge against Canelo.
- READ MORE – Terence Crawford backed to use photographic memory to beat Canelo Alvarez by ex-champion he sparred with
Robert Garcia bucks the trend by backing Terence Crawford against Canelo Alvarez
While many think the bigger and heavier Canelo will be too much for Crawford, legendary trainer Robert Garcia thinks the underdog has enough to earn a decision win in this superfight.
The former fighter, who went on to train legendary fighters like Nonito Donaire, Antonio Margarito, and Anthony Joshua, thinks Canelo is “so slow” at 168 lbs, something Crawford can deal with in the bout.
He added that while most people are backing Canelo, he thinks Crawford can outbox him to get a decision victory at the end of 12 rounds.
Garcia said: “Well, on paper Canelo should win. Canelo’s bigger and stronger. And if Canelo lands good punches, I think Canelo could hurt Crawford. Crawford’s, you know, first time in that division and jumping two divisions, where he only had one fight at 154 and didn’t look his best either.
“That’s why a lot of people think Canelo is going to knock out Crawford, but I’m probably one of the only ones that I do give Crawford a chance. I think Crawford could pull it off.
“Crawford is very talented. He’s very fast. He’s very smart in the ring. So, I think a perfect fight, Crawford could pull up a decision. I think he could win a decision. I don’t pick him, you know, I wouldn’t put my money on him winning because it’s a very dangerous, risky fight, especially with Canelo being so strong.
“But Canelo’s last few performances, he’s looked slow, flatfooted, looking for one punch at a time. And if that’s the Canelo that fights Crawford, Crawford could win a decision.
“Crawford could outbox him, could outsmart him, could land three- four punch combinations and move and win a decision. So, do I give Crawford a chance? 100% think Crawford could pull it off. Would I put my money on it? Probably not. But I do give him a chance.”
However, Canelo sees the fight going very differently from Garcia.
Canelo Alvarez warned that his power will be too much for Terence Crawford
Canelo thinks his power, despite possibly affecting his speed, will be the difference maker as he fired a warning to Crawford in the build-up to their bout.
Speaking with The Ring, Canelo warned that Crawford will be no different to his other victims once he feels the power of his punches, although he reiterated that he still needed to be careful when fighting the four-weight champion.
Canelo said: “As soon as he (Terence Crawford) feels the power, he feels everything, he’s going to be the same [as other opponents],”
“We need to be very focused and be careful,” Canelo explained. “Anybody can hurt you, right? But if you’re smart and you know how to box, everything is very difficult.”
The pair will finally clash on September 13 in Las Vegas, as part of Canelo’s record-breaking contract with Riyadh Season.