Terence Crawford is just weeks out from his return against Canelo Alvarez in their title super fight; however, an ex-foe of the unbeaten star has outlined his concerns.
Putting his unbeaten record on the line in his move to the super middleweight limit, Crawford will challenge for the undisputed crown against Mexican icon Canelo.
And while many critics are split when it comes to the massive super fight between Crawford and Canelo, few are putting their heads above the parapet in a bid to pick the outright winner.
But a former opponent of Nebraska technician Crawford has expressed some concern for his rival’s chances of beating Canelo.
Terence Crawford hit with words of concern for Canelo Alvarez clash
Himself not overly confident of defeating Jalisco megastar Canelo when they share the ring next month, Crawford is certainly not taking the super middleweight move or the matchup with the defending champion lightly.
And for good reason, according to the retired Shawn Porter, who claimed he has his own reservations about Crawford’s chances in the ring.
“I am concerned with him (Terence Crawford) absorbing a Canelo (Alvarez) punch, especially through the course of 12 rounds,” Porter told Fight Hub TV.
“I do know this about Canelo; he’s going to slow down,” Porter explained.
But it’s not just the power output from Canelo — who competed as high as light heavyweight in the past — it’s another potential factor of the fight which Crawford controls, which may get him into more trouble.
Terence Crawford warned against weight gain for super fight
A former undisputed light welterweight and welterweight champion, Crawford has yet to make an outing at the super middleweight limit in his esteemed professional career in the ring.
Making a walk in the past as high as light middleweight, Crawford improved his unbeaten record to a staggering 41-0 with a unanimous decision win over Israil Madrimov to clinch the WBA and interim WBO championship.
But as far as heralded coach Robert Garcia is concerned, Crawford would be more than wise to reserve any sort of drastic weight gain to match the size of Canelo.
“With Crawford, I think gaining too much weight and muscle might affect him.
“If they’re thinking of surviving, being able to take a punch, go rounds, and go the distance, they’ll be happy with that.
“…But if he’s gaining so much weight, he might not have those same skills when it comes to speed and footwork.”