The stage is set, the lights are bright, and the fight world is buzzing! On September 13, under the electric glow of Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford will finally collide in a showdown for the ages. But before the Mexican superstar can focus on ‘Bud,’ he’s got one last hurdle—IBF champion William Scull.

While the Cuban might bring some heat, ‘Cinnamon’ is expected to handle business with ease. If all goes according to plan, it’s full steam ahead for one of the biggest fights in boxing! The fight became a reality thanks to the architect of the Riyadh Season, who signed Canelo into a four-fight deal last month. Regardless, given the enormity of the fight, everyone seems to have a prediction for it.

While some favor Crawford, a former two-weight undisputed champion, others are betting on the favorite, Canelo Alvarez. This is mainly because ‘Bud’ is climbing two weight classes to face the Mexican superstar, and historically, such a difference in weight hasn’t worked well for the lighter boxer. Still, Crawford is no ordinary welterweight, which has made predicting the outcome all the more difficult.

Undisputed light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol, one of the only two boxers who has defeated Canelo, seems to be plagued by the same conundrum. While appearing in The Ring Podcast with Andy Clarke recently, Bivol was pressed whether the fight would go the distance and he found himself with a three-word answer that would shock the fans.

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“I don’t know,” Bivol admitted to Clarke. Even though Bivol couldn’t pinpoint how the fight would end, he was sure about one thing—the bout would be interesting. “It could be different ways, but it’s an interesting fight for me. I would like to see this fight because two great fighters in their weight classes. It’s a really good fight.” While Bivol remains on the fence about making a prediction, someone else has a definitive answer.

Shakur Stevenson predicts Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford

Shakur Stevenson believes Terence Crawford has the skills to make a potential fight against Canelo Alvarez look easy. Speaking to talkSPORT Boxing, the WBC lightweight champion expressed his confidence in Crawford’s ability to outbox the Mexican superstar. “Honestly, I’ve been saying this for years now,” Stevenson said during the interview. 

“I always thought that his [Crawford’s] style versus Canelo, I think he beats Canelo. I’m not saying it’ll be an easy fight, but he can make it a very easy fight.” Stevenson, who has been a close friend to Crawford and also his training partner in the past, even dismissed concerns about Crawford’s power at the higher weight. “That’s another thing too. I don’t think Canelo is walking through his punches. Terence can punch, and that goes for any weight class.”

Having said that, it appears Dmitry Bivol has chosen to remain wise and not make a definitive prediction for the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight. The bout is not just a 50-50 matchup—it could either define Crawford’s legacy or make him just another notch on Canelo’s resume. Who do you think will win?