Does former undisputed welterweight champion Terence Crawford stand a chance of winning against fellow four-division champion Canelo Alvarez? It depends on who you ask! While some point at Canelo’s history fighting boxers from lower weight classes, others seem to have complete confidence in Crawford’s abilities.

Former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson has doubts about ‘Bud’ Crawford’s ability to overcome the significant weight difference between the two fighters. The youngest heavyweight champion in history previously stated that competing at 168 lbs would pose a considerable challenge for Crawford and could take a toll on the undefeated boxer.

“I don’t like that fight,” Tyson said. “Too much weight, you know he had a close fight with the last guy he fought [Madrimov] because this guy was big and he was awkward, he shouldn’t have fought that guy.” However, Crawford doesn’t seem bothered about the weight, even though he has to climb two weight classes to fight Canelo.

Recent reports suggest that a fight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford is in the final stages of negotiations and is being planned for September in Las Vegas. Regardless, Crawford just came clean on the weight difference conversation, revealing his view on the challenge that lies ahead of him. 

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In an interview with Boxing Scene, the Nebraska-born boxer said, “That’s what great fighters are all about – testing yourself against all the odds.” Responding to all the doubts about weight, he claimed, “That’s when great fighters perform their best.” Furthermore, he feels he wouldn’t face any challenges at 168.

“I’m going to feel great [at 168]. I don’t need to worry about the weight,” he told Boxing Scene. “I’ve got a lot of things to prepare on. That’s part of boxing – [meeting] milestones you’ve got to hit. We’re going to be well prepared when that time comes.” The concerns about Crawford’s weight were magnified because of his showing against Israil Madrimov.

During the fight last year, Crawford seemed much slower and Madrimov was able to get the upper hand on certain occasions during the fight. The fight itself turned out to be much more close than anyone expected. However, Crawford seems to have a clear-cut plan for Canelo.

Terence Crawford reveals what he plans to do against Canelo Alvarez

During the same interview, Crawford was asked about what he plans to do when he comes face to face with Alvarez, who has never been knocked down. Crawford pointed to his ability to adapt on the fly no matter who his opponent is. “Man, we’re going to see come fight time what my advantage is,” Crawford said.

“I’m the type of guy who likes to feel my fighters out and adjust to what they’re doing.” Crawford considers this ability his greatest attribute, and his strategy to defeat Canelo heavily relies on it. “I’m looking to do the same come fight time when the Canelo fight happens,” Crawford said. However, Canelo Alvarez is no ordinary opponent, and only fighting will reveal how effectively Crawford will be able to execute his plans.

That said, even though the fans and experts have doubts about Terence Crawford fighting Canelo Alvarez at 168 lbs, ‘Bud’ himself seems confident in his abilities. Do you think Crawford can beat Canelo? Or would Crawford’s inexperience at super middleweight prove his downfall?