Who’s Picking Terence Crawford? Predictions compiled by Anson Wainwright
that stalk mode like in the Golovkin rematch against the smaller Crawford? My decision, based on the Scull fight: I don’t think he can go there anymore. I’m thinking Crawford may be able to win this fight. He’s beyond getting caught with one shot; his defense is very slick. He’s also a guy that fights out of both stances, changes and keeps you
from different angles and make history to win a close unanimous decision.”
SHAKUR STEVENSON The Ring's No. 1-rated lightweight/ reigning WBC titleholder “I think it’s going to be easy for Bud. He can fight. I just think stylistically, it’s a style Canelo doesn’t really like. He don’t want to fight a boxer that’s a southpaw and knows how to move. I don’t think he’s prepared for that. Canelo used to be one of my favorite fighters; I think he’s a helluva fighter. His defense is very underrated. Styles make fights, and stylistically it’s a horrible matchup for him. I think it’s going to be a boxing match. Bud’s going to go in there and outbox him. I think he’s going to win a decision; I kind of see it being wide.”
BRIAN NORMAN The Ring’s No. 1-rated welterweight/reigning WBO titleholder “I have to ride with Bud. Back against the wall, he has every reason to lose, [but] I think he can do it. His attitude is just different. We all seen this time and time
PAULIE MALIGNAGGI Former two-weight
titleholder/fight analyst “When the fight was first announced, I was headed to [the] ‘a good big man beats a great little man’ analogy. But as I see Canelo more and more, he’s less and
RONNIE SHIELDS World-class trainer “I had Erislandy Lara and Kermit Cintron fight Canelo. I really think Crawford has a good shot to win because of his style. He can go southpaw and orthodox; I think that’s gonna give Canelo a lot of problems. Canelo is very smart; he’s trying to lure you into traps. In his last fight, he didn’t get a chance to do that, because Scull didn’t want to fight and ran all over the place. Canelo didn’t cut the ring; it was like he wasn’t interested in the fight. Whatever was there, he took. I think Crawford will stay more in the middle of the ring. If he does get on the ropes, he won’t be there long. He’ll hit, get out of the way, and come right back. You can counter Canelo a lot, because he’ll throw hard shots at you, and if he misses, he’s right there to be hit. I think that’s where Crawford is going to take advantage. Make him miss, make him pay, then get out of the way and come right back and do the same thing. I think Crawford will win a close unanimous decision.”
thinking. I’m picking Crawford on points.”
“ I love Canelo – I think he’s the top guy right now. The question is: How deep is that fire burning in him ?” - Buddy McGirt
CARL FRAMPTON Former two-weight world champion/fight analyst “I said when Crawford beat Errol Spence on the TNT Sports (U.K.) broadcast that Crawford beats Canelo, and everybody in the world laughed at me. ‘Weight divisions in this sport for a reason,’ blah, blah. I said it then and believed it, and I believe it even more now. When you look at the size, there’s not much size between the both of them. You’ve got to remember: Canelo came up through the weights as well. He’s never been the biggest super middleweight in the world. We’ve seen his
again. His work ethic is like no other. That’s why I study him a lot. Some people get complacent; he’s not one of them. I think he will box to a decision victory.”
less of what he used to be, and I don’t think his choice of opposition in these last couple of years has helped him either. Once I saw the [William] Scull fight, I started changing my mind, because Canelo looked that bad. Despite the size deficiency, Crawford is still the more focused fighter and looks the hungrier fighter. [Crawford] was the more skilled fighter to begin with, but I think he may be able to overcome the naturally bigger size of Canelo. One thing I go back and forth on is how Crawford was unable to keep Madrimov off him and fought that fight on the perimeter of the ring, moving left and right. When Canelo gets in the stalk mode, he’s something that won’t be stopped. The question is: Can he get in
RAUL MARQUEZ Former world champion/ fight analyst “At age 37, I think it’s Crawford’s best business decision. He has nothing to lose and will cash in. Has the opportunity to beat the face of boxing and make history. The weight differential won’t matter; both are more or less the same height and debuted at the same weight class. Skills pay the bills. Crawford will be two or three steps ahead of Canelo. I don’t see a stoppage, but Crawford will tattoo Canelo’s face for 12 rounds with fast, accurate combos coming
ISRAIL MADRIMOV The Ring’s No. 3-rated junior middleweight/former WBA 154-pound titleholder “Canelo has the size advantage, but Crawford has the skills advantage, in my opinion. [Crawford] is a very smart and skilled boxer. I don’t think [the weight will be a factor]. Crawford, I believe, on points.”
O’SHAQUIE FOSTER The Ring’s No. 1-rated junior lightweight/reigning WBC titleholder “I think Crawford gonna dominate. To me, he’s the superior fighter. His versatility is crazy and his mindset is different. Canelo don’t like movers, and [Crawford is] one of the best at it. Crawford on points.”
punching power up at super middleweight; he’s not knocking out as many people as he used to. I just think his feet have slowed down and this is what happens with hard fights and age. Crawford has a great boxing brain and figures people out. I’d imagine he’ll keep it as long as possible and not engage too much. I’m a massive fan of Canelo, but I just think Crawford would have the boxing knowledge and brain to be able to deal with him. I feel like it could be a dull affair, but I think Canelo loses to Crawford on points.”
BUDDY MCGIRT Former two-weight champion/world-class trainer/Hall of Famer
“I pick Terence because he has the style to beat Canelo. I love Canelo – I think he’s the top guy right now. The question is: How deep is that fire burning in him? There’s no way in hell [Edgar] Berlanga should have went the distance with him. I ask myself, ‘How deep is that fire? Will this fight bring that fire out in him?’ I don’t know.
Will Crawford come in too heavy? I don’t know. Big is not always better, if you can fight. Terence can fight. He should not be coming in at 168; he should come in at 162. He comes in at 168, then by fight night, he should be 180. Can he carry that weight effectively for 12 rounds? Crawford on points, if he doesn’t come in too heavy.”
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