Terence Crawford might hurt Canelo Alvarez when they fight at 168 pounds. That's what Shakur Stevenson thinks about the potential September showdown in Las Vegas.
Crawford just beat Israil Madrimov by decision at 154 pounds. It was his first time not stopping an opponent in ten fights. Before that, he became undisputed welterweight champion by beating Errol Spence Jr in 2023.
Now he's looking to jump up two weight classes to face Canelo. The Mexican star has never been knocked down or stopped in his career.
But Stevenson told The Ring Magazine that Crawford's power could be a problem for Canelo.
"I done seen Bud hurt heavyweights. How does Canelo handle the power of Bud? It ain't just the right [hand]. I get [he has a great chin] but when Bud hits him, is he just gonna walk forward and take the punches? I just don't know."
Stevenson thinks Crawford has what it takes to beat Canelo. He points to Crawford's southpaw stance as a key factor.
"I just feel as though with Canelo's style – and this was before [Dmitry] Bivol did it – I thought Terence Crawford was the only guy who could be Canelo with his style. Bud is a southpaw. I think that's underestimated about the fight. It makes it harder for Canelo. I think Canelo has some type of trouble with southpaws."
Before the big September clash, Canelo will defend his IBF super-middleweight title against William Scull in May. Crawford will be watching closely as he prepares for the biggest fight of his career.
