Amir Khan, who's fought both men professionally, shared his thoughts on their power. Khan, an Olympic Silver Medalist who retired in 2022 after a career spanning light-welterweight and welterweight divisions, has unique insight into both fighters' abilities.
Khan faced Canelo in 2016 for the WBC world middleweight title. He stepped up in weight for the bout but ended up on the wrong end of a sixth-round knockout. Three years later, in 2019, he took on Crawford for the WBO world welterweight title. That fight also ended in the sixth round, with Crawford winning by stoppage in what turned out to be Khan's final world title shot.
In a recent interview with The Ring Magazine, Khan shared his thoughts on the power of both fighters:
"Crawford does hit hard, a lot of people don't give him the credit for the punch power he has. Crawford does hit hard, I've been in the ring with him he's hit me hard."
Khan acknowledged Canelo's superior power but didn't dismiss Crawford's chances:
"Obviously the most powerful fight between the two is gonna be Canelo but I think Crawford still has enough power to hurt Canelo and push him back."
While Khan sees Canelo as the harder hitter, he believes Crawford's power is underrated. He thinks Crawford packs enough of a punch to potentially hurt Canelo and keep him on the back foot.
The fight between Crawford and Canelo will test these assessments. Crawford will need to use every bit of his skill and power to overcome the naturally bigger Canelo. Boxing fans will watch with interest to see if Crawford can back up Khan's words and trouble the Mexican superstar.