In September 2025, the boxing world will witness a monumental showdown as unified super-middleweight champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez faces off against undefeated two-weight undisputed world champion Terence "Bud" Crawford. This highly anticipated match promises to be not only a fight for titles but also a battle that could define both fighters' legacies. Canelo, known for his relentless pressure and powerful punches, has dominated the super-middleweight division for years. Meanwhile, Crawford's exceptional ring IQ and technical prowess have made him one of the most respected boxers in the sport. The stage is set for an epic encounter that could redefine the landscape of professional boxing.
The Road to Unification
Canelo Alvarez has been a dominant force in the super-middleweight division, holding the WBA, WBC, and WBO titles. However, his journey to face Crawford was not without obstacles. After being stripped of his IBF title for failing to defend it against William Scull, Canelo must first reclaim this belt by defeating Scull in May 2025. If successful, Canelo will once again reign as the undisputed super-middleweight champion, setting the stage for a historic clash with Crawford. Crawford, who recently captured the IBF title, now has the opportunity to become a three-weight undisputed world champion if he can dethrone Canelo in September.
Initially, Crawford showed little interest in facing Canelo due to concerns about size differences. However, after witnessing Canelo's performances against Jermell Charlo and Jaime Munguia, Crawford began to see potential weaknesses in Canelo's game. His trainer, BoMac McIntyre, hinted at identifying certain vulnerabilities that Crawford could exploit. This change of heart led to the agreement for their September showdown. Canelo's predictable offensive patterns and occasional stamina issues may provide Crawford with opportunities to dictate the pace and outmaneuver the champion. With a three-inch reach advantage, Crawford plans to use an active jab and lateral movement to control early rounds and frustrate Canelo.
The Blueprint for Victory
Crawford's path to victory hinges on his ability to neutralize Canelo's aggressive style and capitalize on any openings. Historically, fighters like Floyd Mayweather and Dmitry Bivol have successfully countered Canelo by maintaining distance, utilizing sharp counterpunches, and controlling the tempo. Crawford's versatility as a switch-hitter and his superior ring IQ make him uniquely suited to execute this strategy. He must stay disciplined, remain technically sound, and maintain defensive responsibility throughout the bout. By dictating the range and keeping the fight in the center of the ring, Crawford aims to stay one step ahead of Canelo's relentless pressure.
To defeat Canelo, Crawford will need to be both perfect and frustrating. Canelo's two losses highlight that even the greatest champions can be beaten with the right approach. Mayweather used speed, lateral movement, and sharp counters, while Bivol controlled distance and volume punched effectively. Crawford's plan likely involves using his jab to establish dominance in the early rounds, followed by precise counterattacks and lateral movement to make Canelo miss. His timing and reflexes will be crucial in landing clean shots and avoiding Canelo's power punches. If Crawford can execute his game plan flawlessly, he stands a real chance of pulling off an historic upset and solidifying his place among boxing's elite.