Terence Crawford Prepares for Canelo Alvarez Showdown
As Terence Crawford prepares for his highly anticipated match against Canelo Alvarez this Saturday, he took a lighthearted approach to address swirling rumors regarding a potential shoulder injury. Set to take place at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, this bout presents Crawford with the opportunity to claim the title of the first three-weight undisputed champion of modern boxing history in the super-middleweight category, a move that marks a new personal weight record for the boxer at 168 pounds.
Addressing Injury Rumors
In the lead-up to the fight, speculation about Crawford’s shoulder has surfaced, given the significant weight he is set to compete at. However, the 37-year-old star brushed aside concerns during a media event on Wednesday with some humor.
“Yeah, my shoulder’s messed up everyone! Don’t tell Canelo! Maybe it’s the left, maybe the right, or maybe both! I’m having issues with my shoulders. Shhh, keep that under wraps.”
Canelo Alvarez’s Championship Background
Canelo Alvarez, 35, is no stranger to titles, famously regaining his status as the undisputed champion in the super-middleweight division back in May. His return to the top came after a hard-fought victory over William Scull. This match against Crawford has created significant buzz in the boxing community, as both fighters have previously held belts in four different weight classes, with Crawford already being an undisputed champion at super-lightweight and welterweight.
Reflections on Past Performances
Looking back on his last bout in August 2024, Crawford admitted he didn’t perform at his best when he defeated Israil Madrimov, weighing in at 154 pounds, which leaves some uncertainty among fans about his current form.
“Like I said before, we’re not gonna talk about the past. We’re here to focus on what’s happening now and what’s to come. His last fight wasn’t spectacular either,”
Crawford stated, addressing his critics and the concerns regarding his weight class transition.
Confidence and Uncertainty Ahead of the Fight
The competitive atmosphere is palpable as Crawford initially expressed a “70 percent” confidence level in defeating Alvarez. However, during the Wednesday press event, his tone shifted as he humorously claimed,
“I’m 1,000 percent sure now!”
He quickly tempered that enthusiasm with a more realistic outlook on the unpredictability of boxing.
“You never know what could happen in a fight—injuries can happen on either side, judges, referees, and so many variables come into play that you can’t ever be totally certain. If a boxer claims they are 1,000 percent sure, they’re probably not telling the truth,”
he concluded, emphasizing the complexities of the sport ahead of what could be a historic defining moment in his career.
