Could Bud Crawford pull off an upset against Canelo Alvarez?

Crawford versus Canelo is one of those things that makes you question, why? What is there to prove? Crawford is at a big disadvantage mainly because he's just much smaller than Canelo. He has never possessed significant power to begin with. While Crawford does have some power, it is not as devastating as Canelo's. Bud Crawford has the advantage in speed and combinations. He's a lot faster than many boxers; he has quick feet and is an all-around boxer. At welterweight, junior, and super welterweight, he can move and outpace opponents; however, I doubt he will be able to do that with Canelo.

Bud Crawford appears to be the stronger fighter with a 75% knockout ratio; however, this perception is largely due to his having fewer fights in the lower weight divisions. While Canelo began his career in the welterweight division, he no longer makes his home at welterweight, moving up to super middleweight and light heavyweight. In turn, Canelo outweighs Crawford by nearly 20 pounds since their last fight because Crawford's last fight was as a super welterweight, meaning he fought at 154 pounds.

There is a saying that size matters. Well, in boxing, it generally does. That's why there are weight divisions. Unless Terence Crawford possesses the awkward feet and youthful speed of Manny Pacquiao, he could have some success against the bigger man. Crawford is the opposite of awkward. He's a great fighter and also predictable. 

Terence Crawford is a great fighter with his ability to control the distance and counterpunch, but Canelo, over the years, has transformed into a much better counterpuncher than ever before. While Crawford is a skilled defensive fighter, he is also vulnerable against a patient fighter who can also counterpunch.

It would be very difficult for Canelo to knock Crawford out; it is not beyond possibility. Crawford gaining so much weight hurts his stamina. This fight will be competitive for 6 rounds; most likely, Crawford will get worn out and be more vulnerable to Canelo's counters, forcing him to be in survival mode. As the later rounds approach, this fight will most likely favor Canelo when he outpoints the crafty veteran, Crawford.

Canelo wins by way of unanimous decision on September 13, 2025.