Terence Crawford has been watching
Canelo Alvarez for a very long time.
He’s been scouting him. Come
September 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Crawford will put his knowledge to the test when they officially square off for the undisputed super middleweight crown.
Crawford has talked a big game. He knows Alvarez is more accustomed to the 168-pound division, but fighting safely from a distance isn’t an option for the pound-for-pound star.
Although he’ll make his super middleweight debut, and despite Alvarez being known for his power, Crawford has promised to stand and fight.
Crawford’s words, according to Alvarez, sound good. When he lands the first clean punch, he has a feeling Crawford will go to Plan B.
“As soon as he feels the power, it’s gonna be the same,” Alvarez told
The Ring.
Alvarez wants opponents to trade with him. Lately, that’s exactly what they've avoided. Even now, bringing up the name
William Scull irks him.
Alvarez chased Scull for much of their unification fight May 3 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Alvarez was frustrated despite winning a unanimous decision and hopes Crawford won’t fight similarly.
Crawford, 37, fought toe-to-toe with
Israil Madrimov in his 154-pound debut 13 months ago. He won a close but clear decision and the WBA title.
Alvarez, though, isn’t putting too much stock in that. When things get hot in the pocket, he wants to see if Crawford will clench his teeth and fight — or run.
“We’ll see,” Alvarez said.