Terence Crawford has been told he could beat Canelo Alvarez – even at 168 – because he has Floyd Mayweather Jr brain.
That is the verdict of former American boxer Tim Bradley, who believes Crawford could take him even at his current weight.
The 36-year-old is denoted as one of the best boxers around even at his age, holding world championship belts at three different weight classes at lightweight, light welterweight and welterweight.
But taking on a fighter three weight classes above and 20Ibs heavier might be a bridge too far – especially one as destructive as Canelo, who himself has world championships in four different weight classes.
However, not according to Bradley, who believes Crawford’s boxing cleverness could lead him to victory much like how Mayweather Jr defeated Alvarez.
“It’s a tough task for Terence,” he told Fight Hub TV. “But at the same time, I would back him. I would pick Terence Crawford to beat Canelo Alvarez, even at 168.
“I think that his skill level is up there with the greatest. I don’t think we’ve seen anything like Terence Crawford.
“I do study history. I never seen anybody that has everything. Good speed, power, timing, can switch the way he switches.
“That has the toughest, the meanness that he has, the way he finishes guys, the way he breaks down guys.
“He’s one of the smartest guys that I’ve ever seen in the ring, right up there with Floyd Mayweather.”
Being compared to Mayweather cannot be taken lightly, with the American boxing legend finishing his career 50-0.
That included a majority decision victory over Canelo in September 2013, the first loss of Canelo’s career.
Crawford solidified his legacy with a pulsating victory over Errol Spence Jr in July 2023.
It saw the WBO, WBC, IBF and WBA welterweight champion go 40-0, winning 31 fights by knockout – including against Spence Jr with a ninth-round technical knockout.
And now, as he looks to end his career on an almighty high, the idea of fighting Canelo was floated, despite the vast weight difference.
It would be unlikely to see Canelo drop down weight classes, which would force Crawford to throw some meat on his bones.
It is either that or take on Jaron Ennis, who has been tipped to take over the welterweight division when Crawford hangs up his gloves.
