Tom Loeffler predicts: Canelo vs. Crawford

Promoter Tom Loeffler has offered his take on the September 13 super-fight at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, where Canelo Alvarez defends his undisputed super middleweight crown against Terence Crawford, the reigning WBA junior middleweight champion.

Loeffler pointed to the tactical balance between the two. “Crawford has a very high boxing IQ, but so does Canelo. Canelo is more of a counterpuncher, he sets traps. Crawford, with his boxing skills, hand speed and foot speed, has the advantage in those areas. Canelo, physically, I would say is a little stronger, he can impose his will. It’s such a great matchup that I wouldn’t be surprised by either man winning.”

While many are focusing on Crawford’s jump in weight, Loeffler downplayed the issue. “I don’t think weight is as big of an issue as many are saying, since Crawford probably already walks around at that weight - he only needs to drop a few pounds. He can easily add muscle and mass, and with his hand and foot speed, still box effectively.”

Still, experience at the very highest level, Loeffler believes, gives Canelo a narrow edge. “I think Canelo has already been on such a big stage before. People are slightly underestimating him after his last performance in Riyadh, but when you have an opponent like William Scull, who doesn’t come forward, it’s very difficult to look good against that type of fighter. If Canelo can impose his will, work the body, and counter, then I can see him winning that night.”