“Two or Three More Fights” — Crawford’s Trainer on the Champion’s Future

Brian McIntyre, trainer of undisputed Super Middleweight champion Terence Crawford, has spoken about the game plan used against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, as well as what lies ahead for his fighter.

— What was the strategy going into the fight with Canelo that night?

— Just constantly turning him. Yes, keeping him inside. If he boxed southpaw — still keeping him inside. Taking away the right hand. The left hand travels a shorter path than the right because the right has to go across the body. The left goes straight down the middle. Very simple.

— Was there anything that surprised you in the fight?

— No. After the fight I said everything we worked on in camp, he executed. Shot selection, timing, catch and counter — everything.

— Many talked about Canelo’s weight and strength. Did that factor into the fight at all?

— Yes. He had excellent conditioning, worked with UFC guys, Danny Chen. That was one of the things I worried about. But I told the team: make sure he can handle that strength. And he handled it very well.

— As a trainer, how happy are you for him and yourself with this accomplishment?

— Very happy. He made history a second time. And nobody can take that away.

— Is this achievement more important than the previous ones?

— Yes. Because it gives us a chance to enter the Hall of Fame as a team. Not just as a boxer or a trainer individually, but as a team.

— Can this victory be called a career-defining moment?

— Oh, absolutely! Because he was the underdog. Everyone thought he would lose.

— What’s next for Terence? What would you like for him?

— To spend time with his family. Training camps take you away from family, it’s draining.

— And if we talk about retirement?

— You know, he did this so easily. I think he’s got two or three more fights left. It all depends on how difficult camp is.

— Is a move up to Middleweight possible?

— If he wants to — why not. It would be a challenge, but it would be great.

— If not, will he stay at Super Welter?

— We’ll see.

— He’s already being placed among the greatest names in boxing history. Do you agree?

— When they talk about the greatest ever, they always mention Ray Robinson, Jack Dempsey. And now they have to mention Terence Crawford. He’s right there among the best.

On September 13, Terence Crawford (42-0, 31 KOs) defeated Saul Alvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs) by unanimous decision to become the first undisputed champion in three weight divisions in the four-belt era.

Photo: The New York Times