American boxing trainer Greg Hackett spoke about the circumstances under which Terence Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs), the two-time undisputed world champion, would definitely knock out his future opponent, Mexican star Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez (63-2-2, 39 KOs).
“Canelo is the kind of fighter you have to kill to stop. I’m not saying Crawford doesn’t have the power to do that — but to kill him, you’d need an endless ammo supply.
In the era of 15-round fights, Crawford could knock out Canelo, because Terence is the type of fighter who could go the full 15 rounds. But in this 12-round era? No. Canelo won’t let himself be finished. He’s not the kind of bull that just goes down. He’s the kind of bull they keep locked in a pen. He’s destroyed plenty already. Maybe you can outbox him — but knock him out? No.
I know Crawford can punch, but does he have that kind of phenomenal punch? He would have to work at a pace that’s nearly impossible to maintain. And let’s remember — Terence isn’t a young guy anymore. If he were 28 or 29, I’d say: ‘Wow, maybe.’ But he’s already past 30.
That’s why, in my opinion, we won’t see a knockout — but a masterclass by Crawford Yes, that I can see. But a knockout? No,” Hackett said.
Canelo and Crawford are set to meet on September 13. Earlier, Terence revealed the purse he’s set to earn for the bout.