Can Crawford Beat Canelo? Bob Arum Answers

Top Rank founder and veteran promoter Bob Arum has shared his thoughts on the potential super fight between Saul "Canelo" Álvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs), the WBA, WBC, and WBO super middleweight champion, and WBA junior middleweight champion Terence Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs).

"I like Crawford in that fight. I believe he’s more talented, more athletic, a better boxer, and I simply think he’ll win that fight. When the possibility was first announced, I felt immediately that Crawford would win. I even told him: ‘This is a great fight for you. You’ll win this fight.’"

Arum emphasized Crawford’s unique skill set:

"When fighters train, they typically prepare for either a southpaw or an orthodox opponent. But when you’re facing someone like Crawford, who seamlessly switches stances and is equally effective in both, how do you prepare for that?

It’s difficult. You can’t find sparring partners who can do both — there aren’t many of them. Crawford is a unique kind of fighter that others haven’t faced. His ability to switch stances is something opponents aren’t used to. They can’t prepare for it. I just think Crawford is a very unique talent."

Canelo Álvarez is set to face William Scull on May 3 for the undisputed super middleweight title. If both Canelo and Crawford win their upcoming fights, their showdown is expected to take place in September.