Crawford, Alvarez Set for High-Stakes Super Middleweight Bout in Las Vegas

The highly anticipated fight between Terence Crawford and Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez on September 12 at Las Vegas' Allegiant Stadium pits two of boxing's best pound-for-pound fighters against each other, with Crawford moving up two weight classes to super middleweight. While Crawford is strategizing to win over Mexican fans and emulate Floyd Mayweather's approach of respect and engagement, questions remain about his ability to handle Canelo's power at the higher weight. Canelo's recent performances, including a lackluster win over William Scull, have led many, including trainer Robert Garcia, to believe he is in decline, with some fans switching their predictions in favor of Crawford. Barry McGuigan suggests Crawford should rely on his timing and avoidance early in the fight to negate Canelo's power, then capitalize as Canelo's strength wanes. Despite Canelo's reputation and dominance in the super middleweight division, concerns about his motivation and physical condition at age 34 persist, while Crawford, aged 38, must summon full commitment and leverage his speed advantage to succeed. Ultimately, the bout's outcome hinges on which fighter shows greater readiness and adaptability on fight night.