Is Canelo Overlooking Crawford?

“I think Canelo wins by a decision. He pounds on him, and he starts to go away in the seventh or eighth rounds,” said Abel Sanchez to Johnny Boy Boxing, predicting Canelo Alvarez will defeat Terence Crawford. If you notice Canelo’s last seven fights, even before Bivol, after the fifth or sixth round, it’s a sparring match for him,” Sanchez said 

Complacency

This has created the perception that Canelo may be overlooking Crawford. This could be due to the power differential. Canelo has shown he can absorb the shots of a natural 168-pounder, even against a tough fighter like Caleb Plant or the bigger-framed William Scull. Will Crawford’s power, however brilliant at welterweight, translate to a division where every punch carries more force? 

The massive purse of $100-150 million Canelo is reportedly earning for this fight provides a tremendous cushion. For Canelo, this is a business venture with a high probability of success. A win further cements his legacy and earns a historic payday, meaning a loss may be easier to take. 

The video of Canelo dancing and moving to music suggests Canelo doesn’t see Crawford as a threat that warrants a more serious, focused approach. It’s the approach of a fighter who believes the outcome is already a foregone conclusion. When reports suggest that Canelo himself has referred to the fight as “easy money,” it’s a reflection of the mindset.