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Mike Tyson Praises Terence Crawford but Predicts Canelo Alvarez Victory

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Sep 9, 2025 9:12 PM ET

As Terence “Bud” Crawford prepares for the biggest test of his career a September 13th showdown with Canelo Alvarez at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas one of boxing’s most iconic voices has weighed in.

Mike Tyson, the former heavyweight champion and global boxing icon, says he admires Crawford’s talent, but isn’t convinced it will be enough. Speaking on The Big Podcast, Tyson called Crawford one of the most skilled fighters of his generation:

“I want Crawford to win, but it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen. I would like for it to happen,” Tyson said.

Tyson praised Crawford’s fight IQ, adaptability, and ability to make mid-fight adjustments qualities that have carried him to a perfect 41-0 record (31 KOs) and undisputed championships at multiple weights. His most recent triumph, a WBA junior middleweight title win over Israil Madrimov in August 2024, made him a four-division champion.

Mike Tyson wants Terence Crawford to beat Canelo Alvarez but doesn’t think he will.
#CaneloCrawford live on Netflix l #RiyadhSeasonCard | @RiyadhSeason | Sept… pic.twitter.com/4le6AsJtXe

— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) September 8, 2025

The Size Factor

For all of Crawford’s brilliance, Tyson believes Alvarez’s physicality will prove decisive.

“This guy Alvarez is a hard puncher, he’s a smart fighter. I want to see it,” Tyson said.

It’s a familiar theme in boxing history: the great big man beats the great little man. At 168 pounds, Alvarez has long proven himself against larger, elite opposition. His May 3rd win over William Scull in Riyadh recaptured his undisputed super-middleweight crown and reaffirmed his dominance at the weight.

Tyson’s opinion carries weight not just because of his name, but because he’s lived the same storyline. The heavyweight legend built a career on proving that size matters when all else is equal. Even while rooting for Crawford, Tyson is siding with history: Canelo’s power, durability, and experience at higher weights may simply be too much.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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