Canelo vs. Crawford: 10 big fights that define their careers

In the boxing world, few match-ups generate as much excitement and discussion as the upcoming Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford bout. Scheduled for September 13, 2025, this clash promises to be not just another fight but a defining moment for both athletes. As they meet to settle a long-standing debate about who deserves the title of the best pound-for-pound fighter of this generation, it is essential to delve into the careers that have shaped both fighters.

Canelo Alvarez, the undisputed super middleweight champion, boasts an impressive record of 63 wins, 3 losses, and 3 draws, with 39 KOs. Known for his remarkable boxing skill and knockout power, Canelo has earned his status as boxing’s biggest earner over the past decade. On the other hand, Terence Crawford is a formidable WBA junior middleweight champion with a record of 41 wins and no losses, including 31 KOs. Crawford has established himself as one of the most technically gifted fighters, currently sitting high on ESPN’s pound-for-pound list.

### Career Highlights

#### Canelo’s Best Performance

One of Canelo’s standout performances came during the trilogy fight against Gennadiy Golovkin on September 17, 2022. Canelo secured a unanimous decision victory, reinforcing his place among boxing’s elite while simultaneously erasing doubts raised by a prior controversial split draw in their first encounter. Landing consistently while displaying strategic boxing, the judges scored the bout 115-113 on two cards and 116-112 on another, affirming Canelo’s skill. Golovkin himself acknowledged Canelo as the superior fighter after the bout, emphasizing the significance of this win.

#### Crawford’s Best Performance

Terence Crawford’s top performance occurred on July 29, 2023, when he faced Errol Spence Jr. in Las Vegas. Crawford delivered a technical masterclass, forcing Spence to the canvas three times en route to a ninth-round TKO win. This victory crowned Crawford as the undisputed welterweight champion and propelled his status within the boxing community. His precise counterpunching and tactical defense dismantled Spence’s skill set, especially considering Spence’s health issues leading up to the fight.

### Career-defining Knockouts

#### Canelo’s Most Memorable KO

Canelo’s most memorable knockout came against Sergey Kovalev on November 2, 2019. In a bold move, Canelo moved up to light heavyweight and knocked Kovalev out in the 11th round, demonstrating his power and finishing ability against a top-level opponent. This victory marked Canelo as a champion in four different weight classes, solidifying his legacy.

#### Crawford’s Most Impactful KO

For Crawford, his best KO performance was against Yuriorkis Gamboa on June 28, 2014. Dropping Gamboa four times before securing a ninth-round TKO, this fight not only showcased Crawford’s skill but also solidified his reputation as a serious contender in boxing. This victory laid the groundwork for Crawford’s future, as it was his first title defense in spectacular fashion.

### Career-defining Fights

#### Most Important Fight for Canelo

Canelo’s most crucial fight was arguably his first against Gennadiy Golovkin on September 16, 2017. The contentious split draw left Canelo facing considerable criticism, motivating him to improve in subsequent bouts, leading to two more victories against Golovkin. The trilogy itself has become foundational in understanding Canelo’s growth as a fighter and his ability to rebound from setbacks.

#### Most Important Fight for Crawford

Crawford’s defining moment occurred against Ricky Burns on March 1, 2014, when he traveled to Scotland to challenge for the WBO lightweight title. This match was significant in that it marked the beginning of Crawford’s ascent to stardom, showcasing his agility, speed, and skill in a dominating unanimous decision victory that would shape the course of his career.

### Strengths and Weaknesses

#### Canelo’s Strengths

Canelo is renowned for his powerful punching and formidable defensive skills. His ability to adapt during a fight has frequently seen him adjust to his opponents’ tactics, which has served him well against a variety of fighting styles. That adaptability faced scrutiny in his recent match against William Scull, where many felt he fought conservatively, but it was arguably a strategic move to prepare for Crawford.

#### Crawford’s Strengths

Crawford’s boxing intelligence sets him apart. He has the unique ability to switch stances, utilizing clever footwork to evade punches while effectively countering. However, his inactivity, having fought only once a year since 2020, poses questions about his readiness and conditioning as he steps up to challenge Canelo.

### Anticipating the Showdown

The upcoming bout between Canelo and Crawford features two champions in their prime, both with legacies that will be further defined by this fight. For Canelo, a victory against Crawford would potentially solidify his claim as the top pound-for-pound fighter and enhance his legacy as one of the greats in boxing history. Conversely, a win for Crawford would make him the only male boxer in the four-belt era to be an undisputed champion in three weight classes, further asserting his dominance and skill level.

### Conclusion

As fight fans eagerly await the showdown on September 13, this match represents more than just a battle of two skilled fighters; it symbolizes a clash of generational talents with contrasting styles and career pathways. Whether it’s Canelo’s overarching experience in high-stakes bouts or Crawford’s technical brilliance and agility, boxing enthusiasts are in for a memorable event. Ultimately, this fight will not only define their careers but could also reshape the landscape of boxing for years to come.

As both fighters prepare for what promises to be a thrilling encounter, one thing is clear: boxing is set to witness a historical moment as two of its finest square off in the ring.

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