SATURDAY plays host to a potentially generational night of boxing as Terence Crawford steps up to super-middleweight in search of a legendary win over Canelo Alvarez. Now, Crawford’s sparring partner has declared that size should be no issue come fight night, despite the move up.
Crawford, 41-0 (31 KOs), first claimed world honours in the lightweight division, but the Omaha-born southpaw has since progressed through the weights and become both a four-division world champion and two-weight undisputed champion.
After defeating Israil Madrimov for the WBA super-welterweight title last time out, 37-year-old Crawford now jumps up an additional two weight divisions, as he attempts to become the first fighter to defeat Canelo, 63-2-2 (39 KOs), in his favoured 168lb weight-class.
In preparation for the clash, Crawford has been sparring Auburn-based light-heavyweight Al Stanton, a taller and heavier fighter than Alvarez, who currently boasts a professional record of 9-1, with six victories coming inside of the distance.
Speaking exclusively with Boxing News, Stanton, also known as Alanrez Reynolds, shut down the possibility of Crawford being outmuscled come fight night.
“He is strong, that man is strong, I don’t think that he will have a problem with that.”
Yet, despite the well-documented benefits of Crawford’s experience in wrestling, which will aid him in the clinch against Canelo, Stanton went on to explain why he believes ‘Bud’ should ‘get in and get out’ against the Mexican superstar.
“[He needs to] use his skills, I think that he has the better skills, and I’d say he just needs to box him the whole night.”
“For 37 years old [it’s impressive], he is training like he is 25. I don’t think there will be no problem at all with the fight.
“[He needs to be wary of Canelo’s] power, that is it, just power.
“I’d say he should just box him the whole time, but he will get in there and bang with him, get in and get out.”
Canelo-Crawford takes place at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Saturday night, whilst Stanton hopes to return to action in early 2026 after signing with Dana White’s TKO promotional outfit.
