Vergil Ortiz Jr. is confident that Canelo Alvarez will come out on top against Terence Crawford in their much-anticipated September bout. Ortiz, who’s been keenly observing the dynamics of this showdown, argues that despite Crawford’s efforts to bulk up, the 37-year-old simply doesn’t have the size advantage needed to overpower Canelo.
### Weight vs. Reality
Ortiz isn’t convinced by Crawford’s increased heft, now at 180 pounds. He asserts that bulking up doesn’t equate to fitting into a new weight class convincingly. This notion was clearly evident in Crawford’s recent fight against Israil Madrimov, the reigning WBA junior middleweight champion.
In that match, Crawford stepped up to the 154-pound category but lacked the knockout power he previously displayed at 147, as seen in his encounters with Errol Spence Jr. in 2023 and David Avanesyan the year before.
Speaking to Ring Magazine, Vergil Ortiz Jr. shared his thoughts: “Crawford’s size just doesn’t match up. He might weigh in heavier, but that doesn’t mean he’s naturally suited for the weight class he’s stepping into against Canelo.”
Although Crawford will try to match Canelo in terms of size by bulking up, he’ll still be significantly smaller. While he has respectable punching power, it won’t compare to the effortless strength Canelo naturally possesses. “If Crawford was up against a lesser opponent, it might be different, but he’s about to face Canelo. Canelo isn’t just a boxer; he’s a powerhouse in the sport. Crawford can get hit—he’s just like anyone else in that ring,” Ortiz explains.
In Crawford’s last battle with Madrimov, he took quite a few hits, and it was only when Madrimov ran out of steam in the latter rounds that Crawford managed to secure the win.
### Crawford’s Challenging Path
Ortiz expressed further concerns: “Taking hits from Canelo isn’t something you can afford. With Canelo’s speed and ability to catch fighters off guard, it’s a whole different ballgame.”
Crawford, known for his pride, often opts to stand his ground—a choice that might not be the best strategy if he aims to outshine Canelo. He tends to stick around and trade punches, driven by that inner voice saying, “Sometimes, you just gotta fight.”
For the upcoming match, Crawford plans to stick to the strategies employed successfully by Floyd Mayweather and Dmitry Bivol against Canelo—staying mobile, striking, and clinching when needed. He’s aware that winning by a decision could open doors for a lucrative rematch, so his focus will be on outboxing Canelo throughout the fight. Although this approach might not deliver the thrilling exchanges fans hope for, it’s a pragmatic route for Crawford given the circumstances.
In essence, Ortiz Jr. foresees a tough road ahead for Crawford, facing up against an opponent as formidable as Canelo, even as he aims to maximize his opportunities in the ring.
