Terence Crawford’s coach believes he knows which rounds Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez will slow down in, and which attribute will counteract his power.
Both stars are taking their preparations seriously for this super-fight, with Canelo even employing a secret sparring weapon in Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis.
Crawford has had to focus not only on going up in weight, without a rehydration clause, but also on choosing bigger sparring partners in the form of Lester Martinez to best prepare for the heavier shots.
He is used to jumping up weight classes, starting his career as a lightweight before clearing out two divisions to become undisputed.
Terence Crawford’s coach pinpoints when Canelo Alvarez ‘slows down’ and reveals the attribute to beat his power
While he has some disadvantages to overcome, his team, which includes acclaimed 2023 Trainer of the Year Brian ‘Bomac’ McIntyre, believes it is Alvarez who also holds some flaws that will be exploited.
Even with his 63 wins and dominant run as undisputed super middleweight champion, the 35-year-old’s most recent performances are being used to base predictions against the Mexican.
Three unanimous decision victories had seen very little action and a slower version of Saul, especially in the low-output William Scull fight, which has led many to believe Father Time is catching up to him.
In his interview with Ring Magazine, trainer ‘Bomac’ is convinced ‘Bud’ will be able to take over, especially when he slows down.
McIntyre said: “He usually slows down between rounds six and seven. You slow down, that’s a f- – -ing wrap.
“I seen him slow down going into the later rounds, and I seen his a- – get out box.”
When questioned on the power of the Mexican, who has 39 knockouts in 67 fights, he was not concerned in the slightest.
“I don’t give a s- – – about that power. Well, how do you beat power?” he questioned.
“Timing. That power ain’t going to be able to sustain throughout the fight.”
The power of the Omaha fighter may be underestimated, even if he is moving a weight class, given his knockout ratio is 75% – 14% higher than his opponent.
Terence Crawford’s coach comments on the fighter’s future after the Canelo Alvarez contest
A knockout victory for the 37-year-old would be a feat in itself if he were to pull it off, as no man has been able to stop or even drop Alvarez in his entire career.
But what happens on September 13th will be a decisive factor in whether Crawford continues in the sport, with rumours that, regardless of the result, he may retire.
Brian McIntyre was asked whether he had considered any opponents after the Canelo fight, and whether he would continue to support his fighter’s journey.
“I’m not even thinking about that. I want to get this motherf- – – -r out the way and then let the man do whatever he needs to do,” he said.
“If he decides to fight anybody else or go up or defend the titles or go back down, that’s on him.
“I’mma support you 100%. So if he called Charlo out or whoever else out, I will support it. But right now, all eyes are on that motherf- – – -r Canelo.”
Jermell Charlo has recently been mandated to fight for the WBA super welterweight title, which is the title that Crawford will lose when he steps into the ring against Alvarez.