In the unpredictable realm of professional boxing, the styles and strategies fighters employ often determine the outcome of encounters long before the first bell rings. One of the most intriguing aspects of the upcoming bout between Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez is the southpaw stance — a style that Crawford specializes in and that may hold the key to his victory. Southpaw fighters, by virtue of their stance, challenge orthodox opponents, often creating angles and openings that are less familiar and more difficult to defend against. Shakur Stevenson’s analysis highlights this tactic, emphasizing how Canelo’s recent struggles against southpaws expose vulnerabilities that Crawford can exploit.
Stevenson’s insight is rooted in a keen observation: Canelo, despite his sprawling record, appears less comfortable against fighters who switch or adopt a southpaw stance. The fight against John Ryder demonstrated Canelo’s difficulties, not necessarily because Ryder was superior, but because the southpaw dynamic forced Canelo into unfamiliar defensive positions. For Crawford, maintaining the southpaw stance through the fight could serve as a strategic masterstroke — forcing Canelo to navigate an environment that has historically troubled him. The stance change changes the angles of attack, makes counterpunches more effective, and often disorients orthodox fighters unaccustomed to the southpaw rhythm.
Crawford’s Readiness and Limitations at 168 Pounds
While stylistically Crawford’s southpaw skill set seems promising, the reality is far more complex. Moving up to 168 pounds is a bold decision, and it’s a testament to Crawford’s confidence that he opted not to take a tune-up fight before facing a superstar like Canelo. However, this leap raises questions about his power, durability, and overall adaptability against larger, more powerful punchers. The recent fight against Israil Madrimov at 154 pounds exposed some doubts about Crawford’s ability to handle the increased size and strength at higher weight classes.
Crawford’s decline from the dominance he exhibited at 147 and 140 indicates that he may not be the same unstoppable force in the super middleweight division. His transition seemed more of a gamble than a calculated move, and critics argue that without Turki Alalshikh’s intervention, Crawford might have been faced with a challenging uphill battle in a highly competitive division. Still, his southpaw stance and technical expertise give him a fighting chance, especially if he maintains focus and leverages his speed and agility to counteract Canelo’s power.
Personal Opinions and the Road Ahead
In my view, Crawford’s southpaw stance is undoubtedly a significant advantage, but whether it will be enough hinges on his ability to adjust at a higher weight and withstand Canelo’s relentless pressure. Canelo’s recent performances suggest he can struggle against stylists who refuse to conform to conventional orthodox methods, and Crawford’s unorthodox approach could be just the fresh challenge he needs. Nonetheless, it is important not to overstate Crawford’s superiority simply based on style; size and experience in the division still favor Canelo.
Ultimately, this fight will reveal whether Crawford’s technical prowess, combined with strategic southpaw fighting, can topple one of boxing’s most decorated champions. While Southpaw skill is a powerful chess piece in this matchup, it is only one part of a complex puzzle. Physical endurance, mental toughness, and adaptability will determine the victor, and the fans can expect a tense, tactical battle where style clashes with raw power. The outcome remains uncertain, but what is clear is that Crawford’s stylistic toolkit offers a compelling hope that he is capable of beating Canelo — if all elements align perfectly on fight night.