The boxing world is buzzing with speculation about a potential mega-fight between Terence “Bud” Crawford and Canelo Álvarez. While the weight difference and division changes make this an unusual matchup, the possibility of Crawford moving up to challenge Canelo has ignited debates among fans and analysts alike.

Adding fuel to this discussion is Dmitry Bivol, the light heavyweight champion who famously defeated Canelo in 2022. Bivol has now shared his explosive tactical insights on how Crawford could dismantle Canelo in the ring.

With Crawford’s elite boxing IQ, impeccable footwork, and adaptability, combined with Bivol’s firsthand experience defeating Canelo, there is growing belief that this fight could be far more competitive than many initially assumed. But how can Crawford beat Canelo? What tactics must he deploy to overcome the Mexican superstar?

Let’s dive into the key factors that could shape this high-stakes showdown and examine how Crawford could potentially obliterate Canelo in one of boxing’s biggest fights.

Dmitry Bivol’s Blueprint for Beating Canelo

Bivol’s victory over Canelo was a masterclass in discipline and execution. By utilizing a high-volume jab, superior ring control, and precise counterpunching, Bivol neutralized Canelo’s power and forced him into a defensive shell. Now, Bivol believes Crawford has the skill set to replicate and even improve upon that strategy.

1. The Importance of Lateral Movement and Footwork

One of the biggest takeaways from Bivol’s fight against Canelo was the effectiveness of constant movement. Bivol never allowed Canelo to plant his feet and unleash his signature power punches.

Crawford, known for his exceptional footwork and ring IQ, could employ a similar approach. By constantly shifting angles, Crawford can make Canelo chase him, disrupting the Mexican fighter’s rhythm and forcing him to reset frequently.

• Key Tactic: Crawford must use quick pivots and lateral steps to avoid getting trapped against the ropes, ensuring that he dictates the pace rather than Canelo.

2. The Power of the Southpaw Advantage

Crawford’s ability to seamlessly switch between orthodox and southpaw stances gives him a unique edge over Canelo. Historically, Canelo has struggled with elusive southpaws who use angles to create openings.

• Key Tactic: Crawford should fight predominantly in the southpaw stance, using his right jab to keep Canelo at bay while setting up counters.

3. High-Volume Jabs to Disrupt Canelo’s Timing

Bivol’s jab was the most effective weapon in his fight against Canelo. He threw a stiff, high-volume jab that kept Canelo off balance and out of range.

Crawford, despite being the smaller man, has an excellent jab and the ability to alter its speed and power to keep opponents guessing.

• Key Tactic: Crawford must double and triple up on his jab, preventing Canelo from closing the distance and setting up his powerful combinations.

4. Body Work and Counterpunching to Break Canelo’s Defense

One of Crawford’s most underrated strengths is his body-punching ability. Canelo himself is a devastating body puncher, but he has also shown fatigue issues in fights where opponents target his midsection.

Bivol’s success came from limiting Canelo’s output and making him hesitant. If Crawford can time Canelo’s attacks and fire back with counters to the body, it could wear down the Mexican champion.

• Key Tactic: Crawford should target Canelo’s ribs and solar plexus to sap his energy as the fight progresses.

Canelo Álvarez’s Strategy: Can He Overpower Crawford?

Despite Bivol’s insights and Crawford’s technical brilliance, Canelo is still the bigger, stronger fighter with championship-level experience across multiple weight classes.

For Canelo to win, he must implement a strategy that neutralizes Crawford’s movement and adaptability.

1. Cutting Off the Ring and Applying Relentless Pressure

Canelo struggled against Bivol’s movement, often following him rather than cutting off the ring effectively. Against Crawford, he cannot afford to make the same mistake.

• Canelo’s Best Move: He must use sharp foot positioning and feints to corner Crawford and prevent him from using his footwork to escape exchanges.

2. Attacking the Body Early to Slow Crawford Down

If Canelo can land his signature left hooks to the body early in the fight, he can slow Crawford’s movement and make him a more stationary target.

• Canelo’s Best Move: He should focus on digging into Crawford’s ribs and liver within the first few rounds, limiting his mobility.

3. Walking Through Crawford’s Shots to Land Power Punches

Crawford has knockout power, but Canelo has shown a granite chin against some of the hardest hitters in the sport. If Canelo can absorb Crawford’s shots and force close-range exchanges, he will have the advantage in power.

• Canelo’s Best Move: He must accept some risks to land his own shots, using upper-body movement to slip Crawford’s punches and counter with power hooks.

Can Crawford overcome the size disadvantage?

One of the biggest concerns for Crawford is the weight difference. He has never fought above 147 lbs, while Canelo is a natural 168-175 lb fighter. This size gap could pose major challenges in terms of strength, durability, and endurance.

However, if Crawford executes a disciplined game plan, his speed and precision could outweigh Canelo’s power. Many believe that, like Bivol, he can use superior technique to overcome the physical disadvantages.

• Key Factor: Crawford’s ability to avoid prolonged exchanges and maintain a high pace without getting caught in firefights will be crucial to his success.

What’s at Stake: The Legacy-Defining Fight

This potential superfight could be one of the most significant matchups in modern boxing. Here’s why:

• Crawford’s Quest for Greatness: If he defeats Canelo, he will have conquered yet another division, solidifying his status as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of all time.
• Canelo’s Reputation on the Line: A loss to Crawford would raise questions about Canelo’s ability to handle elite technical boxers, following his defeats to Mayweather and Bivol.
• Potential Multi-Fight Rivalry: If the fight is competitive, it could lead to a rematch or trilogy, generating massive pay-per-view interest.

Conclusion: Can Crawford Shock the World?

With Dmitry Bivol’s tactical insights, Crawford has a clear blueprint for how to defeat Canelo Álvarez. By utilizing movement, a sharp jab, and body attacks, Crawford can outbox Canelo and secure a historic victory.

However, Canelo remains an elite fighter with the ability to adjust mid-fight. If he can cut off the ring, attack the body, and walk through Crawford’s shots, he could impose his power and size advantage to claim victory.

As speculation grows, fans eagerly await whether this dream fight will become a reality. One thing is certain—if Crawford vs. Canelo happens, it will be a spectacle for the ages, with legacy-defining implications for both fighters.