Regis Progoris doubts Terence Crawford's chances against Canelo Alvarez
On 13 September, the projectors will be poaching on a ring ready to shake. On one side, Terence "Bud" Crawford, outstanding technician, undefeated in 41 fights, 31 of which finished before the final bell. On the other hand, Canelo Alvarez, sacred monster of super-means, champion in title, Mexican icon, war machine.
On paper, it's a titanium shock. Actually, it's a jump into the unknown for Crawford. And for Regis Progoris, former WBA superlight champion, it looks more like a desperate bet than anything else...
A risky climb of two categories
What Crawford's about to do is not a bad thing. Go up two categories, go from welter to super mediums, and go get Canelo on his field... It's never seen at this level. And it's worried.
« It's not just a question of weight », Prograis balance, cash. « Canelo is a monster of intelligence. He can read a fight like an open book. And when he hits, it's not to mark the spirits, it's to turn off the lights. »
What scares the most is not just the mass. That's the way. Style. Impact. « Weight gain is easy », continue Progoris. « But turning it into a useful power, an explosive... it's another story. You don't become a bumper just because you eat more pasta. »
A worrying lack of pace
And then there is this often underestimated but vital factor: inactivity. Since 2020, Crawford has been fighting the drop. Only one confrontation a year. An almost amateur rhythm in a world where every minute of action counts.
« The ring is like a theater scene. », philosopher Prograis. « If you don't repeat enough, you lose the sense of tempo. And in front of a guy like Canelo, still active, still in the bath, you can't afford a fake note. »
Clearly, no net. No second chance. Crawford arrives without running, in the arena of the greatest.
Canelo's experience, fatal weapon?
Canelo plays at home. Not just because the fight will take place in Las Vegas. But because he made the very high level his playground. He saw everything, faced everything, cashed everything. From Golovkin to Bivol, through Plant, Jacobs or Saunders, he danced with all styles. And rarely wavered.
« This guy's a Swiss clock with gloves. »Let go of Progoris. « He's not flashy like a Shakur or a Tank, but he's methodical. Cold. »
Canelo can temporize, trap, asphyxiate. He knows how to break a rhythm, use it in small strokes, until you crack. And that, Crawford never lived it again.
Can Crawford create the surprise?
Be careful not to bury Bud too fast. This guy is a living puzzle. Ambidextre, tactician, fast as lightning, always moving. He can read, feinter, counterattack. He also knows how to punch when needed.
But to overthrow Canelo, it will not be enough for a flash of genius. It will take a perfect score. Zero mistake. A surgical preparation. And maybe some magic.
« Crawford, he's special. », grants Prograis. « But now we're talking about climbing Everest in flip-flops. It's not impossible... but it's far from probable. »
An appointment with history
The countdown is on. The world of boxing holds its breath. Because this fight, beyond the title or belts, is a question of legitimacy. Courage. Challenge. A confrontation that goes beyond statistics.
And if Terence Crawford succeeds where so many others have failed, he will engrave his name in golden letters in the history of noble art. But for now, he's still out there. The one who defies logic. The one who jumps into the wolf's mouth with faith and talent for weapons alone.
Canelo is waiting for him. Implacable. Ready to defend his throne.
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