Mandatory Credit: Sarah Stier-USA TODAY Sports

Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford – Amir Khan Predicted the ‘Fresher Guy’ Would Prevail in the Fight of the Century

The former world champion predicts the result of the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight on September 13.

Mandatory Credit: Sarah Stier-USA TODAY Sports

Less than two weeks remain until boxing fans witness the “Fight of the Century,” as Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez defends his unified super middleweight crown against four-division champion Terence Crawford. The blockbuster showdown takes place on Saturday, September 13, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, where Alvarez’s size and power will be tested against Crawford’s slick technical mastery.

A once in a lifetime fight.

Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford. Saturday, September 13. LIVE globally on Netflix. pic.twitter.com/BGUDSPYEvY
— Netflix (@netflix) July 18, 2025

Khan Backs Crawford’s Freshness Over Canelo’s Legacy

Few voices carry as much weight on this matchup as Amir Khan, who shared the ring with both men during his own career. Khan believes Crawford’s conditioning and adaptability give him the upper hand. “I think Crawford, in my opinion, has more attributes, like more advantages in this fight, because being the guy that’s not taken much punishment and not many hard, hard fights, going up and down weight categories,” Khan said.

He contrasted that with Alvarez’s punishing journey through higher divisions, including his grueling trilogies against Gennadiy Golovkin. “Triple G, those fights take a lot out of you. So I just feel, looking at it, that the fresher fighter in the fight is Crawford. I think he’s the fresher guy. He is going to probably edge in my opinion because you see that Canelo doesn’t have fire in the belly anymore. He’s made so much money. He’s won every title out there. He’s been in the game a very long time. So respect where it’s due and I think maybe this could be like a farewell fight for him.”

Amir Khan gives his prediction to The Ring for Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford having fought both men 👑#CaneloCrawford live on Netflix l @RiyadhSeason | Sept 13th 🥊 pic.twitter.com/dOWzQwHBNz
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) September 1, 2025

Khan’s comments resonate with some in the boxing community. Sports Illustrated’s Grant Young echoed the sentiment, noting Crawford’s strength when moving up in weight. Young said, “When he puts on that weight, he holds it so well… He looks built and strong.”

Even Dmitry Bivol, who handed Alvarez one of his two career defeats, acknowledged the challenge ahead but credited Crawford’s physical growth. He said, in an interview with the Ring Magazine, “My first reaction when I heard about the fight was about Crawford’s size. Is it appropriate for him to move up two weight classes? However, when I saw him in Dubai a month ago, I realized he is physically imposing and possesses excellent skills. He is one of my favorite boxers, and I believe he is capable of winning this fight.”

Some of boxing’s best shared their Canelo vs Crawford picks with The Ring 🤔

Who are you rolling with❓#CaneloCrawford live on Netflix l @RiyadhSeason | Sept 13th 🥊 pic.twitter.com/IPfYBntCEk
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) August 31, 2025

As the countdown to September 13 ticks away, the debate continues. Alvarez brings 63 wins and the aura of a champion, but Crawford’s perfect 41-0 record and Khan’s ringing endorsement add fuel to the belief that youth, hunger, and freshness may carry the night in Las Vegas.

Mandatory Image Credit: Sarah Stier-USA TODAY Sports

Amir Khan

Canelo Alvarez

September 2025

Terence Crawford

Rudra Dubey

nfl

mma

I’m an academic turned sports writer from Raipur, India, specializing in the NFL, MMA, and tennis at The Playoffs. I previously wrote for Sportskeeda and hold a B.A. and M.A. in History. My journey into sports media began far from the field, rooted in the arts and sciences. Funny enough, I didn’t grow up a sports fan; I used to see it all as just noise. But a fateful writing job introduced me to the world of sports, and what began as a gig quickly became a passion. I understood those voices aren’t noise; they’re emotions of true sports fans, and now I am one of them, writing with the same energy I once questioned.