The boxing world is buzzing with anticipation for the seismic clash set for September 13, where undisputed super-middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez is slated to face multi-division king Terence Crawford. This cross-divisional super-fight represents a rare collision of modern greats, igniting fierce debate among pundits and fans about its potential outcome. Stepping into this fray with a characteristically strong and insightful opinion is veteran trainer and analyst, Teddy Atlas.
Atlas, a voice known for his technical breakdowns and unfiltered commentary, recently weighed in on the monumental matchup. Speaking after a boxing event in New York, he wasted no time in declaring his pick, offering a clear vote of confidence for `Bud` Crawford.
“I like Crawford. I liked him all along. I`ve always liked him, I think he`s special,” Atlas stated, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding his allegiance in this high-stakes contest.
Beyond the Measurable: The Case for Crawford`s “Intangibles”
While acknowledging Crawford`s widely recognized technical prowess, Atlas emphasized that his conviction in a Crawford victory stems from attributes less obvious than speed, power, or technique. He readily concedes that Crawford possesses elite speed, power that he believes will carry up effectively, a high boxing IQ, refined technique, and a remarkable ability to adapt to opponents mid-fight. These are the qualities observers can dissect on film or measure in training.
However, Atlas posits that the true separating factor for Crawford lies in the realm of the “intangibles.” These are the elusive, almost mystical qualities that defy simple quantification or neat descriptions on a scouting report. As Atlas himself put it, “You can`t just point and say, ‘Oh, it’s timing,’ or ‘It’s supreme confidence.`” They are the X-factors that make a fighter special in a way the numbers alone cannot explain.
For Atlas, Crawford`s preternatural sense of timing is a key component of these intangibles. But even more significant is what he describes as Crawford`s “ability to see things in a very difficult environment just before someone else sees it.” It`s this split-second foresight, this unique processing power within the chaos of a championship fight, that allows Crawford to execute with such surgical precision and timing. It`s the advantage of perceiving the matrix a moment before your opponent does.
Despite the context surrounding the fight – Canelo`s status as the reigning undisputed champion at 168 lbs and recent activity, contrasting with Crawford`s layoff since his dominant win over Errol Spence Jr. – Atlas`s confidence remains firmly rooted in these less visible, intuitive aspects of Crawford`s fighting makeup.
In the eyes of Teddy Atlas, the outcome of this super-fight won`t merely be decided by who lands harder or throws faster, but by the subtle, inherent brilliance of one fighter`s ring intelligence and perception. He is adamant that Terence Crawford`s unique cocktail of “intangibles” will prove decisive, marking the end of Canelo Alvarez`s impressive reign on September 13. The countdown is on to see if Atlas`s sharp analysis translates into reality inside the square circle.
