Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk sent shockwaves through the boxing world with his candid assessment of the upcoming Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford superfight, set for September 13, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Usyk, a pound-for-pound great himself, delivered a blunt verdict that has sparked heated debate among fans and analysts. Initially backing his friend Crawford to upset Canelo, Usyk reversed his stance, warning that Crawford’s audacious leap to super-middleweight could lead to a brutal reality check, given Canelo’s size and power. His stark words have amplified the anticipation for what’s being called boxing’s biggest event.
Usyk, who conquered Tyson Fury to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis, knows the challenges of facing larger opponents. He initially praised Crawford’s versatility, noting, “Terence is different, man. He works both sides, right and left, he’s very smart.” However, in his latest comments, Usyk highlighted the harsh truth: the 14-pound weight gap and Canelo’s dominance at 168 pounds pose a formidable barrier. “Canelo is big, strong, and a good boxer,” Usyk said. “Terence might struggle to hurt him.” This shift from confidence to caution stunned fans, with many on X interpreting it as a sobering dose of realism about Crawford’s odds.
Canelo, 35, enters the fight with a 63-2-2 record, having reclaimed the undisputed super-middleweight title against William Scull in May 2025. His methodical style and punishing body shots have toppled elite fighters like Gennady Golovkin. Crawford, 37, boasts an unblemished 41-0 record and titles in four divisions, but his move from 154 to 168 pounds is a gamble. Usyk’s warning echoes concerns from figures like Mike Tyson, who also predicted Canelo’s size would overwhelm Crawford’s technical brilliance. Yet, some analysts, like ESPN’s Mark Kriegel, argue Crawford’s speed and ring IQ could keep him competitive.
The fight, streaming on Netflix and promoted by Dana White and Turki Alalshikh, is a historic clash of two undisputed champions. Usyk’s comments have fueled speculation about Crawford’s strategy, with some suggesting he’ll rely on movement to avoid Canelo’s power. Others believe Canelo’s experience in high-stakes bouts gives him the edge. Posts on X reflect the divide, with fans debating whether Crawford’s skill can defy the odds or if Canelo’s physicality will prove Usyk’s caution correct.
As the boxing world braces for this legacy-defining showdown, Usyk’s harsh truth has added a layer of intrigue. His rare perspective, as someone who’s faced size disadvantages yet thrived, underscores the monumental challenge Crawford faces. Whether “Bud” can prove the doubters wrong or Canelo cements his dominance, Usyk’s words have set the stage for a fight that will resonate in boxing history, with the outcome hinging on who can impose their will under the Las Vegas lights.
