Comparing Canelo And Crawford: Their Post-Mayweather Success

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 05, 2025

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Canelo Alvarez's Post-Mayweather Reign

Canelo Alvarez's rise to prominence after Mayweather's retirement is undeniable. He's become a global boxing icon, transcending the sport and becoming a mainstream celebrity. His success can be attributed to several key factors: consistently challenging himself against top-tier opponents, capturing undisputed championships, and his remarkable pay-per-view (PPV) drawing power.

• Significant Wins: Canelo's impressive resume boasts victories over numerous high-profile opponents, including Gennady Golovkin (twice), Sergey Kovalev, and Caleb Plant. These wins solidified his position as an elite fighter and cemented his legacy.
• Undisputed Champion: His undisputed super middleweight title reign further showcases his dominance. This achievement is a testament to his skill, dedication, and ability to conquer various opponents across different weight classes.
• PPV Success and Earning Power: Canelo consistently breaks PPV records, proving his immense marketability and drawing power. His earning power is unmatched in the sport, reflecting his global appeal and dominance.
• Fighting Style and Adaptability: Canelo's adaptable fighting style makes him a formidable opponent. He can effectively utilize power punching, precise boxing, and body shots, adjusting his approach based on his opponent's strengths and weaknesses. This adaptability is key to his continued success.
• Impact on the Sport: Canelo's popularity has significantly impacted the sport, drawing in new fans and increasing the overall visibility of boxing on a global scale. His fights are must-watch events, and his influence is undeniable.

Terence Crawford's Undisputed Dominance

Terence Crawford's journey to becoming the undisputed welterweight champion is a story of technical mastery and almost unparalleled dominance. Unlike Canelo's more frequent high-profile bouts, Crawford's reign has been marked by a consistent dismantling of top contenders, showcasing his superior boxing IQ and skillset.

• Significant Wins: His victories against Shawn Porter and Errol Spence Jr., two of the welterweight division's best, speak volumes about his ability to overcome elite competition. These were defining moments in his already impressive career.
• Undisputed Welterweight Title Reign: Crawford's undisputed welterweight title reign highlights his complete control of the division. This achievement speaks to his exceptional talent and dedication.
• Fighting Style (Boxing IQ, Speed, Power): Crawford's fighting style is characterized by exceptional speed, power, and tactical brilliance. His high boxing IQ allows him to anticipate and counter his opponents’ moves with devastating precision.
• Less Frequent High-Profile Fights: While his fight schedule might be less frequent compared to Canelo’s, each fight carries significant weight, showcasing his dedication to quality over quantity. This approach adds to the mystique surrounding his dominance.
• Impact on the Sport and Future Potential: Despite a less frequent appearance in the limelight, Crawford's impact on the sport is significant. His dominance over his weight class is undeniable, and his future potential remains exceptionally high.

Comparing Their Achievements and Styles

Directly comparing Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford requires considering several factors: their respective achievements, fighting styles, PPV draws, levels of competition faced, and their overall legacy.

• Head-to-Head Comparison of Accomplishments: Both fighters have achieved undisputed championship status, yet in different weight classes. Canelo has a larger PPV draw, reflecting his greater mainstream appeal.
• Contrast in Fighting Styles (Aggressive vs. Tactical): Canelo adopts a more aggressive, pressure-fighting style, while Crawford's approach is more tactical, relying on precision and superior boxing skills.
• Strengths and Weaknesses: Canelo's strength lies in his aggressive style and power punching; his relative weakness might be a slight lack of technical refinement compared to Crawford. Crawford’s technical skill and precision are his strengths, whereas his less frequent high-profile fights could be perceived as a weakness compared to Canelo's extensive PPV history.
• Pound-for-Pound Rankings and General Perception: Both consistently rank highly in pound-for-pound rankings, reflecting their status as elite boxers. The debate centers on which fighter's overall accomplishments and dominance better define "best."

The Undisputed Champion Debate

The question of who is the better pound-for-pound boxer – Canelo or Crawford – remains a hotly debated topic amongst boxing fans. Arguments for Canelo often center on his consistent PPV success, his aggressive style that creates exciting fights, and his undisputed status in multiple weight divisions. Arguments for Crawford emphasize his technical mastery, his dominance over his weight class, and the almost flawless execution of his fight strategy. The answer, ultimately, is subjective and depends on individual preferences and criteria for evaluating boxing greatness.

Conclusion

Both Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford have undeniably shaped the post-Mayweather era of boxing. Canelo’s aggressive style, massive PPV success, and multiple undisputed title reigns have cemented his place as a boxing icon. Crawford's technical mastery, undisputed welterweight title, and strategic dominance have established him as one of the most skilled boxers of his generation. While both fighters have left an indelible mark on the sport, the debate over who truly reigns supreme continues.

Who do you think has had the greater post-Mayweather success – Canelo or Crawford? Join the discussion in the comments below and share your thoughts on the Canelo vs. Crawford debate! Let's continue the conversation about these two boxing greats and their impact on the sport.