Brian Mendoza Predicts Canelo Alvarez Will Defeat Terence Crawford
Junior middleweight contender Brian Mendoza is no stranger to overcoming size disadvantages. In 2023 he produced one of the year’s biggest shocks by knocking out Sebastian Fundora, despite being nearly eight inches shorter. The result has gained even greater significance since Fundora went on to defeat Tim Tszyu twice and claim the WBC 154-pound title, which he will defend against Keith Thurman in October.
Mendoza, who later lost to Tszyu, is now turning his attention to the upcoming contest between WBA junior middleweight champion Terence Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) and undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez (63-2-2, 39 KOs). The pair are scheduled to meet on September 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, with the bout streamed on Netflix.
Speaking to The Ring, Mendoza said he expects Crawford to face a difficult challenge moving up two weight classes.
«I think it’s too much weight for Crawford to be putting on because he’s already coming up from even lower weight classes as a lightweight,» he explained. «You have to respect the power of the bigger man. I’ve sparred heavyweights, so I know what it feels like. Crawford will be big and carry power, but it’s different once it’s fight night under the lights when it matters.»
While acknowledging Crawford’s skill, Mendoza pointed out recent questions over Alvarez’s form could still make the contest competitive.
«Crawford is so good that I could definitely still see him do something to Canelo, especially since Canelo has not looked too good in his last few fights. He looked flat-footed against William Scull,» Mendoza said.
Nevertheless, he predicted Alvarez would ultimately prevail.
«It’s going to be an interesting fight, but I believe the weight is going to play a factor, even though I think Crawford is the better fighter. And Crawford has been cracked by guys like Egidijus Kavaliauskas. I am leaning toward Canelo. He’s going to rise to the occasion and it’s going to make a difference once he starts landing those big looping and heavy shots.»
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