Renowned boxing analyst and trainer Teddy Atlas has weighed in on a hypothetical showdown between two of boxing’s biggest stars, Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford. The prospect of this dream fight has fueled endless debates among fans and pundits, and Atlas did not shy away from making a bold prediction that has sparked further discussion in the boxing world.

Speaking on his podcast, Atlas delivered his unfiltered opinion about how a fight between Canelo and Crawford would unfold. “Crawford’s too smart, too versatile, and too good defensively,” Atlas said. “He would outbox Canelo over 12 rounds. Too bad if you don’t like it, but that’s the truth.”

Atlas’s assessment stems from Crawford’s recent performance against Errol Spence Jr., where he delivered a masterclass, dominating and stopping Spence in a fight that many expected to be competitive. “What he did to Spence was nothing short of extraordinary,” Atlas remarked. “Canelo is a great fighter, but Crawford’s IQ, timing, and adaptability would give him the edge.”

Canelo Alvarez, widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters of his generation, has a storied career filled with victories over top-tier opponents. His combination of power, durability, and technical skill has made him a formidable champion across multiple weight classes.

Atlas acknowledged Canelo’s greatness but pointed out some vulnerabilities. “Canelo has trouble with fighters who use movement and box intelligently. Look at his fight with Dmitry Bivol,” Atlas noted. “Crawford has those tools, but he also brings an element of unpredictability that makes him even more dangerous.”

The hypothetical matchup, however, is not without its complications. Canelo currently campaigns in the super middleweight division, while Crawford recently moved up to welterweight. The weight disparity poses significant logistical challenges, with questions about whether Crawford could handle Canelo’s power at a higher weight or if Canelo could effectively deal with Crawford’s speed and precision.

Fans have been divided over Atlas’s prediction. Some argue that Canelo’s power and experience in heavier weight classes would overwhelm Crawford, while others believe Crawford’s superior boxing skills and ring IQ would prevail. Social media has been buzzing with opinions, with hashtags like #CaneloVsCrawford trending as fans share their takes on the potential fight.

In his final thoughts, Atlas doubled down on his stance, emphasizing the importance of styles in boxing. “Styles make fights, and Crawford has the style to beat Canelo. It’s not about disrespecting Canelo; it’s about recognizing what Crawford brings to the table. He’s a once-in-a-generation talent,” Atlas concluded.

While the fight remains purely speculative, the ongoing discussions highlight the enduring appeal of dream matchups in boxing. Whether or not Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford ever step into the ring together, the debate about who would emerge victorious underscores the passion and excitement that these two champions bring to the sport.