Teddy Atlas Picks Terence Crawford to Beat Canelo Alvarez

Legendary boxing trainer and analyst Teddy Atlas has made his stance crystal clear on the highly anticipated superfight

between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford: he’s backing “Bud” to get the job done. Known for his blunt honesty and sharp eye for detail, Atlas believes Crawford’s rare skill set will be the deciding factor against the undisputed super-middleweight champion.

For many in the boxing world, the obvious obstacle is size. Crawford, who conquered the welterweight and super-welterweight divisions, would need to move up to 168 pounds to face Canelo—a natural super-middleweight who has built his reputation on strength, durability, and power. But Atlas isn’t convinced that the weight difference will be the story. Instead, he points to history, comparing this potential clash to Manny Pacquiao’s dominant win over Oscar De La Hoya, when speed, intelligence, and adaptability completely overshadowed size.

At the heart of Atlas’s argument is what he calls Crawford’s “X-factor.” Beyond speed, power, and technical mastery, Crawford brings an elite “ring IQ”—a sixth sense that allows him to anticipate, adapt, and capitalize on openings that others can’t even see. This ability to think and adjust on the fly, Atlas argues, is what separates Crawford from most fighters and could make all the difference against Canelo.

That said, Atlas isn’t dismissing Alvarez. He acknowledges Canelo’s greatness, his decorated résumé, and his accomplishments across multiple weight classes. Still, Atlas believes the Mexican superstar may no longer be at his peak, pointing to close fights and recent performances that lacked the dominance of his prime. Combined with Crawford’s undefeated record and ability to rise to the occasion, Atlas sees the outcome clearly: not only does he predict Crawford will beat Canelo, but he also suggests “Bud” could stop him—handing Alvarez the third loss of his storied career.