Can Terence Crawford upset Canelo Alvarez?

  • What: Undisputed Super Middleweight Title
  • Who: Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford
  • Where: Las Vegas, NV
  • When: Saturday, September 13 at 3:30 p.m. ET

Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford will fight for the unified super middleweight title on September 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Alvarez holds the WBC, WBA, WBO, and IBF super middleweight titles. He is renowned for his size and power. He enters the ring with an impressive record: 63 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws.

Thirty-nine of those wins came by knockout. His latest victory, a win over William Scull in May, secured his status as the undisputed 168-pound champion for the second time. 

For Crawford, this fight marks his return since August 2024. The undefeated technician boasts a 41-0 record, including 31 knockouts. In his last outing, he captured the WBO junior middleweight title.

He did so with a unanimous decision win over Israil Madrimov.

Before we examine the odds, find everything you need to know to bet on boxing online and check out the best 2025 Boxing Betting Sites.

Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford

WinnerBetOnline Sportsbook & Casino Review 2026BetUS Sportsbook Review 2026Bovada Sportsbook Review 2026
Terence Crawford+156+140+150
Canelo Alvarez-178-170-180

The key argument is that Crawford may have moments where he outboxes Canelo, but lacks the durability and power to secure a decisive win against him, regardless of the opinions of some boxing purists.

In contrast, Canelo’s explosiveness, physical strength, and greater power make a knockout likely. Furthermore, he has demonstrated effectiveness against southpaws, defeating John Ryder by decision in 2023 and stopping Billy Joe Saunders in 2021.

Building on Canelo’s recent success against southpaws, his legendary chin and elite defensive skills have allowed him to evade major shots since his trilogy with GGG, giving Crawford little chance of landing a fight-ending punch—especially if he can’t threaten with knockout power.

Furthermore, while Alvarez’s defense is crucial, his adaptability is just as important. He can win in various ways and should feel especially confident knowing he’s not facing a serious knockout threat.

Canelo’s mastery in the pocket, particularly with body shots that open up headshot opportunities, gives him a clear path to a stoppage. 

Canelo AlvarezTO WIN Super Middleweight Title
★★★★★
-170
Bet now

On the other hand, Crawford is arguably the most skilled boxer today. His dominant win over Spence showed his precisionlanding 50% of his punches and forcing a ninth-round stoppage—securing his status as a two-weight class undisputed champion and pound-for-pound king.

However, this challenge stands apart from Crawford’s previous victories because he is moving up to super middleweight, where Alvarez’s size and strength give him an advantage.

Few fighters succeed in jumping two weight divisions, and at 37, Crawford’s durability will be tested by Canelo’s power. As Regis Prograis noted, “They make weight classes for a reason.”

Despite Crawford’s rigorous preparations—including sparring with bigger fighters, some near 200 pounds—doubts remain about whether he can withstand Canelo’s relentless pressure over the course of the fight.

Many expect Alvarez to force a stoppage by the middle rounds, as Crawford’s previous opponents have not applied similar sustained aggression.

That said, if you believe in Crawford, like I do, take him as the underdog or betting him by decision should still offer good value.

Terence CrawfordTO WIN Super Middleweight Title
★★★★★
+156
Bet now

Total Rounds

RoundsBetOnline Sportsbook & Casino Review 2026BetUS Sportsbook Review 2026Bovada Sportsbook Review 2026
Over 10.5-380-375-375
Under 10.5+280+285+285

The next market we can examine is the total rounds market. Oddsmakers are favoring the fight to exceed more than 10.5 rounds by pricing the over at -380.

This indicates an implied probability of 79%. It certainly seems like oddsmakers are planning for this fight to go the distance.

I am in agreement with them, this fight has all the makings of a great one that ends up going to the judges scorecards. I would bet Over 10.5 rounds with ease as that is the safest bet for this fight.

Over 10.5 RoundsTOTAL ROUNDS IN Super Middleweight Fight
★★★★★
-380
Bet now

See below the top offshore sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:

Badge ranking partner

1

★★★★★

Bonus

125% up to $1,250

Bet Now
Badge ranking partner

2

★★★★★

Bonus

225% up to $3,625

Bet Now
Badge ranking partner

3

★★★★★

Bonus

50% up to $250

Bet Now
Badge ranking partner

1

★★★★★

Bonus

125% up to $1,250

Bet Now
Badge ranking partner

2

★★★★★

Bonus

225% up to $3,625

Bet Now
Badge ranking partner

3

★★★★☆

Bonus

100% up to $1,000

Bet Now

Tony Reyes

Tony is a pro sports journalist who dedicates most of his free time to watching the latest matches and games on TV. When he's not participating in sports-related activities or seeing his friends, Tony enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and basketball. In addition to being a sports expert, Tony has extensive knowledge of finances and accou...

Read More About the Author