Advice from the man who already beat him

When Dmitry Bivol talks about Canelo Álvarez, people listen. The Russian didn’t just face him—he beat him clearly in 2022, exposing weaknesses with a precise and fearless strategy. Now, just over a month away from the fight between Canelo and Terence Crawford, Bivol has become a voice of authority… and he's not keeping his insights to himself.

“I saw Crawford in Dubai a month ago. He’s big, and he’s got a lot of great skills. He’s one of my favorite boxers and he can beat Canelo,” he said in an interview. However, he made it clear that talent alone won’t be enough.

The challenge of moving up in weight

For Bivol, Crawford’s biggest challenge will be adapting to a division that doesn’t forgive mistakes. “He needs to get used to the power and pressure at 168 pounds, because it really is very different,” Bivol warned. The punching power at that level is something else entirely, and physical durability becomes a decisive factor.

Still, the Russian sees a path to victory. He praised Crawford’s tactical intelligence, adaptability, and the confidence he brings into the ring. “He can do it, but there are small details that could make the difference,” he concluded.

Can he follow Bivol’s footsteps?

On the night of September 13, Crawford will try to do what only Bivol has done in recent years: defeat a Canelo Álvarez who has dominated the sport. If he finds the weak spot, withstands the physical pressure, and executes his plan precisely, he could deliver the upset of the year.
For now, the Russian champion has already shown the way.