Shawn Porter knows better than most the power and precision of Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford.
He felt it first-hand in the ring in 2021 and watched as Crawford’s punches ultimately forced his retirement.
But when Porter recently stepped into Crawford’s training camp ahead of the looming clash with Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas, he saw a very different fighter.
Gone was the lean, technically flawless boxer he remembered.
In his place stood a man who had rebuilt his body—thicker, stronger, and more imposing—a fighter transformed for a historic night.
Stepping Up Two Weight Classes
At 37, Crawford is daring to step up two full divisions to meet Alvarez at super-middleweight, the division the Mexican has dominated for years.
Critics have questioned whether the Omaha native, who only became undisputed at 154lbs last year, can carry power and durability at 168lbs.
Porter, who has become a friend and admirer since their bout, insists Crawford’s transformation has been handled with meticulous care.
“Most boxers don’t lift weights, it’s kind of a no-no in boxing,” he said.
“But putting on weight properly means muscle, not fat. I’ve seen him eating right, hitting the weights, and building strength the right way.
This isn’t something you do overnight. It takes years to add ten pounds and let your body adjust.”
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
Victory would crown Crawford as the first male fighter in the four-belt era to be undisputed across three different weight divisions, cementing his place among boxing’s all-time greats.
While Alvarez’s global profile brings spectacle, Crawford carries intrigue: can his timing, skill, and precision bridge the size gap against a larger opponent?
From what Porter witnessed in camp, the answer is a confident yes. “I saw it in his legs, arms, and shoulders.
The weight is balanced perfectly—he’s not bottom-heavy. He’ll handle the strength without a problem.”
Learning from Past Challenges
Crawford’s last fight, a points win over Israil Madrimov in August 2024, left some questioning whether age and weight were dulling his brilliance.
He appeared slower, less elusive, and occasionally hesitant. Yet Porter notes Crawford recognized the issue before the critics did.
“He told Shakur Stevenson, ‘I need to get back to boxing. I’ve been knocking guys out, I need to get back to boxing,’” Porter said.
“He knows he hasn’t been moving the way he can. This fight is different—he has to care, and he will.”
Can Crawford Hurt Canelo?
The burning question remains whether Crawford can challenge Alvarez’s near-impervious chin.
No fighter has ever stopped Canelo, who has fought nearly 70 bouts over 19 years.
Porter believes Crawford’s unique punching delivery—whipping, snapping, and precise—could be exactly what troubles the Mexican superstar.
“His punches turn over perfectly and land just right.
That’s the kind of precision that can get Canelo’s attention.
I believe Crawford has the tools to stop him.”
Signs of Slippage in Alvarez
For Alvarez, 35, the question isn’t just about Crawford—it’s whether signs of wear and tear are starting to show.
He remains a formidable, bankable superstar with victories over Golovkin, Cotto, Kovalev, and Plant.
But Porter observes subtle changes. “Seventy fights… you can’t be the same as when you had 50.
Canelo has shifted—he conserves energy, picks moments to push. Against Crawford, that won’t be enough. Crawford isn’t showing fear.”
The Big Night in Las Vegas
On Saturday, at Allegiant Stadium, more than 60,000 fans are expected to witness a historic showdown.
Crawford is chasing greatness, size, and legacy, stepping into the unknown with preparation and precision behind him.
Porter, who has seen the transformation up close, leaves no doubt.
“He’s done it the right way. All that weight is muscle. He’s ready for this moment.”