Former teammate gives prediction on Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford

Has Canelo lost a step?

The whole of the boxing world has its eyes firmly set on Las Vegas this week, as Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez (63-2-2, 39 KO's) takes on Terence 'Bud' Crawford (41-0, 31 KO's), in what is touted to be one of boxing's biggest PPV spectacles of all time.

The Netflix event is fast approaching, and as a result, industry experts are putting their opinions on the line regarding who will come out on top.

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn previously revealed that he feels age will play a decisive factor , with his heart currently swaying slightly towards the American.

Meanwhile, Canelo's trainer, Eddy Reynoso, promises entertainment - and is confident that we will see a rejuvenated Canelo, echoing his younger self.

However, given his lack of inspirational performances of late - with a stoppage drought stretching all the way back to Caleb Plant in 2021 - many appear to be favouring Hearn's views, concerned that the bout may have come a few years too late for the Mexican legend.

Ryan Garcia's Canelo doubts

Ryan Gracia - known for his outspoken nature - has wasted no time in getting to the meat and bones of the situation.

Speaking to the Ring Magazine via X , the Welterweight superstar - who trained alongside Alvarez between 2018 and 2021 - feels that Alvarez may be in for a tough evening in Vegas.

"My problem with Canelo is his intensity. He doesn’t have the same intensity that he used to have, and I think that’s going to be the biggest issue for me," the 27-year-old said on Inside the Ring.

“Can he still counter punch? Yes. Can he still be slick? Yes. But does he have the energy and the intensity that he used to have when he was younger, or at least when he fought Caleb Plant, to be honest, his last great performance.”

'King Ry' went on to state that Canelo may struggle with the tricky movement and expert ringcraft that 'Bud' will bring, likening it to his 2022 defeat to Dmitry Bivol.

"It’s like is he going to be able to have that second, third effort? Because that’s the problem he has. When Bivol gave him like three extra movements and three extra shots, Canelo ended up doing weird defensive moves that got him out of position."