Ricky Hatton believes that Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez’s size, power and all-round skill give him the edge when he takes on Terence Crawford in Sunday’s mouthwatering super fight.
Crawford is seeking to make more history when he moves up two weight classes to challenge Canelo for his undisputed super-middleweight crown in what has been billed as the biggest fight of 2025.
The 37-year-old previously cemented his status as a pound-for-pound superstar with his demolition job on Errol Spence Jr in 2023, but has made clear his desire to chase even bigger fights towards the tail end of his career.
And having moved up to light middleweight to capture two world titles with a win over Israil Madrimov last year, Crawford now has his sights set on the undisputed champ at 168lbs.
Canelo has won world titles at four different weight classes but has been at his peerless best at super-middleweight, unifying the division in 2021, having reigned supreme ever since.
The Mexican superstar has lost just twice in his career, while Crawford is still unbeaten after 41 fights, and Hatton is certain that both will come together to provide a boxing spectacle for the watching public.
‘I think it’s a great fight for boxing,’ Hatton told Metro. ‘There are so many things happening in boxing right now that I don’t agree with, but this is the total opposite. It’s probably one of the best fights that could have been made.
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez vs Terence Crawford odds
Fight winner:
- Saul Canelo Alvarez – 1/2
- Draw – 16/1
- Terence Crawford – 5/4
Method of victory:
- Saul Canelo Alvarez by KO, TKO or Disqualification – 3/1
- Saul Canelo Alvarez by Decision or Technical Decision – 5/4
- Draw or Technical Draw – 16/1
- Terence Crawford by Decision or Technical Decision – 2/1
- Terence Crawford by by KO, TKO or Disqualifaction – 8/1
*Odds provided by BOYLE Sports (& subject to change)
‘I think the obvious statement is that Canelo will prove too big for him. This is a guy, after all, who has fought all the way up at light heavyweight on two occasions.
‘But it might be the right time for Crawford. He’s in his prime and an unbelievable talent. Canelo, meanwhile, has been about for a number of years, hasn’t he, and there are certainly a few miles on the clock. And if that is the case, then the last person you want to be fighting is a speed merchant like Crawford.
‘It’s one of those where you can end up changing your mind each time you think about it, but that’s the beauty of it. Both of them are capable of winning.’
‘Jumping up weights is a whole different ball game for Crawford’
Ultimately, though, ‘The Hitman’ believes that Canelo still has enough left in the tank to get the job done, and fears that Crawford may struggle with the extra weight towards the back end of the fight.
‘The weight is a massive difference. I was a light welterweight for most of my fights, but I also won the world title at welterweight and I found it very difficult just moving up that one division,’ Hatton explained.
‘The Hitman’ to be awarded the Freedom of the City of London at the Lord Mayor’s Fight Night
Hatton was speaking to Metro ahead of his appearance at the Lord Mayor of London’s Fire Fight Night, where he will be awarded the Freedom of the City of London.
Hatton will join fellow former boxer Michael Watson MBE and renowned boxing promoter, Barry Hearn OBE, who are also being awarded their freedom of the city, at London’s prestigious Guildhall, the former site of the first Roman Amphitheatre in Britain, on 8 October 2025 for a star studded black-tie evening of amateur boxing and fundraising, as boxers from the London Fire Brigade, selected by respected amateur boxing club, Fitzroy Lodge, will go glove-to-glove with the New York City Fire Department’s boxing team, in what promises to be an electric ‘City Fight Night’.
After an action-packed six-match card, the Lord Mayor himself will step into the ring for a special exhibition bout against a surprise opponent, also from New York.
‘That was just seven pounds, and I found that massive to deal with as the fight went on. When you think of the 20 pounds that Crawford is adding on from his natural welterweight days, it’s a whole different ball game.
‘And he’s not in there with just anyone; it’s Canelo who doesn’t just have the size and the power but plenty of ability as well. He’s the full package.
‘If he was just a big lump, then maybe you could say that Crawford could just box his head off, but Canelo is a strong, powerful master boxer – in attack and defence – so it’s not just giving weight away, it’s the ability factor as well with Canelo.
‘Crawford is capable of dealing with it, but I wouldn’t favour him, especially as the rounds go on and that extra weight starts to wear on him.
‘So I think I might still go with Canelo ever so slightly. I still think he’s got enough in him.’
Ricky Hatton was speaking ahead of his appearance at the Lord Mayor of London’s Fire Fight Night on 8 October, where he will be awarded the Freedom of the City of London. Click here for tickets and more information.
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