Canelo Alvarez believes Terence Crawford was beaten by Israil Madrimov in his last fight.
Alvarez will face a huge undisputed showdown with fellow pound-for-pound contender Crawford in Las Vegas in September.
The pair have signed on the dotted line, but the Mexican must first beat William Scull next month to set up the blockbuster clash.
Crawford retains an undefeated record, and will be risking that all by moving up to 168lbs to face the champion.
But Alvarez doesn’t believe Crawford should be officially unbeaten, claiming Madrimov beat him last September.
He said: “For me, I think he lost. He lost the fight.
“Or draw, it could be the other side. But he knows why there is weight classes.”
Nonetheless after seeing the bout, Alvarez decided to sign on the dotted line to meet Crawford.
‘Bud’ made history by becoming a four-weight world champion, beating Madrimov at 154lbs to capture the WBA title.
But he was thoroughly tested and emerged narrowly victorious on the judges’ scorecards.
Crawford put on 7lbs from his previous victory over Errol Spence at 147lbs in 2023.
And many believed that the additional mass contributed to his struggles against the technically exceptional Madrimov.
But nonetheless he will look to defy the odds and become the third man to beat Alvarez.
It will be an intriguing clash of styles, and the biggest fight on US soil this year.
Crawford has a series of achievements in the sport comparable to Alvarez, but this big opportunity could turn him into a superstar.
And he believes he has the advantages to burst on the scene and secure the upset win.
“Man, we’re going to see come fight time what my advantage is,” he said.
“I’m the type of guy who likes to feel my fighters out and adjust to what they’re doing.
“I think that’s my greatest attribute, to be able to figure out every opponent I’ve faced thus far.
“I’m looking to do the same come fight time when the Canelo fight happens…
“People say, ‘You’re too small’ or ‘You’re outmatched’ or ‘You don’t belong in the ring with these types of fighters.’
“That’s when great fighters perform their best…
“I’m going to feel great [at 168lbs]. I don’t need to worry about the weight. I know I’m going to feel great.
“I’ve got a lot of things to prepare on. That’s part of boxing – [meeting] milestones you’ve got to hit.”
