Terence Crawford’s chances of leaping up in weight and beating Canelo Alvarez have been dismissed by Johnny Nelson.
Crawford has been campaigning in recent months for a shot against fellow pound-for-pound operator Alvarez, who currently holds the unified WBC, WBA and WBO super-middleweight world titles.
‘Bud’ is currently two weight classes below at super-welterweight where he currently reigns as WBA champion after beating Israil Madrimov last year.
The American is hoping to jump up 14lbs to 168lbs to challenge Alvarez for his belts, presenting a huge challenge and an uphill physical battle.
Crawford possesses a sensational skillset capable of beating anyone, but the physical advantages will lie with the Mexican in the potential showdown.
And former cruiserweight world champion Johnny Nelson expects that the factor will play too much of a part in their clash.
“Yeah I think the weight and size will play a big impact in the fight,” Nelson told talkSPORT.com.
“I think Canelo will simply be too big and too strong for him if Crawford puts on the weight.
“I think Canelo is a really clever fighter, but I’m not sure he was the fighter he once was five or six years ago.
“I think that Canelo beats Crawford to be honest, if not stops him because of that gulf in size.
“But whatever happens it is going to be a great fight, we are getting the fights between big name A and big name B.
“It is giving fight fans the opportunity for fight fans to think of dream fights and then see them become reality.”
Crawford will likely be even more motivated to deliver a spectacular performance against Alvarez, given doubt over his ability to bridge the size gap.
A high-profile collision is already in the works, with Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh initiating the talks this month.
It has been reported that the pair are close to finalising a deal to meet in Las Vegas in September, in what promises to be a commercial blockbuster.
A lucrative payday likely awaits both fighters, and the stakes couldn’t be higher particularly for Crawford as it could be his final bow before retirement.
And with the fight now seemingly in agreement, Crawford has already highlighted his own strengths which could cause the champion problems.
“Man, we’re going to see come fight time what my advantage is,” he told Boxing Scene.
“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.”
