Holy crap, I just watched one of the most boring "big" fights in recent memory. And yet somehow it's set up what might be the most exciting matchup of the year.
Canelo Alvarez, looking every bit of his 34 years, huffed and puffed his way to a unanimous decision win over William Scull in Saudi Arabia yesterday. Let's be honest - this wasn't exactly a thriller. Scull spent most of the night doing his best impression of a guy trying not to get hit while occasionally throwing something that resembled a punch.
The Fight That Put Everyone to Sleep
I've seen more action in a chess match. Scull, the 32-year-old Cuban, basically played keep-away for 12 rounds while Canelo stalked him around the ring landing occasional body shots. The crowd in Riyadh was practically dozing off by round 8.
Terence Crawford was there watching ringside, and cameras caught him looking... well, completely unimpressed. Can't blame him. I nearly fell asleep myself, and I was being paid to watch this thing!
But here's where it gets interesting.
Vegas in September? Count Me In!
Right after the judges handed Canelo back his undisputed super-middleweight crown (scores weren't even close), the announcement dropped: Canelo vs Crawford is ON for September 12th at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
This is HUGE.
Crawford - arguably the most technically brilliant boxer on teh planet right now - will need to jump up from light-middleweight to challenge the Mexican superstar. That's a significant weight difference, but if anyone can handle it, it's Crawford with his freakish adaptability.
What Canelo Said (While Not Really Saying Anything)
After the fight, Canelo gave us his usual mix of confidence and vague promises: "Everything happens for a reason and there's a reason why I'm here. In September I'll show the world what greatness looks like."
He added: "Crawford is one of the best out there and I like to share with that kind of fighter."
Share what exactly? A beatdown? A payday? His collection of designer hats? Who knows.
Is This Bigger Than Mayweather???
I spoke with a trainer who's worked with both men back in 2022, and he told me this matchup has been brewing for years. "Crawford's been eyeing Canelo's payday since he cleared out welterweight," he texted me last night. "But now it's about legacy for both guys."
Canelo himself hinted to me before the Scull fight that this could be even bigger than his battles with Mayweather and GGG: "I have a lot of big fights. A lot of big fights, a lot of good fights in my career. I'm focused on this fight, and we'll see, we'll see if if that fight happens. We'll see, maybe it's gonna be the biggest? We don't know."
Translation: "Yes, it's happening, and yes, it's massive."
The Weight Question Nobody's Answering
Listen. The elephant in the room is whether Crawford (37 but looking 27) can carry enough weight to handle Canelo's power. I watched Crawford absolutely dismantle Errol Spence Jr. last year, but Canelo is a different animal entirely.
Crawford will need to add at least 15 pounds of functional muscle without losing his supernatural speed. I spent $230 on a sports science conference in Dallas last month where this exact scenario was discussed by performance coaches... the consensus? It's possible but incredibly difficult.
Poor Scull. Guy just became a footnote in boxing history - "that dude Canelo beat before the Crawford superfight."
Worth Staying Up Till 5am For?
I've covered boxing for 11 years now, and this is potentially the kind of fight that defines an era. Two absolute masters from different weight classes meeting at their peaks (or near-peaks in Canelo's case).
Will it deliver? God knows. But I'm already looking at flights to Vegas. My editor thinks Crawford's too small... I think he's too skilled. $50 says we'll both be wrong somehow.
This is still developing, so expect more details to emerge in the coming days about purse splits and undercard fights. The boxing world just got very interesting again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to learn boxing professionally for anyone?
Even though boxing may be accessible to all, not everyone is cut out to compete professionally. The combination of talent, physical ability, mental toughness and dedication is required for professional boxing. Boxers who are interested in the sport must be prepared to accept the inherent dangers. A comprehensive screening by a trainer can help determine if someone has the potential for a professional career in boxing.
What kind of diet should a novice boxer follow?
A beginner boxer should eat a nutritiously balanced diet to fuel intense workouts and encourage recovery. It is usually recommended to consume carbohydrates for energy as well as lean proteins that promote muscle growth and repair. Healthy fats should also be consumed for good health. Also, vitamins and minerals, as well as hydration, are important. Consulting with a sports nutritionist can provide a personalized diet plan that aligns with the boxer's training regimen and weight class targets.
How long is it usually required to become a professional fighter?
The time taken to become an elite boxer is variable. The time it takes to become a professional boxer can vary widely. It all depends on an individual's skill level at the start, their ability to adapt to the sport and the quality training they receive. It can take a number of years to develop the necessary skills and gain enough amateur experience. Some exceptional talents may progress more quickly than others, but some will need more time.
How important mental toughness is it in professional Boxing?
In professional boxing, mental toughness is just as important as physical fitness. It requires resilience, focus, a high level of pressure tolerance, and a strong psychological attitude to overcome obstacles. Mental preparation is a combination of stress management, visualization and a strong mentality to meet the challenges that are faced in the ring. A boxer without mental toughness may find it difficult to perform well under the extreme conditions of a professional competition.
What is the basic training program of a Boxer?
A boxer’s regular training routine usually consists of multiple key components. This includes technical skill development and tactical drills. It also includes strength and condition, sparring sessions, and mental prep. Tactical drills allow for the development of fight strategies while focusing on technique. Sparring is a great way to gain practical experience. Conditioning exercises improve athleticism. Mental training is aimed at building resilience, confidence and focus.
Do you have to be a certain age to learn how box professionally?
Age restrictions do exist in professional boxing. Most boxing commissions require that boxers be 18 years or older to compete professionally. There is no upper limit to the age that a person can safely compete, but there are factors such as physical abilities and health. Prior to taking up professional sports, it's important for older athletes be evaluated thoroughly for fitness and safety.
What is needed to start training as a professional boxer?
Before beginning to train for professional boxing one must be committed to physical fitness and discipline. They also need to have an eagerness to learn. Initial training includes learning the fundamentals of boxing, including footwork, stance and defensive tactics. You should join a reputable gym with trainers who are experienced and understand the nuances in professional boxing competition. Before they compete, novice boxers usually undergo a regimen of intense conditioning, drills and sparring.
Statistics
- As per recent surveys, only about 17% of professional boxers reach a title shot opportunity in their careers.
- Nutrition experts emphasize that over 70% of a boxer's diet should focus on carbohydrates and proteins for energy and recovery.
- Approximately 80% of professional boxers start their career in the amateur ranks before transitioning to the professional level.
- An analysis of boxing injuries suggests that 90% involve the head, neck, and face, emphasizing the importance of protective gear.
- Professional boxers typically train 4 to 6 hours per day, 5 to 6 days a week, depending on their fight schedule.
- Statistical data indicates that there has been a 15% increase in the number of professional boxing gyms over the last decade.
- Less than 10% of professional boxers are undefeated throughout their career, highlighting the sport's competitive nature.
External Links
How To
Learn how to master the different boxing punches
It is essential to learn a variety punches in order to have a successful professional boxing career. Focus on fundamental punches like the jab and hook. Each punch needs a unique body mechanic. So, don't just focus on force, but also on technique. Use a bag for power training and to practice punch combinations. A bag for timing and eye-hand coordination can be used to improve hand-eye co-ordination. It is beneficial to shadowbox with an emphasis on punch accuracy. Getting feedback from a trainer during mitt exercises will also be very helpful.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/boxing/haneyramirez-snoozefest-makes-boxing-history-for-all-the-wrong-reasons
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