In a recent press conference, Terence Crawford firmly denied rumors regarding a potential shoulder injury as he prepares for his highly anticipated fight against Canelo Alvarez on Saturday, September 13. With an impressive record of 41 wins, 0 losses, and 31 knockouts, Crawford dismissed the injury speculation as mere "antics" concocted by the media and fans alike.
This week, speculation surrounding Crawford's health intensified when a photo surfaced showing his left shoulder appearing swollen. Many fans and analysts are concerned that this may indicate an underlying injury, especially considering the 37-year-old fighter's lengthy 13-month hiatus from competitive action. Given Crawford's age and the physical toll of rigorous training camps, the possibility of injury cannot be entirely ruled out.
During the Grand Arrivals event in Las Vegas, Crawford was vocal about his physical condition, stating, “Where do I got a shoulder injury? People are coming up with their own antics.” His remarks reflect a common strategy among fighters to maintain an air of confidence and secrecy regarding their health leading up to significant bouts. Admitting to any injury could provide an advantage to Alvarez, who would likely target a compromised area during the match. Moreover, with a reported payday of $50 million for this fight, pulling out due to injury is not a realistic option for Crawford.
When asked what excites him about facing Canelo, Crawford responded, “Of course, the power is definitely going to come with it. So, that’s not a worry that I ever had. Shutting everybody up.” While some fans have questioned whether Crawford has increased his power since his last fight against Israil Madrimov on August 3, 2024, he remains confident in his abilities and preparation.
Crawford is aware of the public scrutiny he faces, stating, “It’s happened before. This isn’t the first time I’ve been booed.” He expressed that outside opinions do not faze him, adding that the potential to prove his detractors wrong only adds to the stakes of the fight. If Crawford manages to upset Alvarez, he may indulge in the satisfaction of saying, “I told you so,” to his critics.
The stakes are high for Crawford, and a loss could lead to backlash from fans. He humorously commented on the possibility of retreating into seclusion, saying, “Hopefully, he doesn’t disappear from society and go off into the mountains to seclude himself in a cabin to hide in shame.” When asked to compare the media attention surrounding this fight to that of his previous match against Errol Spence on July 29, 2023, Crawford acknowledged the increased interest, attributing it to the significant promotional efforts behind the Canelo matchup.
In addressing his strategy against Alvarez, Crawford stated, “I don’t know about stopping him, but I’m strong. I’ve never been in the ring with Canelo, so I can’t speak on him. But that’s why we fight the fight so we can figure it out.” Many analysts believe that to successfully knock out Canelo, a fighter would need either exceptional power or a high volume of punches combined with resilience, challenges that Crawford will have to navigate carefully during the bout.
As the fight approaches, all eyes will be on Terence Crawford to see if he can silence the doubters and prove himself against one of boxing's biggest stars, Canelo Alvarez.
