On Saturday, September 13th, in Las Vegas, Nevada, two of the biggest names in boxing history will square off in a megafight for the ages! Current Undisputed Super Middleweight Champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez puts his titles on the line against undefeated four-division Champion Terence “Bud” Crawford.

Crawford is moving up in weight class to the heaviest weight he has ever fought, while Canelo is fighting in his natural weight class—a division he has never lost. Crawford has the speed, but Canelo has the power. The match is being called “Once In A Lifetime!”

Many analysts and sports fans have weighed their opinions and predictions this week on who will win this must-see fight. We asked the members of the Steel Steps Podcast to give their predictions for the fight. Here is what they said.

Joey Wood: Terence Crawford is boldly moving two weight classes from 154 to 168 pounds to face Canelo Alvarez. While Crawford’s speed, timing, and movement have made him dominant in lower divisions, there are real questions about whether those attributes will carry up with him.

At 38 years old, this is a late stage in his career to be packing on that much weight, and it’s uncertain how his body will respond against naturally bigger fighters. Crawford has never faced anyone close to Canelo’s size and strength, which raises concerns about his durability in this matchup.

On the other hand, Canelo is a proven force at super middleweight, boasting an 11-0 record at 168 pounds and having even tested himself at 175. He’s knocked down four of his last five opponents at this weight, all of whom were naturally bigger than Crawford.

Although his last knockout came in 2021 against Caleb Plant, his power at this weight class is undeniable. Given the size difference, Canelo’s experience against bigger opponents, and the physical wear on Crawford, I believe Canelo’s strength will be too much. I see him breaking Crawford down and earning a TKO victory between the 9th and 10th rounds.

Politicin’ Hak: I got Canelo to win the fight. For me, I don’t think Crawford has had an opponent with Canelo’s power. So how he takes his punches will be key. 

Kris Moyofit: Crawford is too good a boxer. I have Crawford defeating Canelo by a majority decision.

Rich Michaels: Very few fights live up to the hype; however, this one definitely should. Canelo is fighting in a weight class he’s comfortable in, but this is new territory for Crawford. Will Crawford be a bit slower at this weight? I don’t think it’s likely.

Canelo is indeed the strongest puncher Crawford has ever faced. But Canelo has faced Floyd Mayweather, a slick boxer, before and could not touch him. I’m not saying Crawford and Mayweather’s styles are the same; Crawford is also older. However, it is the boxing blueprint Crawford must use to be successful.

Ultimately, I think Crawford will outbox Canelo and avoid the worst of his power. That’s why I’m going with Terence “Bud” Crawford to win by unanimous decision!