As boxing fans gear up for the explosive clash between Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford, one voice stands out among the commentary Dmitry Bivol. The Russian light-heavyweight, who handed Canelo one of his rare career defeats, has shared a raw and unfiltered opinion on the Mexican superstar’s punching power. In an era where fighters often sugarcoat opinions, Bivol’s assessment provides an authentic glimpse into what makes Canelo so dangerous and what Crawford should expect when he steps into the ring.
Bivol Breaks Down Canelo’s Power Natural or Constructed?
Bivol didn’t describe Canelo’s power as god-given or naturally overwhelming. Instead, he noted how calculated and intentional it is. “He puts everything into every punch,” Bivol said, indicating that Canelo’s strength is something he manufactures with effort and commitment.
According to Bivol, Canelo isn’t a one-punch knockout artist by nature. He relies on pressure, combination punching, and technique to overwhelm opponents. This distinction matters especially for someone like Crawford, who is transitioning up in weight.
While other fighters might describe Canelo as explosively powerful, Bivol’s take paints him as methodical. It’s not brute force that knocks opponents down; it’s relentless, disciplined work. This nuanced perspective reshapes how we view the threat Canelo brings.
The idea that power can be developed through technique gives fighters like Crawford a strategic opening. If you can disrupt the rhythm or technique, you may dull the edge of Canelo’s most dangerous weapon.
Crawford’s Path Intelligence Over Intimidation
Crawford’s fight IQ has always been one of his greatest assets. Coming from lighter divisions, he’s used speed, timing, and adaptability to dominate. Against Canelo, those tools will be more important than ever.
What Bivol suggests indirectly is that Crawford doesn’t have to fear a freakish punch that comes out of nowhere. He has to prepare for a volume puncher who breaks you down over time.
Fighting a man like Canelo means avoiding being stationary. Crawford will need to rely heavily on footwork and defensive angles to stay off the ropes and out of Canelo’s ideal range. His southpaw stance could present issues for Canelo, who has at times struggled with slick, elusive fighters. That said, he can’t afford to coast or allow Canelo to gain momentum.
The Super-Middleweight Challenge for Crawford
Jumping up to 168 pounds is a big deal. The power, the pace, and the physicality all change dramatically. Crawford, who has never fought at this weight, enters the fight with more questions than answers.
Canelo, by contrast, is settled at super-middleweight. He’s comfortable, experienced, and proven against other big names like Gennady Golovkin and Caleb Plant. This gives him a physical edge.
Despite that, Crawford’s technique and fight intelligence may be the great equalizer. Bivol’s assessment implies that if anyone can handle Canelo’s power, it’s a fighter with elite timing and movement. Many will see this jump as a risk for Crawford. But based on Bivol’s view, it might be a calculated gamble that plays to Crawford’s strengths rather than his weaknesses.
Bivol Speaks from Experience Few Share
What sets Bivol apart is that he’s been in the ring with Canelo and won. His 2022 unanimous decision victory was tactical and disciplined, proving that Canelo can be outboxed when you deny him his rhythm. Bivol didn’t beat Canelo by overpowering him. He beat him with movement, jabs, and ring control tools Crawford also has in abundance. That makes his insights all the more relevant.
Most fighters are hesitant to critique Canelo directly, especially on something as personal as power. Bivol’s honesty resonates because it’s grounded in experience, not speculation. His comments help demystify the aura around Canelo. They present a path that other fighters, including Crawford, might find replicable under the right circumstances.
Canelo’s Strength A Product of Precision
When watching Canelo fight, it’s easy to focus on the power shots. But as Bivol highlights, it’s not just about strength. It’s about the way those punches are thrown with precision and intention. Canelo aims to break down his opponent systematically. He targets the body, weakens the arms, and slows the legs. It’s a tactical effort more than a single strike attempt.
That level of precision comes from years of training and experience. Canelo isn’t reckless; he’s one of the most calculated fighters in the sport today. Bivol’s breakdown emphasizes how opponents often confuse effort with natural ability. Canelo makes his power felt through sheer commitment to his craft.
Crawford’s Unique Advantage Unpredictability
Crawford is unlike anyone Canelo has faced recently. He switches stances, changes rhythm mid-round, and adapts on the fly. These traits could neutralize the methodical nature of Canelo’s power. If Bivol is right, and Canelo needs to set up his shots, then Crawford’s unpredictability could be disruptive. He thrives on making opponents uncomfortable and reactive.
Against Spence, Crawford displayed the kind of patience and explosiveness needed to dismantle elite fighters. Those same tools could offset Canelo’s methodical approach. The question is whether Crawford can maintain that edge against someone with Canelo’s experience and firepower. The key may lie in early control and tempo management.
The Narrative Shift: From Raw Power to Ring Strategy
For years, the conversation around Canelo has centered on his power. But Bivol’s verdict moves that narrative toward strategy, discipline, and output. This shift matters because it redefines how fighters prepare for him. It’s no longer about surviving an early knockout, it’s about managing a long, grueling test.
Crawford will need to fight smart every second of every round. Lapses will be punished, not by flash knockdowns, but by accumulating damage. That changes how fans and analysts alike evaluate the matchup. It becomes more of a chess match than a demolition derby.
Psychological Edge Who Owns the Mental Game?
Power isn’t just physical. In boxing, it’s also psychological. Fighters feel pressure from reputations. Canelo’s name carries weight, and many opponents have folded under that aura. Bivol, however, wasn’t intimidated. And his success gives Crawford a psychological blueprint to follow. If you don’t buy into the myth, you fight better.
Crawford is known for his mental toughness and in-ring composure. He won’t likely be starstruck, but the pressure of legacy and expectations will still loom large.Maintaining mental clarity for 12 rounds may be the most important part of Crawford’s preparation. Believing in the strategy is just as vital as executing it.
Historic Implications of This Showdown
This isn’t just a big fight; it’s a historic one. A win for Crawford would make him undisputed in a second weight class, an incredibly rare feat.
For Canelo, it’s another chance to silence critics and prove his dominance over yet another elite challenger. It’s legacy-defining on both sides.
The insights from Bivol enrich this context. They highlight the fine margins that separate winning from losing at the top level.This fight could echo through boxing history. And Bivol’s verdict helps clarify what’s at stake and how it might all unfold.
FAQ
What exactly did Bivol say about Canelo’s power?
He described it as the result of intention and technique rather than sheer natural force. “He puts everything into every punch,” Bivol explained.
Why does Bivol’s opinion carry weight?
Because he defeated Canelo convincingly and has firsthand experience with how Canelo delivers and generates his power.
How can Crawford use this information?
He can prepare for a sustained and calculated attack rather than expecting explosive, one-punch knockouts. Strategy and stamina will be key.
When is the Canelo vs. Crawford fight happening?
It is scheduled for September 13, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The event will stream globally on Netflix.
Has Canelo fought anyone with Crawford’s style?
Not quite. Crawford’s ability to switch stances and adjust mid-fight presents a unique challenge that even elite opponents like Golovkin didn’t fully offer.
Conclusion
Dmitry Bivol’s honest take on Canelo’s power doesn’t diminish the Mexican star’s reputation. Instead, it adds valuable texture to how fans and fighters alike view his fighting style. As Terence Crawford prepares for the biggest challenge of his career, he can take cues from Bivol’s analysis to shape his strategy. This isn’t just about strength, it’s about intelligence, movement, and mental resilience. Want more tactical previews and exclusive boxing insights? Visit Boxing Essential to stay updated with our expert coverage.
