In this week’s mailbag, Stephen “Breadman” Edwards answers numerous questions about Saul "Canelo" Alvarez-Terence Crawford, among others related so some of the very finest fighters in history.
Hey Mr Edwards,
I’ll keep this short(er).We know your Canelo-Terence Crawford pick, but did the final press conference or weigh-in give you any more insight about how you think the fight might go? Why has the promotion and build-up of the fight been somewhat underwhelming (at least as of the time I wrote this)? Turki Alalshikh is insisting Crawford continue his career if he wins and not drop the mic. Assuming “Bud” wins and keeps fighting — despite having nothing more to prove in the sport and being financially set — who should be next? We have seen, historically, how dangerous it is for fighters to drop all the way back down in weight. I’m out. Enjoy the fight.
Bread’s response: Nothing has changed my mind about the outcome of the fight. But something did change my mind about how Crawford will fight. At first I expected him to box and move more; now I expect him to box and move early but attack and press Canelo as the fight wears on. I’ve been watching videos of Canelo and it’s not hard to push him to the ropes. I think he’s comfortable there. But I also think it’s where Crawford is going to want him. Let’s see who has their way.
I thought the promotion was excellent. The world is talking about the fight, so the promoters did their job. My mom called me and told me she’s going to watch it.
I can’t say who should be next for Crawford. Let’s see what happens in his fight versus Canelo first. This is no easy fight, and talking about who’s next is disrespectful to Canelo.
Hey Bread,
I know there have been a lot of predictions coming in about the Bud and Canelo fight, but I wanted to throw my hat into the ring. I think Bud fights on the outside and moves the majority of the fight. I know he has the speed and IQ. If Canelo cannot consistently counter I think he will get frustrated as he did versus William Scull. I know it’s not a style that he is used to, but if Anthony Joshua can switch it up for one fight like he did in the Andy Ruiz rematch, Bud could effectively do the same. I am not trying to compare the fighters but only that style. What do you think? I will add, after seeing pictures of Bud, I feel less sure of him fighting on the outside. He looks like he’s ready for war and I hope that does not sap his energy. I think Bud wins a wide clear decision, nine rounds to three.
Cory, Iowa
Bread’s response: I have seen Bud box and move and show that layer of his game. I watched his fight versus Victor Postol. He was sublime and for some reason that performance gets overlooked. I’ve seen Bud’s demeanor. I’ve heard a few comments. I saw video of Canelo sparring the Cuban world amateur champion. I think Bud attacks Canelo more than most would imagine. Bud’s instincts allow him to know when and when not to attack. He may have the best instincts in the game...
Hello Breadman,
Maybe a bit of a different question, but I wondered when you pick your fighters walkout music do you let them hear it beforehand or only on the night of the fight?
Your idea about Crawford forcing exchanges is interesting. I could see him hitting Canelo, stepping back to make him miss, then landing again, repeatedly – with some feints mixed in. I’ve been too busy to study and make a more detailed pick but I’m sticking with Crawford by any method.
Much respect
Bread’s response: If my fighter allows me to pick their walkout music, sure I want them hear it first. Not only that, I want them to understand why I picked the music.
I think Crawford forcing Canelo into exchanges is the key. While Canelo is viewed as the puncher in the fight, I also believe that throwing more than he wants to can fatigue him. Canelo has been conservative with his energy lately, and if he’s forced into heavy exchanges early I expect Crawford to go for a stoppage late.
If Terence Crawford beats Saul “Canelo” Alvarez I believe his career resume will have surpassed Floyd Mayweather’s. The number of titles will be similar. The names on the resume will favor Mayweather. But, let’s be honest, Mayweather was never an underdog in any fight he’s ever had. He never challenged himself against a fighter he wasn’t supposed to beat. He never moved up to a weight class he didn’t have business being in. Crawford is doing all of that against Alvarez. If Crawford wins, he’s just better than Mayweather. Do you agree?
Bread’s response: The Mount Rushmore of fighters of my lifetime is Sugar Ray Leonard, Pernell Whitaker, Roy Jones Jnr and Floyd Mayweather. If Crawford wins this fight, people will say that he can sit at that table. I won’t say if he would have had a “better” career than Floyd because there are too many things to factor and I don’t want to be a prisoner of the moment. I would have to analyze their accomplishments –titles, awards, etc – competition faced and missed, the eyeball test, who would win head-to-head, and who responds to adversity better. I also don’t want to get too far ahead myself. Bud has to win the fight first.
What’s up, Bread?
I’m really looking forward to the Canelo-Crawford fight. I haven’t been this excited about a fight in a while. Maybe not since the Spence-Crawford fight. Anyway, Crawford has become quite the puncher. I know you defined different types of punchers in the past, which I can’t remember off the top of my head, but Crawford is like a slashing type puncher. Most his KO shots are counter punches, but usually a kind of an unorthodox shot. The KO shot against Jose Benavidez was like a right hook-uppercut hybrid. He dropped Spence with a counter jab. A couple of the times he hurt Spence was with a counter punch while he was being hit – just, really unusual. At the time the punches don’t really look like much but you can see the damage. His shots really bust guys up. He doesn’t appear to have the heaviest hands, either. He kinda like slashes guys up. It’s really hard to describe. So, my question is, how would you define him as a puncher?
Thanks, and God bless
Bread’s response: Many years ago in my mailbag I was asked to specify types of punchers. I described five types of punchers and gave examples of each. The bludgeon crew (George Foreman); heavy-handed debilitators (Gennady Golovkin); speed thudders (Joe Louis); swordsmen (Tommy Hearns); electric slashers (Sugar Ray Robinson).
If you ask me to describe “Bud” Crawford’s power punching style, I would say he fits into the electric slashers the most. But I have noticed – I think he takes some of the oomph off of his shots on purpose and then he throws the same shot the same way with extra oomph, which is very deceptive. I think his hands are heavy when he wants them to be. I don’t know if he’s what you call heavy handed, but I do think he takes off and adds power at his leisure to his shots. He’s a very gifted and unique puncher.
Greetings Breadman,
What are your thoughts on Sebastian Fundora-Keith Thurman? I’m not hating on the fight but it sure seems like Thurman gets a lot of negativity.
Edwin, Idaho
Bread’s response: I view this fight as 60-40 in Fundora’s favor. I believe Fundora can be hit with looping shots. He was KO’d brutally by Brian Mendoza with looping shots. He was also hit by several looping shots by Erickson Lubin and Tim Tszyu. But I also believe Fundora has adjusted his stance and is a fighter who is improving. His technical pressure behind his jab and hard hands will carry Thurman to move faster than he wants to move. In order for Thurman to win he’s going to have to severely hurt Fundora. It’s not impossible – we have seen Fundora stopped and dropped. But I think Fundora pulls this one out. Let’s say Fundora in 10 rounds.
Hey Breadman,
As always, thanks for taking the time. You’ll have a lot of questions, so if any of these take your fancy feel free to answer… Roy Jones Jnr and Andre Ward said they both believe that Crawford will be cutting weight from possibly high 180lbs – do you agree? They did say after the weigh-in Canelo will put more back on, but it surprised me. For Crawford’s sparring, would there be any benefit to sparring with 10oz gloves for a few rounds to acclimatise to the power of 168lbers, or is that a stupid idea? Ward said he could never sleep well on fight week. I assume it’s different for all fighters, but is it common that from fight week fighters are sleep deprived? Between the weight cut and the nerves do many fighters struggle to get a good eight hours? Does it affect fighters on the day or does adrenaline take over? What do you make of the two main undercard fights, Mbilli-Martinez and Walsh-Vargas? They’re going a little under the radar and I get it as, for a Saudi card, it’s a little light. Do you think they could be potential barnburners? How do you see the fights going, and who do you think wins?
All the best,
Darns, Marrakech, Morocco
Bread’s response: I definitely do not disagree with Jones Jnr and Ward. They know Bud personally, so they most likely have inside information on where he’s cutting his weight from.
I can’t say if sparring with 10oz gloves on would benefit Crawford. It’s just too hard to say. But I’m going to assume that his team wouldn’t want him to take extra punishment at this stage of his career.
It’s very common for fighters not to sleep the week of the fight. They become super stimulated. Everyone calls them; everyone text them. So it’s very common. But the special fighters manage the anxiety and still perform.
Both Mbilli-Martinez and Walsh-Vargas can be barnburners. We have to see if these young men are the goods and will raise their games. I don’t have absolute picks for these fights. I haven’t seen enough of these young men. But from what I saw, I think Martinez is the cream of the crop.
Hey Breadman,
Any changes of your prediction for Canelo v Crawford now that the judges and ref have been announced? For the record, my prediction is this: Crawford wins the fight, but Canelo gets the decision with some form of controversy along the way, then they have a rematch so that the public has to pay double for the result that should have followed the first fight. I also previously envisioned Crawford getting clipped almost by accident later in the fight and Canelo getting a controversial stoppage. I can envision Crawford basically stepping to Canelo after he outboxes him and applies enough of a beatdown to actually beat up and stop Canelo but I’m going with my initial pick of Crawford winning the fight and Canelo getting the decision.
Also, what’s your take on the Mbilli-Martinez fight? Could definitely steal the show. I haven’t seen much from Martinez, but I like the fact that he enjoys engaging and he looks like the goods, and I’ve heard some great things about him from inside the recent camps he’s had. Do you think Martinez is good enough to earn a duck from Canelo in the future? Mbilli is a known quantity and he’s fun to watch – one of my favourites. I just think it’s a terrific match-up. What’s your pick on this fight and the Walsh-Vargas fight? I think Walsh beats Vargas after a very entertaining fight, and the same thing with Mbilli-Martinez, with Mbili getting the win after a thrilling fight. What’s you take?
Thanks, Dave
Bread’s response: No change in my pick. I’m being optimistic that the judges will get this right. No judge or referee wants to be villainized by a bad call or scorecard.
I haven’t had a chance to study Martinez or Mbilli. But from what I saw I’m actually leaning towards Martinez, despite him being an underdog. I love Martinez’s training team. I feel like “Bomac” and his team of trainers are up for the task. I also feel like Martinez has sneaky power. So while Mbilli looks like he’s punching harder, I suspect Martinez actually punches harder. I suspect that Mbilli will over-punch, and run into a big shot he won’t recover from, but this is not an absolute pick because I haven’t studied or seen too much of either fighter.
I can’t really call Walsh-Vargas. I’ve only seen both fight overmatched opponents. But I do have questions about both. This fight will answer lots of questions. I wouldn’t be surprised by a draw.
Hi Bread,
Greetings from the UK – big fan of your mailbox.You may have already wrapped up this week’s mailbox but, anyway, a question for you on this weekend’s big fight between Canelo and Bud. I have pretty much had my prediction nailed on for a few weeks. In doing so I have wrestled with my emotions – I am not a big Canelo fan, but I do like Bud. Nevertheless, I was going for a Canelo decision – maybe only by a round or two. This is based on the natural size difference – Canelo’s power, and Canelo’s chin. He is proven at the weight, whereas Bud is travelling up. There’s been no evidence of Bud’s power carrying up, and there’s no saying Bud’s chin will hold up. But then I read your prediction. And, to be fair, you get a lot more right than I do! You talk about even a potential stoppage of Canelo. What do you see that makes you lean this way? Also, if Bud does pull it off – which I hope he does – could this be the single most impressive feat by a boxer? I don’t mean a career, or streak. But as a one-off accomplishment – going up two weight classes to defeat the undisputed champ. Looking forward to it – let’s hope it\s nothing controversial.
Respect, D
Bread’s response: Canelo has a great chin, so people assume he can’t be stopped. But stoppages don’t just come from a lack of punch resistance. Canelo’s stamina is not awful – it’s just not his best trait. Bud has a way revving up the velocity of his punches as the fight goes on. If Crawford gets Canelo in an exhausted state and he starts to hit him with shots he doesn’t see he can stop him. I think the stars have to line up for Crawford to get a stoppage, but Crawford is a clutch performer and he’s a KO artist. He has the type of style and personality to stop a fighter like Canelo, who has never been stopped.
I’m picking Bud to win. So I won’t be surprised if he wins. I also won’t act like anybody could do it. This is something rare that he’s doing. But I can’t say yet if it’s the single most impressive accomplishment ever. There are so many great accomplishments and I don’t want to be a prisoner of the moment. Let’s look at some of history’s most impressive wins.
Henry Armstrong beating an all-time great welterweight in Barney Ross for the title while being the featherweight champion.
Harry Greb defeating Gene Tunney, giving him his only career loss. Greb was a natural middleweight and Tunney went on to be the heavyweight champion of the world.
Bernard Hopkins losing two fights in a row at middleweight to Jermaine Taylor, then going up two weight classes to defeat the lineal champion in Antonio Tarver.
Sugar Ray Leonard fighting once in five years and coming back at middleweight to defeat the all-time great and reigning champion Marvin Hagler.
Roberto Duran being a natural lightweight, 37 years old, standing 5’6, and defeating Iran Barkley for the middleweight championship of the world. Barkley had just KO’d Tommy Hearns, the man who had brutally KO’d Duran a few years before.
Muhammad Ali defeating George Foreman in 1974 when Foreman had just destroyed Joe Frazier and Ken Norton inside two rounds. Both fighters had given Ali his first two career losses.
Michael Spinks going straight to the lineal heavyweight champion Larry Holmes in his first fight at heavyweight and winning.
There are many great wins to consider. I think Crawford will sit at a very unique table if he’s able to pull this off – he would have one of the best wins of the modern era. But before we start talking about that, let’s see how the fight plays out.
Assalamu alaykum Mr Edwards,
I hope all is well for you and yours and that you are able to enjoy this weekend’s fight with people close to you. I wanted to quickly ask if you can make a case for Floyd Mayweather being ranked above Manny Pacquiao on an all-time pound-for-pound list. I also wanted you to make the case for Manny to be ranked above Floyd. I’d also like to ask you to do the same for Ray Leonard being ranked above Roberto Duran, pound for pound, and for Duran to be ranked above Leonard. I think it’s particularly relevant to the fight between Bud Crawford and Canelo Alvarez this Saturday because, depending on the fight, I will likely have Bud above Canelo on an all-time pound for pound list even if Canelo beats him. For the record, I have Manny above Floyd and outside of my all-time top 10 and, even though Sugar Ray Leonard is perhaps my favorite fighter ever (I’m a little younger than you and Roy Jones was my first favorite fighter), I think Duran ranks higher on my all-time pound-for-pound list.
Thank you for all you do for this sport.
Blessings and peace, Ma salaam, John
Bread’s response: Great question. I see exactly where you’re going. My mom always said I should have been a lawyer…
My case for Floyd Mayweather being ranked above Manny Pacquiao is as follows: Floyd won their head-to-head match-up. The critics say he waited Manny out, but Floyd is older than Manny. Floyd beat Juan Manuel Marquez convincingly, and Marquez seemed to have Manny’s number. Floyd and Manny fought in the same era and Manny took several losses while Floyd retired undefeated. The fighters who beat Manny did not or could not have beaten Floyd. Floyd was the biggest star of his era and he never had a bad moment in the ring.
My case for Pacquiao being ranked above Mayweather is as follows: Pacquiao fought more prime great fighters than Floyd. Manny outperformed Floyd versus their common opponents more than Floyd outperformed him. Manny did better versus Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto and Shane Mosley. Floyd only outperformed him versus Juan Manuel Marquez. Manny is naturally smaller because he started out at flyweight and Floyd started out at junior lightweight. Manny won titles in more divisions and he won fighter of the year more times than Floyd did. Manny’s peak in 2008-10 was arguably higher than Floyd’s, and Floyd waited until 2015 to make the fight after Manny was KO’d brutally in 2012.
My case for Roberto Duran being ranked above Sugar Ray Leonard is as follows: Duran beat him in their first fight, which is one of the greatest victories ever. Duran is five years older and is a natural lightweight. Duran’s lightweight reign is more impressive than any title reigns that Leonard had in any weight division. Duran has double the amount of fights that Leonard had. Duran had more longevity; he started earlier and lasted longer.
My case for Sugar Ray Leonard being ranked above Roberto Duran is as follows: Leonard beat Duran twice in their trilogy. Leonard made Duran quit five months after Duran beat him. Leonard outperformed Duran versus their common opponents. Wilfred Benitez, Tommy Hearns and Marvin Hagler all beat Roberto Duran. Sugar Ray Leonard beat all of them. Last but not least, Leonard responded more like a professional than Duran did. For example, when Duran was having the night of his life in their first fight, Leonard responded by digging deep and giving a great effort. When Leonard was having the night of his life in their rematch, Duran quit.
I tried be fair on both sides – and give cases as if I were representing each fighter to a panel of objective people.
Send CONCISE questions and comments to dabreadman25@hotmail.com
