The countdown to September 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas continues, and the hype surrounding the clash between Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez and Terence Crawford keeps generating headlines. This time, it was former undefeated champion Andre Ward who sent a direct message to the American: don’t expect the Mexican to look like he did in his last fight against William Scull.

The “new Canelo” to be seen against Crawford

This past May, Canelo Álvarez defeated William Scull by decision in Saudi Arabia. Despite the win, the Mexican’s performance raised questions: he appeared slower, with less punching power, and without the same ability to close distance. That image led some analysts and fans to question his favoritism against Crawford.

However, for Andre Ward, that perception is mistaken. “If you think Canelo is going to look like he did in his last fight against that guy (Scull), you’re very wrong,” the former boxer told Chris Mannix.

Ward believes Álvarez played “cat and mouse” that night, fully aware that what mattered most was securing the victory to lock in his highly anticipated showdown with Crawford. In his view, the Mexican paced himself, knowing the real challenge was already set.

Crawford, moving up two divisions with everything to prove

The fight between Canelo and Crawford will have all the super middleweight belts on the line: the WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF, and The Ring titles. The American comes in undefeated (41-0, 31 KOs) and with the confidence of having defeated Israil Madrimov in August to claim the WBA belt at 154 pounds.

Still, jumping up two weight classes without an adaptation fight has sparked debate. For many, this physical difference could be decisive. Ward, however, believes Crawford’s move is no gamble: “I don’t think he would have taken this fight if he didn’t believe he could win. Terence doesn’t feel like there’s anyone out there who can beat him; now it’s time to prove it,” he said.

On September 13, the two will face off in a bout that will be broadcast worldwide on Netflix and promises to captivate the boxing world. With Canelo Álvarez eager to silence the doubters and Terence Crawford chasing glory, the stage is set for an epic battle.