The countdown is on for the highly anticipated showdown between Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez and Terence Crawford, set for September 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The fight for the undisputed super middleweight crown has been billed as one of the great “Fights of the Century,” with the Mexican star aiming to cement his legacy, while “Bud” looks to make history as boxing’s first three-time undisputed champion.

Pedro Roque Believes Canelo Holds the Edge

Amid predictions and growing excitement, respected Cuban trainer Pedro Roque, with a long career in both amateur and professional boxing, made his stance clear: Canelo Álvarez holds the key to victory. According to Roque, the Mexican has been sparring with fighters even stronger than Crawford, which could prove to be a decisive factor on fight night.

“Canelo will win as long as he wants. He’ll only lose when he decides to retire,” Roque stated in an interview with journalist Eduardo Martell. For the seasoned coach, the power, pace, and preparation of the undisputed 168-pound champion will simply be too much for Crawford to handle inside the ring.

A Clash of Styles Set to Ignite Las Vegas

While many consider the American to be the current pound-for-pound king, his biggest challenge will be moving up two weight classes to face a physically dominant rival like Álvarez. Adjusting to this new division could be a steep hurdle despite Crawford’s intelligence and speed.

Strategy will also play a pivotal role. Crawford is renowned for his ability to switch stances and read opponents, while Canelo excels at counterpunching, applying pressure, and controlling the ring. For many analysts, the key lies in who can impose their rhythm in the opening rounds.

A Fight Dividing Opinions

Despite Roque’s confidence in the Mexican, betting odds and expert opinions remain split. Some believe Canelo’s vast experience on boxing’s biggest stages will be the deciding factor, while others argue that Crawford’s adaptability and precision could level the playing field.

What’s certain is that on September 13, Las Vegas will witness a historic clash that could reshape the landscape of modern boxing.