David “Flat” Sparks isn’t one to hold back when it comes to boxing talk, and he’s calling it straight: Canelo vs. Crawford is the biggest fight the sport has seen since Mayweather vs. Pacquiao.
Speaking with MRECK TV, in his view, it may even outshine that blockbuster because of what’s at stake and who’s stepping into the ring.
Sparks respects Terence Crawford’s skill, but he’s realistic about the challenge. Crawford is moving up two weight classes to take on Canelo Alvarez at super middleweight, and that’s no small leap. “As great as Terence Crawford is, as much skill as he has, it’s going to be hard to beat that man Canelo because he’s used to fighting at that weight class,” Sparks said.
He pointed to Crawford’s recent bout at 154 pounds as proof that even a single jump isn’t easy — so leaping to 168 against a proven champion is another level entirely.
That doesn’t mean Crawford is without hope. He’s an undefeated, four-division world champion with 41 wins and 31 knockouts. He’s also one of the finest boxers to have already made history as a two-time undisputed champion, something no other male fighter in the four-belt era has done.
His versatility — being able to switch seamlessly between orthodox and southpaw — and his ability to adapt mid-fight make him one of the most brilliant and most dangerous fighters alive.
ESPN’s Timothy Bradley summed it up by saying Crawford can “outthink, outfight and outbox” opponents who rely too heavily on power.
Canelo, though, brings the kind of résumé that intimidates most fighters before the first bell. With 63 wins, 39 knockouts, and only two losses, he has faced nearly every elite style in the sport.
His body punching, defensive craft, and iron chin have carried him through some of the most punishing fights of the past decade. He’s already handled bigger men — like when he stopped light heavyweight Sergey Kovalev — and few have been able even to hurt him.
Sparks knows both sides well. He’s trained with Canelo and seen the strength up close. While he acknowledges Crawford’s toughness and skills, he thinks Canelo’s power and size at 168 will be the deciding factor.
No matter who wins, history will be made. Crawford has a chance to pull off something boxing has never seen before, while Canelo has the opportunity to add yet another defining victory to his Hall of Fame career.
Sparks just believes the stakes are so high that this fight will be remembered as even bigger than Mayweather vs. Pacquiao.