I was stunned when I saw Terence Crawford wobble heavyweight in sparring – Canelo Alvarez will feel his punching power

Shakur Stevenson may soon land a job as president of the Terence Crawford fan club.

‘Sugar’ recently ranked his countryman as the world’s top boxer after himself, and has now backed Crawford to challenge Canelo Alvarez.

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Crawford v Alvarez has been mooted as a potential future fight with ‘Bud’ rated as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

For that mega fight to happen, Crawford would have to move up three weight classes and 21 pounds, putting him at a huge disadvantage.

Stevenson doesn’t see it that way, though, as he told the media at an open workout.

“Canelo’s gonna feel his punch just as much as Bud feels Canelo’s punch, Bud is strong as s***,” the 26-year-old said before explaining his point.

“I’m gonna tell you all this story. I said it before, but I’m going to say it again,” he continued.

“I was in the gym. I wanna say I was getting ready for Chris Diaz or something, and he was sparring like a heavyweight fighter. I’m looking. I'm nervous for him. I’m like, ‘Why is he in the ring with this big, old dude?’

“And man, I swear he caught this dude on his chin. Boom! Dude wobbling all around the ring. I’m like, ‘What the f***? How is this dude this strong?’

“But it’s like, honestly, Bud is very strong. People don’t realise how strong he is as a fighter and his punching power could carry through the weight classes.

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“I think he’ll out-box Canelo. I think Canelo is a hell of a fighter. I don’t take nothing away from him, but I just think Bud is a better boxer.”

Despite Stevenson’s backing, it doesn’t look like Crawford v Canelo is in the pipeline, with the Mexican recently dismissing the idea in October.

“You know, I always say if the fight makes sense, why not? But he’s not in the plan,” he said.

“Like I said, if it makes sense, maybe. I don’t know right now. I’m just going to enjoy this fight. Then you’re going to know what’s next for sure.”