Vergil Ortiz Jr. On Canelo-Crawford: Weight Gain Won't Help Crawford

Viktoria Ivanova

4 min read

Post on May 05, 2025

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Ortiz Jr.'s Argument Against Crawford's Weight Gain

Ortiz Jr. believes that Crawford focusing on weight gain for the Canelo fight is a strategic mistake. He argues that the potential downsides significantly outweigh any perceived advantages.

Diminished Speed and Agility

Ortiz Jr. suggests that significant weight gain could severely hinder Crawford's signature speed and agility, which are integral to his fighting style and success.

• Increased weight can lead to slower footwork, making him less elusive against Canelo's powerful punches.
• Reduced reflexes and reaction time could leave Crawford vulnerable to Canelo's counter-attacks.
• The loss of explosiveness, a defining characteristic of Crawford's boxing, would diminish his ability to land impactful punches and effectively evade Canelo's strikes. This is crucial given Canelo's known power.

Impact on Punching Power – A Diminishing Return

While gaining weight might theoretically increase punching power, Ortiz Jr. implies it won't be a significant enough advantage to offset the losses in speed and agility.

• Canelo's superior size and power already present a significant challenge for Crawford, regardless of any weight gain.
• Crawford's power is highly effective at his current weight class. A significant weight gain may not proportionally increase his power, leading to diminishing returns.
• Increased weight often leads to decreased stamina, potentially leaving Crawford vulnerable in the later rounds. This is a critical factor in a fight of this magnitude against a known endurance fighter like Canelo.

Canelo's Counter-Strategies

Ortiz Jr. likely emphasizes that Canelo is a highly skilled strategist who will readily adapt to any changes in Crawford's fighting style. Any benefits from weight gain are likely to be negated by Canelo's counter-strategies.

• Canelo's extensive experience and exceptional ring IQ are undeniable advantages. He’ll likely anticipate and exploit any weaknesses resulting from Crawford's weight adjustment.
• Canelo is adept at utilizing his size and strength to his advantage. A heavier Crawford might not change this fundamental power dynamic.
• Canelo's training team is renowned for their ability to dissect opponents’ strategies and develop effective counter-measures.

Alternative Strategies for Crawford

Ortiz Jr., along with many boxing experts, suggests that Crawford should concentrate on refining his technical skills and formulating a strategic game plan to exploit Canelo's weaknesses, instead of relying on weight gain.

Focusing on Technique and Strategy

Rather than altering his weight, Crawford should focus on his proven strengths:

• Precise counter-punching to capitalize on Canelo's openings.
• Effective footwork and superior ring generalship to dictate the pace and distance of the fight.
• Exploiting any potential weaknesses in Canelo's defense or offensive strategies.

Importance of Maintaining Peak Performance

Maintaining his optimal fighting weight is crucial for Crawford's overall performance and to minimize the risk of injury.

• Preserving his speed and stamina will be vital for keeping up with Canelo’s relentless pressure.
• Reduced risk of injury ensures that Crawford can perform at his best throughout the fight.
• Maximizing his chances of victory requires that Crawford enters the ring in optimal condition.

Ortiz Jr.'s Expertise and Perspective

Ortiz Jr.'s own powerful and technically proficient boxing style allows him to offer a particularly insightful perspective on the strategic considerations of a fight like Canelo vs. Crawford.

• Ortiz Jr.'s experience competing at the highest level provides him with a unique understanding of the challenges involved.
• His balanced approach to power and speed dynamics gives him a deeper understanding of the trade-offs involved in weight adjustments.
• His insights provide a valuable and unique viewpoint to the discussion surrounding the Canelo-Crawford fight.

Conclusion

Vergil Ortiz Jr.'s assessment suggests that Terence Crawford shouldn't prioritize weight gain in his preparation for the Canelo Alvarez fight. The potential drawbacks of decreased speed and agility significantly outweigh any marginal gains in power. A focus on technique, strategy, and peak performance at his current weight class presents a more effective approach. Ortiz Jr.'s perspective, rooted in his own fighting style and high-level experience, offers valuable insights into the strategic complexities of this highly anticipated clash.

Call to Action: What do you think? Will Crawford's weight management strategy affect the outcome of the Canelo-Crawford fight? Share your thoughts on Vergil Ortiz Jr.'s analysis in the comments below! Let's discuss the Vergil Ortiz Jr., Canelo, and Crawford perspectives further.