Conlan Predicts Crawford Upset: Alvarez Fight Fueled 'Bud' Pick

Shawn

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Post on Aug 30, 2025

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Conlan Predicts Crawford Upset: Alvarez Fight Fueled 'Bud' Pick

Boxing fans are buzzing after former world champion Michael Conlan boldly predicted a stunning upset in the upcoming Terence Crawford vs. Errol Spence Jr. fight. Conlan, known for his insightful commentary and often controversial opinions, believes Crawford’s recent victory over David Avanesyan – a fight he views as underwhelming – has emboldened the judges, making a Spence Jr. victory even more likely. This bold statement has ignited a fiery debate amongst boxing pundits and enthusiasts alike.

Conlan's prediction isn't based solely on his gut feeling. He argues that Crawford's performance against Avanesyan, while technically a win, lacked the explosive knockout power many expected. This perceived lackluster performance, coupled with the controversial scoring in recent high-profile boxing matches, has led Conlan to believe that the judges might be more inclined to favor Spence Jr., even in a close fight. The shadow of the Canelo Alvarez vs. Dmitry Bivol fight, where Bivol's unanimous decision victory was met with some skepticism, hangs heavy over Conlan's analysis.

<h3>The Alvarez-Bivol Fight: A Turning Point?</h3>

Conlan points to the Canelo Alvarez vs. Dmitry Bivol fight as a crucial turning point in his reasoning. Many felt Bivol clearly won, but the fight’s controversial scoring prompted questions about judging consistency and bias in boxing. This, Conlan believes, has created an environment where judges may be more hesitant to award a clear victory to a fighter perceived as dominant, potentially favoring a more "balanced" scorecard even if one fighter clearly outperforms the other.

"The Alvarez fight changed the game," Conlan stated in a recent interview. "Judges are now under more scrutiny, and they might be subconsciously leaning towards more conservative scoring to avoid another backlash. Crawford, despite his talent, didn't exactly blow Avanesyan away. That makes him vulnerable in the eyes of potentially biased judges."

<h3>Spence Jr.'s Strengths and Crawford's Perceived Weakness</h3>

Conlan isn't suggesting Crawford lacks skill; far from it. He acknowledges Crawford's exceptional talent and strategic boxing acumen. However, he highlights Spence Jr.'s power and aggressive fighting style as key factors that could sway the judges, particularly given the perceived hesitancy to award decisive victories in recent high-profile bouts.

• Spence Jr.'s Power: Spence Jr.'s knockout power is undeniable, and even a single knockdown could significantly impact the judges' scorecards.
• Crawford's "Safe" Style (According to Conlan): Conlan argues that Crawford's performance against Avanesyan showcased a more cautious approach, potentially playing into the hands of judges looking for a more evenly matched fight.

<h3>The Importance of Judging in Boxing</h3>

Conlan's prediction underscores a critical issue within the boxing world: the crucial role of judges and the need for greater transparency and consistency in scoring. The impact of subjective judging on the outcome of high-stakes fights cannot be overstated. This debate extends beyond just this particular fight; it speaks to the wider need for reforms within the sport to ensure fair and unbiased judging.

What do you think? Will Crawford prove Conlan wrong, or will Spence Jr. secure a controversial victory? Share your predictions in the comments below!