What are fans and experts saying about the Canelo vs Crawford fight?

What are fans and experts saying about the Canelo vs Crawford fight?

The announcement of Canelo vs Crawford has generated massive buzz across the boxing world and beyond. Here's what people are saying:

Fan and Expert Reactions:

• Excitement and Praise: A large portion of fans and pundits laud the fight as a bold, historic event. It's being compared to the great superfights of the past. Many are praising Crawford for daring to move up three weight classes to challenge Canelo.

• Debates on Size and Fairness: Of course, some are questioning the weight disparity and its implications. On forums like Reddit and boxing Twitter, you'll find arguments like: "If Canelo wins, will it count as much since Crawford is smaller?" and "If Crawford wins, it's the greatest achievement ever."

• Experts' Analysis: Many boxing analysts have published breakdowns. ESPN's analysts pointed out tactical angles: for instance, Andre Ward mused about how Crawford's ring IQ might neutralize Canelo's power, while others emphasized the size advantage.

• Criticisms: There are a few critiques: Some say both men are a bit past prime (Canelo mid-30s, lots of mileage; Crawford late-30s). "Why didn't this happen 3-4 years ago?" is a question occasionally raised.

• Media Buzz: The fight has transcended boxing media. Mainstream sports shows are talking about it, noting the novelty of Netflix broadcasting it. Even other athletes (LeBron James tweeted excitement about the fight) are weighing in.

Social Media Impact:

The fight announcement broke records for social media engagement in boxing. Both fighters' social media accounts saw massive spikes in followers and engagement. The hashtag #CaneloCrawford trended worldwide, and boxing forums are filled with predictions and analysis.

Industry Response:

Promoters, managers, and other fighters have largely praised the matchup. Many see it as a positive for boxing, bringing attention back to the sport at a time when other combat sports are gaining popularity. The Netflix deal has been particularly praised for its innovation.

The Bottom Line:

While there are debates about timing, weight classes, and predictions, the overwhelming sentiment is excitement. This is the kind of fight that boxing fans have been clamoring for – two pound-for-pound elites facing off in their primes (or near-primes). The fact that it's happening on Netflix only adds to the historic nature of the event.

(Sources: Social media reactions; boxing media coverage; expert analysis from ESPN and other outlets.)