There’s a popular narrative floating around that Terence Crawford has the higher boxing IQ compared to Canelo Álvarez. But when you look closely, that argument doesn’t hold up.
If Crawford truly had the superior boxing IQ, his career choices and record would reflect it differently. Typically, when a fighter is knocking out nearly all of his opponents at a given weight class, it’s a clear sign he can move up in weight and test his skills against tougher, larger competition. Yet Crawford stayed at welterweight (147 lbs) for years, waiting for his big payday with Errol Spence. While he proved against Spence that he was both stronger and smarter in the ring, the question remains: why did it take him so long to climb the weight ladder?
Crawford’s Career at 147
Crawford undeniably dominated welterweight. His KO/TKO ratio speaks volumes about his power. But instead of moving up, he lingered at 147, waiting for the Spence fight to materialize. Contrast that with fighters like Devin Haney, who lacks knockout power but still pushes himself by moving up divisions to test his boxing IQ against bigger, stronger opponents.
Yes, Crawford dismantled Spence and showed tremendous skill. But greatness isn’t just about one big win — it’s about constantly challenging yourself across divisions and proving your adaptability at higher levels.
Canelo’s Path Through the Divisions
Now compare that with Canelo Álvarez. He started as a welterweight at 147 lbs and, even in his younger years, didn’t look especially lean — some argued he could have dropped to 140 or even 135 with discipline. But instead of staying comfortable, Canelo stretched his skills across multiple weight classes, climbing as high as light heavyweight.
He beat Sergey Kovalev at 175 lbs, lost to Dmitry Bivol, but even in defeat he showed the courage to test himself against much bigger, stronger opponents. That’s boxing IQ in action: not hiding in one division, but finding your limits by fighting the best across multiple weights.
Today, Canelo is the undisputed champion at super middleweight (168 lbs). And while some argue that David Benavidez should have forced a mandatory showdown, the truth is Canelo’s market power — a product of both his skill and his boxing IQ — has given him unique leverage with sanctioning bodies. Boxing is a market-driven sport, and organizations know that stripping Canelo could hurt their brand far more than enforcing a mandatory fight.
The True Measure of Boxing IQ
A high knockout percentage often signals that a fighter hasn’t yet been pushed to their limits. Fans respect fighters who adapt and survive when raw power no longer guarantees victory. Think of Roy Jones Jr. or Floyd Mayweather — both made most of their money and built their legacies after their knockout percentages dipped, proving they could outthink opponents even when brute force wasn’t enough.
Canelo fits this mold. He’s shown versatility and adaptability across divisions. Crawford, by comparison, has largely stayed put.
Closing Thoughts
Crawford deserves respect — he’s an elite fighter and an all-time great. But let’s be honest: he doesn’t crack the top 10 of all-time lists. Maybe he fits somewhere in the top 20. He hasn’t drawn crowds like Floyd Mayweather, and many before him have accomplished similar feats.
Meanwhile, Canelo, despite criticisms about ducking Benavidez, has consistently tested himself against bigger men and higher weight classes. That’s what boxing IQ looks like.
So who has the higher boxing IQ? It’s clearly Canelo Álvarez.
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