Carl Froch changes his mind on Canelo Alvarez as he makes new fight prediction after weigh-in

Carl Froch has U-turned on writing off Terence Crawford's chances against Canelo Alvarez. The pair of prestigious pugilists have been on a collision course for what feels like forever, and are finally set to share a dance in the squared circle this weekend.

Billed as a 'Once In A Lifetime' bout, all of the marbles are on the line at the Allegiant Stadium of Las Vegas in the early hours of Sunday morning (UK time). Canelo, 35, heads into the fold with an undisputed collection of WBA (Super), WBC, WBO, IBF and The Ring super-middleweight titles, unbeaten in his last six fights and with a record of 63-2-2.

Meanwhile, Crawford, who is two years Canelo's senior, heads into the bout with an unblemished record of 41-0, having held world championships at lightweight, light-welterweight and welterweight in the past, albeit he will face his next opponent in unfamiliar territory at 168lbs.

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While many fight fans will see the scrap as a complete toss-up, given the impressive resume of both men, former super-middleweight champion Froch initially backed Canelo to reign victorious due to Crawford fighting at an unnatural weight.

Speaking to in July, the 48-year-old said: "I think it's a great fight, really interesting. Intriguing because Crawford's so good, so talented, unbeaten, a box of tricks. I thought the Errol Spence fight would have been close, and he absolutely demolished him.

"But I just think he's out of his weight division. Well, he is out of his weight division, two or three weight divisions he's coming up, and I just don't see how a welterweight can step up to super-middleweight. Especially a super-middleweight who's been up at light-heavyweight.

"I don't see how he can do that and perform for longer than four, five, maybe six rounds. I just think the weight will get to him. I used to spar with welterweights, and they were good for a round or two because they're quicker than you. When they're skilful and fast, they've got you on the end of the jab, they're catching you with shots.

"But the minute you get p***ed off and just close that distance a little bit, start to lean on them, start to wrap them round the body and bring it back upstairs, it's almost like the fight's over. You can just bully somebody.

"There's weight divisions in boxing for a reason, in some of the divisions there's only four or five pounds between the divisions. This is Terence Crawford coming up three weight divisions from 147 all the way up to 168, super-middleweight.

"Against a guy who is established at super-middleweight, undisputed king, and he's won titles at light-heavyweight as well. He's got a massive mountain to climb."

However, it now appears as though Froch has backtracked on his prediction for the fight after seeing the two men at the weigh-ins. Speaking to Froch said: "It's a proper good fight. I’m looking forward to it. The closer the fight gets to happening, the more I’m favouring Terence Crawford.

"Points win for Crawford or a stoppage for Canelo. That’s only because Crawford is out of his weight division and might struggle at the weight."

Canelo and Crawford meet at the Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, September 14. The two are expected to make their ring walks at around 4am BST.