1. Benavidez Sr. Criticizes Crawford: ‘Not Exciting Enough for Fans’
In a fiery critique, Jose Benavidez Sr., father and trainer of undefeated super middleweight contender David Benavidez, did not mince words when discussing Terence Crawford’s fighting style. Known for his calculated approach in the ring, Crawford has often been praised for his technical skills. However, Benavidez Sr. believes that this cautious, defense-first mentality is what makes Crawford an unexciting fighter in the eyes of the fans. “He just focuses on winning rounds, not entertaining the crowd like my son David does,” Benavidez Sr. remarked.
2. Comparing Crawford to Stevenson: Safe Styles Don’t Sell Seats
Drawing a comparison between Terence Crawford and Shakur Stevenson, Benavidez Sr. suggested that the two fighters share a similar philosophy in the ring—one that prioritizes safety over spectacle. “To me, Terence Crawford is like a Shakur Stevenson,” Benavidez Sr. stated, referring to their shared emphasis on defense and points scoring rather than aggression. While acknowledging their pound-for-pound talents, Benavidez Sr. argues that this approach leaves fans wanting more, especially when compared to fighters like his son, David Benavidez, who are known for their high-octane, risk-taking performances.
3. Crawford vs. Benavidez: ‘Three or Four Rounds’ at 168, Predicts Benavidez Sr.
Benavidez Sr. did not shy away from making bold predictions about a potential matchup between his son and Terence Crawford. Despite Crawford’s recent success across multiple weight classes, Benavidez Sr. is confident that David Benavidez would make quick work of him if they were to meet in the ring. “If Crawford moved up to 168, my son would knock him out in three or four rounds,” he boldly predicted. The trainer’s confidence stems from his belief that Crawford’s style, which is effective against smaller opponents, would falter against the power and size of a true super middleweight like David.
4. Crawford Eyes Canelo: A Legacy Fight or a Dangerous Gamble?
While Crawford has expressed interest in moving up to 168 pounds for a shot at Canelo Alvarez, Benavidez Sr. remains skeptical. He believes Crawford’s desire to fight Canelo is driven more by the allure of a legacy-defining bout than by realistic chances of victory. “Crawford wants the Canelo fight and nobody else. But he stands no chance against real super middleweights like my son, David Morrell, or Christian Mbilli,” Benavidez Sr. claimed. The trainer went on to suggest that Crawford’s pursuit of Canelo is a risky move that could backfire, as the 36-year-old may struggle against the physical demands of the division.
5. Benavidez Sr.: Crawford’s Style Holds Him Back from True Stardom
Despite Crawford’s impeccable record of 41-0 with 31 knockouts, Benavidez Sr. argues that his style has prevented him from reaching the same level of stardom as other more fan-friendly fighters. “Crawford’s focus has always been on winning rounds and playing it safe, rather than putting on a show for the fans,” Benavidez Sr. said. He believes that while Crawford’s approach has earned him accolades from boxing purists, it has also limited his appeal to casual fans who crave the excitement and unpredictability of a more aggressive style.
6. The Madrimov Fight: A Chess Match, Not a Showstopper
One of the key points in Benavidez Sr.’s critique was Crawford’s recent fight against Israil Madrimov, a bout that saw the Nebraska native win a comfortable but uneventful decision. Benavidez Sr. used this fight as an example of why Crawford fails to capture the imagination of fans. “When Crawford fought Madrimov, he just boxed to a boring 12-round decision,” Benavidez Sr. said. “He didn’t take any risks, didn’t try to entertain, and that’s why people don’t see him as an exciting fighter.”
7. David Benavidez: The Anti-Crawford?
In stark contrast to Crawford, Benavidez Sr. portrays his son as the kind of fighter fans crave. Known for his relentless pressure and knockout power, David Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) has built a reputation as one of the most exciting fighters in the sport. “David comes to throw punches, risk a lot, and put on a performance,” Benavidez Sr. emphasized. The trainer believes that this approach not only wins fights but also wins over fans, making his son a must-see attraction every time he steps into the ring.
8. The Shakur Stevenson Comparison: Defense vs. Offense
Further expanding on his critique, Benavidez Sr. drew a parallel between Crawford and Shakur Stevenson, another fighter known for his defensive prowess. While both fighters have been lauded for their technical skills, Benavidez Sr. argues that this style is not what excites fans. “Shakur has patterned his style after Crawford’s, but that’s why he hasn’t become popular—fans don’t like boxers who are too defensive,” Benavidez Sr. observed. He suggested that the key to becoming a star in boxing is not just winning but doing so in a way that thrills the audience.
9. The Business of Boxing: Why Fans Matter More Than Ever
In today’s boxing landscape, fighters who can draw crowds and sell pay-per-views are often valued more than those with perfect records but less fan appeal. Benavidez Sr. understands this dynamic well and believes it’s one of the reasons why Crawford has struggled to become a major box-office draw. “Crawford’s not popular enough to pour money into him fighting anyone who isn’t a big name,” Benavidez Sr. said. He implied that this could be a reason why Crawford is chasing a fight with Canelo, as it represents a rare opportunity for him to cash in on his talent.
10. What’s Next for Crawford: Legacy or Entertainment?
As Crawford contemplates his next move, Benavidez Sr.’s comments raise an important question: Will the undefeated champion prioritize his legacy or look to enhance his entertainment value? For now, it seems Crawford is focused on adding Canelo’s name to his résumé, but whether this fight materializes—or if it will be enough to silence critics like Benavidez Sr.—remains to be seen. What is clear is that Crawford’s style, while effective, has sparked a debate about what it means to be a truly great and popular fighter in the modern era.
