1. Canelo’s Next Big Move: A Potential Fight with Crawford
Canelo Alvarez (61-2-2, 39 KOs) is keeping his options open for a monumental clash with Terence Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) should he successfully defend his super middleweight titles against Edgar Berlanga on September 14th. Canelo’s interest in a bout with Crawford hinges largely on financial incentives and his victory over Berlanga.
2. Canelo’s Confidence: Crawford Seen as “Easy” Work
Alvarez views Crawford as a manageable opponent, citing Crawford’s recent performance at junior middleweight as evidence of his diminished prowess. Canelo believes that Crawford’s struggles in the 154-pound division have exposed him as a less formidable opponent compared to his previous weight classes.
3. Fundora’s Promoter Doubts Crawford’s Next Fight
Sampson Lewkowicz, promoter for WBC/WBO junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora, expresses skepticism over Crawford’s commitment to a fight with Fundora. Lewkowicz suggests Crawford might instead pursue a more lucrative and less risky bout with Canelo, reflecting concerns about Crawford’s ability to handle Fundora’s size and power.
4. Crawford’s Recent Performance: Signs of Vulnerability
Crawford’s recent bout against WBA junior middleweight champion Israil Madrimov on August 3rd highlighted issues with his adaptation to the 154-pound weight class. His performance against Madrimov raised questions about his effectiveness at this weight, potentially making him a target for opponents like Fundora, Tim Tszyu, and others.
5. The Canelo-Crawford Mismatch: A Clash of Sizes and Styles
The proposed fight between Canelo and Crawford would showcase a significant mismatch, with Canelo’s size, power, and experience at 168 pounds overshadowing Crawford’s capabilities. Despite Crawford’s technical skills, his age and struggles in higher weight classes suggest he would be outmatched against Canelo.
6. Canelo’s Perspective: “Weight Classes Matter”
Canelo underscores the importance of weight classes in boxing, emphasizing that Crawford’s attempt to move up to 168 pounds might not end well. Canelo’s comments reflect his belief that Crawford’s physical limitations and age could lead to a challenging fight for the Nebraska native.
7. Crawford’s Potential Fight Against Canelo: A Lucrative Opportunity
Should Crawford accept a fight against Canelo, the financial rewards could be substantial. Canelo’s popularity and the allure of a high-profile match would provide Crawford with a significant payday, even if the fight appears to be heavily skewed in Canelo’s favor.
8. Canelo’s Strategy: Staying Active and Building Popularity
For Canelo, a bout against Crawford could serve as a stay-busy fight, allowing him to maintain activity while preparing for more challenging defenses against rising talents like Christian Mbilli, Diego Pacheco, and Osleys Iglesias. The fight would also help boost Canelo’s profile and popularity.
9. The Jermell Charlo Comparison: Lessons from the Past
The comparison between Crawford and Jermell Charlo, who also struggled after moving up to 168 pounds, highlights potential pitfalls for Crawford. Jermell’s experience serves as a cautionary tale, suggesting that Crawford might face similar challenges against Canelo.
10. The Path Forward: What’s Next for Canelo and Crawford?
As Canelo prepares for Berlanga, the possibility of a fight with Crawford remains a tantalizing prospect. However, the financial and competitive aspects will determine whether this matchup becomes a reality. Fans eagerly await to see if Canelo and Crawford will clash in the ring and how the outcome will shape their careers.
