By Gary Cromie: Boxing fans, brace yourselves for a hypothetical showdown of epic proportions: Canelo Álvarez versus Terence “Bud” Crawford. While this fight isn’t confirmed, the mere possibility of it in 2025 has the boxing world buzzing. This match-up is not just a daydream; it’s the most compelling and intriguing fight in boxing today.
The Tale of the Tape
First, let’s talk about size and skill. Canelo Álvarez, the Mexican powerhouse, typically fights around 168 pounds and became the undisputed King at 168 before being stripped by the IBF in July 2024. He’s known for his brutal strength, iron chin, clever counterpunching, and a will to win. On the other side, Bud Crawford, a welterweight maestro and two-time undisputed champion, has shown he can pack a punch at higher weights like 154, where he took the highly skilled and unorthodox Madrimov’s belt in a chess match that had hardcore fans salivating. Bud has now won championship belts in four different divisions, 135, 140, 147, and 154, and is daring to dream at 168.
Crawford’s clean living and rigorous discipline mean his age (currently 37) is but a number. Unlike others who balloon up between fights, Bud stays lean, mean, and always ready to step into the ring. A fight at around 160-163 pounds for Bud would see him stronger while retaining his speed advantage against Canelo. Canelo’s recent fights have seen him become a plodder with a questionable engine who loads up on single punches – a fact exposed by Bivol, who schooled him in the art of stick and move. Don’t forget, Canelo couldn’t put away Munguia or Berlanga despite knocking them down and both these fighters were considered easy assignments for the Mexican, and many pundits were right to claim they were cherry picks.
The Experts Weigh In
When it comes to opinions from the boxing intelligentsia, many believe Crawford has the tools to take down Canelo. Teddy Atlas, the fiery trainer turned commentator, praises Crawford’s ring IQ and adaptability, saying, “Crawford can fight in any style and adjust on the fly. That’s a nightmare for Canelo.”
Andre Ward, a master strategist in his own right, sees Crawford’s versatility as key. “Bud’s ability to switch stances and control distance gives him the edge,” says Ward.
Stephen “Breadman” Edwards lauds Bud’s ability to control the distance and dictate the pace. He comments, “Crawford’s ring generalship is second to none. He knows how to control the tempo of the fight.”
Tim Bradley adds, “Bud’s work ethic and his ability to stay in shape all year round is going to give Canelo problems. He’s not going to get tired.”
And let’s not forget Errol Spence Jr., who has gone on record saying, “If Bud fought Canelo, I’d pick Bud because there’s nothing he can’t do when he puts his mind to it—he’s special.”
Canelo’s Excuses: A Comedy of Errors
Now, let’s dive into Canelo’s treasure trove of excuses for dodging Bud. First, he claims Crawford is “too small.” Really, Canelo? The same Bud who has moved up weight classes with ease? It’s also a bit rich coming from someone who has fought at cruiserweight, tipping the scales around 200 pounds, but is only 5 foot 7 inches – the same height as Bud. Claiming that Crawford is too small to fight at 168 is like saying a giraffe can’t reach high branches—completely absurd.
Then there’s the classic “Crawford isn’t a big enough draw.” Cue the canned laughter. Bud’s recent fights have drawn huge audiences, proving he’s a star in his own right, but throughout his career, he’s been avoided and marginalized – especially by the PBC stable. Saying that Bud isn’t a big draw is like claiming people don’t watch the Super Bowl for the commercials—utter nonsense.
Canelo’s past with David Benavidez is even more laughable. From claiming Benavidez hasn’t “earned” a shot (as if knocking out opponent after opponent isn’t enough) to hiding behind the WBC’s protection racket, Canelo’s reluctance reeks of being the WBC’s cash cow. Maurice Sulaiman and his crew have certainly pampered their golden goose, making sure he’s safe and sound from any real threat, and, in my view, have turned the man into an intolerable Diva.
The Legacy Question
Canelo often talks about his legacy, but what does it really entail? A series of carefully curated fights that avoid true competition – Bivol aside? History doesn’t remember the ducks and dodges; it remembers the warriors. Crawford, on the other hand, is all about legacy. He’s willing to step into the lion’s den, take on the biggest challenges, and come out victorious. Canelo appears to have one foot out the door, unwilling to challenge himself against the best anymore but content to make money fighting lesser men.
Tactics and Winning on Points
For Bud to win, it’s all about tactics. His speed and footwork can frustrate Canelo, keeping him off balance and unable to plant his feet for those powerful shots. Crawford’s jab, combined with his ability to switch stances, can create angles that Canelo hasn’t encountered before. Bud’s best bet is to stick and move, landing clean shots and avoiding prolonged exchanges. Over 12 rounds, this approach could see Crawford outboxing Canelo, winning a decision on points, and proving that skill and strategy trump raw power.
The Grand Finale
In conclusion, this fight is the clash boxing fans deserve. Crawford is the challenger ready to shake things up, while Canelo seems more interested in maintaining his comfortable, carefully managed status. If Canelo continues to dodge Bud, he risks his legacy being tainted not by losses but by missed opportunities. Enter Turki Al-Sheikh, the man who loves to make the best fight the best. Whether you love him or hate him, Turki has the resources to entice Canelo into the ring. Despite being in the twilight of their careers, a fight between Canelo and Crawford would be compelling and lucrative. So, here’s hoping Canelo stops hiding and steps up to the challenge. If not, well, I’ll be here, chuckling at his latest round of excuses.
Until then, let’s keep dreaming of this potential showdown and hope it becomes a reality. In the world of boxing, the battles we don’t see often leave the biggest questions.
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