By Gary Cromie: Boxing fans, prepare for a hypothetical matchup of epic proportions: Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence “Bud” Crawford. While this fight is not confirmed, the mere possibility of it in 2025 has the boxing world buzzing. This match-up is not just a daydream; is the most compelling and intriguing fight in boxing today.
The tale of the tape
First, let’s talk about size and skill. Mexican powerhouse Canelo Álvarez typically fights around 168 pounds and became the undisputed king at 168 before being stripped by the IBF in July 2024. He is known for his brute strength, iron chin, smart counterpunching and the will to win. On the other hand, Bud Crawford, a welterweight master and two-time undisputed champion, showed that he can pack a punch at weights as high as 154, where he took the highly skilled and unorthodox Madrimov’s belt in a chess match that has hardcore fans salivating. . Bud has now won championship belts in four different divisions, 135, 140, 147 and 154, and dare to dream at 168.
Crawford’s clean living and rigorous discipline means her age (currently 37) is just a number. Unlike others who get bloated between fights, Bud stays lean, mean and always ready to step into the ring. A fight at around 160-163 pounds for Bud will see him get stronger while maintaining his speed advantage against Canelo. Canelo’s recent fights have seen him become a plodder with a questionable motor that loads up on single punches – a fact exposed by Bivol, who schooled him in the art of stick and move. Do not forget, Canelo could not put Munguia or Berlanga despite the hits and these two fighters were considered easy assignments for the Mexican, and many pundits were right to say that they were cherries.
The experts weigh in
When it comes to the opinions of the boxing intelligence, many believe that Crawford has the tools to knock out Canelo. Teddy Atlas, the fiery trainer turned commentator, praises Crawford’s IQ and ring adaptability, saying, “Crawford can fight in any style and adjust on the fly. He’s a nightmare for Canelo.
Andre Ward, a master strategist in his own right, sees Crawford’s versatility as key. “Bud’s ability to change position and control distance gives him the edge,” says Ward.
Stephen “Breadman” Edwards praises Bud’s ability to control the distance and dictate the pace. He comments, “Crawford’s generality in the ring is unmatched. He knows how to control the pace of the fight.”
Tim Bradley adds, “Bud’s work ethic and his ability to stay in shape all year will give Canelo trouble. He won’t tire.”
And let’s not forget Errol Spence Jr., who said in the speech: “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 to dodge Bud. First, he says Crawford is “too small.” Really, Canelo? The same Bud who moved up weight classes with ease? He’s also a bit rich coming from someone who fought at cruiserweight, tipping the scales at around 200 pounds, but he’s only 5 feet 7 inches—the same height as Bud. Stating 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 big enough.” Cue the canned laughter. Bud’s recent fights have drawn huge audiences, proving that he is a star in his own right, but throughout his career, he has been shunned and marginalized – especially by the PBC stable. Saying Bud isn’t a big draw is like saying people don’t watch the Super Bowl for the commercials – utter nonsense.
Canelo’s past with David Benavidez is even more laughable. From claiming that Benavidez hasn’t “earned” a shot (as if knocking down opponent after opponent wasn’t enough) to hiding behind the WBC’s protection racket, Canelo’s reluctance it stinks to be the cash cow of the WBC. Maurice Sulaiman and his crew have certainly pampered their golden goose, ensuring that he is safe and sound from any real threat, and, in my view, they have turned the man into an intolerable Diva.
The question of inheritance
Canelo often talks about his legacy, but what does it really entail? A series of carefully curated fights that avoid real competition – Bivol aside? History does not remember ducks and dodges; he remembers the warriors. Crawford, on the other hand, is all about legacy. He is willing to step into the lion’s den, face the greatest challenges, and emerge victorious. Canelo seems to have one foot out the door, no longer wanting to challenge himself against the best, but happy to make money fighting lesser men.
Tactics and win 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 land on his feet for those powerful shots. Crawford’s jab, combined with his ability to change stances, can create angles that Canelo hasn’t encountered before. Bud’s best bet is to attack and move, landing clean shots and avoiding protracted exchanges. Over 12 rounds, this approach could see Crawford outboxing Canelo, winning a decision on points, and showing that skill and strategy win out over raw power.
The Grand Finale
In conclusion, this fight is the fight that boxing fans deserve. Crawford is the challenger ready to shake things up, while Canelo seems more interested in keeping his status comfortable and carefully managed. If Canelo continues to dodge Bud, he risks his legacy being tarnished not by losses, but by missed opportunities. Enter Turki Al-Sheikh, the man who loves to make the best fight. Whether you love him or hate him, Turki has the resources to lure Canelo into the ring. Despite being in the twilight of his career, a fight between Canelo and Crawford would be compelling and lucrative. So here’s hoping Canelo stops stalling and steps up the challenge. If not, well, I’ll be here, closing in on his last round of excuses.
Until then, let’s continue to dream of this different potential and hope that it will become a reality. In the world of boxing, the fights we don’t often see leave the biggest questions.
