Terence Crawford, the skilled boxer known for his success in lower weight classes, is now considering a significant jump to challenge Canelo Alvarez at super middleweight. This decision has raised eyebrows in the boxing world, with many wondering if Crawford’s motives are truly rooted in a desire for greatness or if it is more about financial gain and celebrity status. Moving up 21 pounds from his last fought class at 147 to face a formidable opponent like Canelo could be seen as a risky move, especially considering Crawford’s age and lack of recent high-level competition.
Errol Spence Jr.’s Support
Despite the doubts surrounding Crawford’s decision, fellow boxer Errol Spence Jr. has voiced his support for the move. Spence believes that if Crawford is willing to challenge himself and step up to face Canelo, then he should be allowed to do so. Spence acknowledges the difficulty of the task ahead for Crawford but admires his determination to chase greatness in the sport. Spence draws comparisons to Canelo’s own move up to 175 to face Kovalev, highlighting the fact that if Canelo can do it, why can’t Crawford?
While Spence may be rooting for Crawford, there are undeniable obstacles that the skilled boxer will have to overcome. At 37 years old, with a upcoming 13-month layoff from the ring, Crawford is facing challenges of age and inactivity that cannot be ignored. His upcoming fight against WBA junior middleweight champion Israil Madrimov will be a crucial test of his readiness for a potential showdown with Canelo. The question remains whether Crawford’s age, lack of recent fights, and the unfamiliar weight class will prove to be too much for him to handle.
Despite the discussion around Crawford’s motives for moving up in weight, it cannot be denied that there is a significant financial incentive in facing a marquee opponent like Canelo. The allure of a big payday and increased exposure could be a driving force behind Crawford’s decision to take on such a challenging fight. As boxing continues to be a sport where financial gain plays a major role in decision-making, it is essential to consider the potential motivations behind such bold moves.
Terence Crawford’s weight jump to challenge Canelo Alvarez at super middleweight is a complex decision that raises questions about his true intentions. While there is a clear desire for greatness and the admiration of fellow boxers like Errol Spence Jr., there are also concerns surrounding Crawford’s age, inactivity, and the financial incentives at play. Only time will tell whether Crawford’s risk will pay off or if it will prove to be a step too far in his quest for boxing supremacy.