Terence Crawford faces a significant challenge in his upcoming fight against Israil Madrimov. This fight is particularly risky for Crawford due to several factors including fighting in a new weight class, a 13-month layoff, and facing one of the biggest punchers in the 154-lb division. These hurdles could potentially derail Crawford’s path to a potential matchup with Canelo Alvarez.
One of the major roadblocks in Crawford’s quest to fight Canelo Alvarez is the lack of interest from the undisputed super middleweight champion. Canelo has made it clear through various interviews that he has no intention of facing Crawford in the ring. This lack of interest could be a significant barrier for Crawford, as Canelo is not easily swayed by monetary offers and remains selective about his opponents.
Promoter Eddie Hearn is actively pushing for his fighter, Jaron Ennis, to face Crawford in the near future. Ennis’s impressive performance in his recent fights has caught the attention of many in the boxing world. If Crawford were to face Ennis and suffer a defeat, it could diminish his chances of ever securing a fight against Canelo Alvarez. This potential matchup poses a significant risk for Crawford’s career trajectory.
Despite Crawford’s aspirations to face Canelo Alvarez, the path to this highly-anticipated matchup remains slim. Crawford faces several obstacles, including his upcoming fight against Israil Madrimov and the lack of interest from Canelo himself. Additionally, factors such as age, inactivity, weak opposition, and fighting in a new weight class could complicate Crawford’s journey towards a fight with Canelo.
Terence Crawford has been vocal about his belief that the best fighters in each division should face off against each other. However, his recent career decisions raise questions about his commitment to this principle. Why did Crawford not face Jaron Ennis before moving up to 154? Additionally, Crawford’s decision to move up in weight class rather than staying at 147 to face Ennis complicates his argument for fighting the best in the division.
While Terence Crawford may have aspirations of facing Canelo Alvarez in the ring, the likelihood of this matchup remains low. With obstacles such as upcoming fights against dangerous opponents, Canelo’s lack of interest, and the emergence of rising stars like Jaron Ennis, Crawford faces numerous challenges on his path to a potential showdown with boxing’s biggest names.