World Boxing News spoke exclusively to former super middleweight contender Erik Skoglund, who delivered a glowing verdict on Terence Crawford’s career-defining victory over Canelo Alvarez — while warning against future jumps up the scales.
Crawford shocked the boxing world in 2025 when he rose from welterweight beginnings to dominate the Mexican icon at 168 pounds. For Skoglund, the Omaha native’s masterclass cemented him as one of the sport’s true generational greats.
“I think it was brilliant,” Skoglund told WBN. “He controlled Canelo in a way I haven’t seen before. I’ve only seen Canelo lose due to size — except for the fight against Floyd, which he lost because of a lack of experience. Crawford is an amazing fighter, and he fought an amazing fight.”
The Warning: Light Heavyweight is ‘Too Big a Step’
Having conquered at 135, 140, 147, 154, and now 168, Crawford’s willingness to climb divisions has left fans speculating about a move to light heavyweight. But Skoglund, who campaigned in that very division, believes it would be a mistake.
“Canelo, he took his time growing into super middleweight,” he explained. “He didn’t just go up, change his mind, and go back again. I don’t think Crawford would try himself at light heavyweight. It’s too big a step, and since he comes from 147, he doesn’t have to prove himself at 175.”
The Undisputed Landscape: Mandatory Pitfalls and the Modern Problem
On the broader landscape, where undisputed championships are becoming increasingly common, Skoglund welcomed the clarity but warned of pitfalls with the sanctioning body.
“In one way, I think it’s good. You get one champion, and sooner or later, he has to face his mandatory challenger. The problem is when the organizations have different mandates, and you can be left waiting a long time for your shot.”
Skoglund’s caution reflects a common struggle of the modern era, where undisputed champions frequently face conflicting, immediate demands from the four major bodies. With mandatory deadlines often due at different times, recent history has shown that titleholders, including Canelo, can be forced to vacate belts rather than face a less marketable mandatory opponent in favor of a more lucrative unification or rematch.
With Crawford now undisputed at super middleweight, his legacy continues to expand beyond debate. Skoglund’s insight underlines what most observers already believe — boxing may never see another fighter navigate the scales with such precision and dominance.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.
