By: Sean Crose
Terence Crawford is truly a generational talent. Boasting a record of 41 wins and 0 defeats the Omaha native proved just how good he was when he wiped out fellow titlist Errol Spence Jr back in 2023 for the undisputed welterweight championship of the world. What’s more, nearly two years since the Spence win, Crawford appears ready to jump up in weight to take on the one and only Canelo Alvarez in the fall. Of course the whole grand idea will fall apart should Canelo be stunned by William Scull in May. That, however is rightfully considered unlikely to happen.
At first glance, a fight between Crawford and Canelo seems outrageous. Canelo has fought at light heavyweight. Indeed, he’s even won a light heavyweight world title. Crawford on the other hand has just moved up to junior middleweight where he’s had all but one fight. Still, Crawford’s ability and ring IQ is extraordinary. Just ask Spence if you don’t believe it. Or Shawn Porter or Amir Khan or Kell Brook or Viktor Postal. If anyone can jump up in weight to take down the great Canelo, it’s Crawford. The fact Canelo may now be missing a beat helps Crawford’s chances, as well.
This IS Canelo Alvarez we’re talking about, however, the face of boxing in the post Mayweather era. To watch the man perform in the ring is to study serious boxing. Never has a fighter – with the possible exception of Rocky Marciano – effectively employed patience and power the way Canelo has. His steady attack, highlighted by thudding body work, has rarely failed him. Some fighters break opponents down. Canelo breaks them apart. Crawford has never truly been challenged in the ring. He’ll certainly have his work cut out for him if the Canelo dream match becomes a reality.
There’s something else to consider – the fact that Crawford has fought but once a year for the past five years. While no one would consider the man washed up, it’s hard to argue the fighter called “Bud” has been less than active for the past half decade. The lack of activity certainly hasn’t seemed to have taken its toll on Crawford. Time, however, is undefeated. It may be patient, but it’s undefeated. And a lack of activity can help push time along. Should time be kind to Crawford his lack of activity may actually be beneficial. A lot of wear and tear can be dished out and suffered in the ring. The question, however, is will time wait for Terence Crawford?
