Why Canelo vs. Bud Crawford is the fight boxing needs

By Gary Cromie: Boxing fans, get ready for a hypothetical showdown of epic proportions: Canelo Álvarez versus Terence “Bud” Crawford. Although this fight is not confirmed, the mere possibility of it taking place in 2025 has the boxing world in anticipation. This confrontation is not just a dream; It 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 Alvarez 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 brutal strength, iron chin, smart counterpunches and willingness to gain. On the other hand, Bud Crawford, a welterweight master and two-time undisputed champion, has shown that he can pack a punch at higher weights like 154, where he took the belt from the highly skilled and unorthodox Madrimov in a chess match that made the fans salivate. . Bud has now won championship belts in four different divisions, 135, 140, 147 and 154, and dares to dream at 168.

Crawford’s clean living and rigorous discipline mean his age (currently 37) is nothing more than a number. Unlike others who bloat between fights, Bud stays lean, mean and always ready to get in the ring. A fight at around 160-163 pounds for Bud would make him stronger while still retaining his speed advantage against Canelo. Canelo’s recent fights have seen him become a plodding man with a questionable motor that is loaded with single strikes, a fact exposed by Bivol, who schooled him in the art of hitting and moving. Don’t forget, Canelo was unable to defeat Munguía or Berlanga despite knocking them down and both fighters were considered easy assignments for the Mexican, with many experts correct in stating that they were preferred picks.

Experts say

When it comes to the opinions of the boxing intelligentsia, many believe that Crawford has the tools to defeat Canelo. Teddy Atlas, the fiery trainer turned commentator, praises Crawford’s IQ and adaptability in the ring, saying, “Crawford can fight any style and adapt on the fly. That is a nightmare for Canelo.”

Andre Ward, a master strategist in his own right, sees Crawford’s versatility as key. “Bud’s ability to change stance and control distance gives him the advantage,” Ward says.

Stephen “Breadman” Edwards praises Bud’s ability to control distance and dictate pace. He comments: “Crawford’s ring command is second to none. He knows how to control the pace of the fight.”

Tim Bradley adds: “Bud’s work ethic and ability to stay in shape year-round will give Canelo problems. “He’s not going to get tired.”

And let’s not forget Errol Spence Jr., who has gone on record saying that “if Bud fought Canelo, I would choose Bud because there is 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 delve into Canelo’s trove of excuses for avoiding Bud. First, he claims that Crawford is “too small.” Really, Canelo? The same Bud who has moved up the weight class with ease? He’s also a bit rich coming from someone who has fought at cruiserweight, weighing around 200 pounds, but who stands only 5 feet 7 inches, the same height as Bud. Claiming that Crawford is too small to fight at 168 pounds is like saying a giraffe can’t reach high branches: completely absurd.

Then there’s the classic “Crawford isn’t a big enough draw.” Cue canned laughter. Bud’s recent fights have attracted large 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 group. Saying Bud isn’t a big draw is like saying people don’t watch the Super Bowl because of the commercials: complete nonsense.

Canelo’s past with David Benavidez is even more ridiculous. From claiming Benavidez hasn’t “earned” a shot (as if knocking out opponent after opponent wasn’t enough) to hiding behind the WBC’s protection scandal, Canelo’s reluctance reeks of being the WBC’s cash cow. Maurice Sulaiman and his team have certainly pampered their goose that lays the golden eggs, ensuring that it is safe and sound from any real threat and, in my opinion, they have turned the man into an intolerable diva.

The question of legacy

Canelo often talks about his legacy, but what does it really entail? A carefully curated series of fights that avoid real competition, apart from Bivol? History does not remember those who duck and dodge; remember the warriors. Crawford, on the other hand, is all about legacy. He is willing to enter the lion’s den, take on the greatest challenges and emerge victorious. Canelo appears to have one foot out the door, no longer willing to challenge himself against the best but content with making money fighting lesser men.

Tactics and winning by points

For Bud to win, it’s all about tactics. His speed and footwork can frustrate Canelo, keeping him off balance and unable to plant his feet for those powerful shots. Crawford’s jab, combined with his ability to change stances, can create angles that Canelo hasn’t found before. The best thing Bud can do is stay and move, making clean shots and avoiding long rallies. Over 12 rounds, this approach could see Crawford outclass Canelo, win a points decision and prove that skill and strategy trump raw power.

The grand finale

In conclusion, this fight is the clash that boxing fans deserve. Crawford is the challenger ready to turn things around, while Canelo seems more interested in maintaining his comfortable and carefully managed status. 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 making the best fight the best. Whether you love him or hate him, Turki has the resources to lure Canelo into the ring. Despite being in the twilight of their careers, a fight between Canelo and Crawford would be compelling and lucrative. So, we hope Canelo stops hiding and accepts the challenge. If not, well, I’ll be here, laughing at your latest round of excuses.

Until then, let’s keep dreaming about this possible showdown and hope it comes true. In the world of boxing, the battles we don’t see often leave the biggest questions.