By Gary Cromie: Boxing fans, get ready for a hypothetical showdown of epic proportions: Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence “Bud” Crawford. While this fight is not confirmed, the mere possibility of it in 2025 has the boxing world buzzing. This match-up is not just a daydream; it is the most compelling and exciting fight in boxing today.
The story of the tape
First, let’s talk about size and skill. Canelo Álvarez, the Mexican powerhouse, 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 brute strength, iron chin, smart counter punches and a will to win. On the other hand, Bud Crawford, a welterweight maestro and two-time undisputed champion, has shown that he can pack a punch at higher weights like 154, where he took the highly skilled and unorthodox Madrimov’s belt in a chess match that got hardcore fans to drool. . 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 strict discipline mean his age (currently 37) is just a number. Unlike others who balloon up between matches, Bud remains lean, mean and always ready to step into the ring. A fight around 160-163 pounds for Bud would see him stronger while maintaining his speed advantage against Canelo. Canelo’s recent fights have seen him become a slugger with a questionable motor that fills up on single punches – a fact revealed by Bivol, who trained him in the art of grappling and movement. Don’t forget, Canelo couldn’t put away Munguia or Berlanga despite knocking them down, and both of those fighters were considered easy tasks for the Mexican, and many pundits were right to claim they were cherry picks.
The experts weigh in
When it comes to the opinions of the boxing intelligentsia, many believe that Crawford has the tools to take down Canelo. Teddy Atlas, the fiery trainer-turned-commentator, praises Crawford’s ring IQ and adaptability, saying, “Crawford can fight in any style and adjust on the fly. That’s a nightmare for Canelo.”
Andre Ward, a master strategist in his own right, sees Crawford’s versatility as key. “Bud’s ability to switch positions and control distance gives him the edge,” says Ward.
Stephen “Breadman” Edwards praises Bud’s ability to control the distance and dictate the pace. He comments: “Crawford’s ring generalship is second to none. He knows how to control the pace of the fight.”
Tim Bradley adds: “Bud’s work ethic and his ability to stay in shape all year round will give Canelo problems. He doesn’t tire.”
And let’s not forget Errol Spence Jr., who has gone on record saying, “If Bud fought Canelo, I’d pick Bud because there’s nothing he can’t do when he puts his mind to it – he’s special .”
Canelo’s Apologies: A Comedy of Errors
Now let’s delve into Canelo’s treasure chest of excuses to dodge Bud. First, he claims that Crawford is “too small.” Really, Canelo? The same Bud who has moved up the weight classes with ease? It’s also a bit rich, coming from someone who has fought at cruiserweight, tipped the scales at around 200 pounds, but is only 5 feet 7 inches—the same height as Bud. Claiming Crawford is too small to fight at 168 is like saying a giraffe can’t reach high branches – completely absurd.
Then there’s the classic “Crawford isn’t a big enough draw.” Listen to the canned laughter. Bud’s recent fights have drawn huge crowds, proving that he is a star in his own right, but throughout his career he has been shunned and marginalized – especially by the PBC stable. Saying Bud isn’t a big draw is like saying people don’t watch the Super Bowl for the commercials – complete nonsense.
Canelo’s past with David Benavidez is even more laughable. From claiming that Benavidez hasn’t “earned” a shot (as if knocking out opponent after opponent isn’t enough) to hiding behind the WBC’s protective cashiers, Canelo’s reluctance reeks of being the WBC’s cash cow. Maurice Sulaiman and his crew have certainly pampered their golden goose and made sure he is safe from any real threat, turning the man into an insufferable diva in my opinion.
The inheritance question
Canelo often talks about his legacy, but what is it really about? A series of carefully curated matches that avoid real competition – Bivol aside? History does not remember the ducks and dodgers; the warriors remember that. Crawford, on the other hand, is about legacy. He is willing to step into the lion’s den, take on the biggest challenges and emerge victorious. Canelo seems to have one foot out the door, unwilling to challenge himself against the best anymore, but content to make money fighting lesser men.
Tactics and winning on 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 the powerful shots. Crawford’s jabs, combined with his ability to switch positions, can create angles that Canelo hasn’t faced before. Bud’s best bet is to stay and move, land clean shots and avoid lengthy exchanges. Over 12 rounds, this approach could see Crawford outbox Canelo, win a decision on points and prove that skill and strategy trump raw power.
The grand finale
In conclusion, this fight is the clash boxing fans deserve. Crawford is the challenger ready to shake things up, while Canelo seems more interested in maintaining his comfortable, 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 to make 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 here’s hoping Canelo stops hiding and takes up the challenge. If not, here I am laughing at his latest round of excuses.
Until then, let’s keep dreaming about this potential showdown and hoping it becomes a reality. In the world of boxing, the fights we don’t see often leave the biggest questions.