Why Canelo vs. Bad Crawford is the need for boxing to fight

Would Gary Cromey: Boxing fans, prepare for a hypothetical showdown of epic proportions: Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence “Bud” Crawford. Although this fight has not been confirmed, the very possibility of it happening in 2025 is in the boxing world. This game is not just a dream; it is the most compelling and intriguing fight in boxing today.

The story of the tape

First, let’s talk about size and skill. Canelo Alvarez, the Mexican powerhouse, usually fights at 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 will to win. On the other hand, Bud Crawford, the welterweight maestro and two-time undisputed champion, showed that he can also punch at heavier weights such as 154, where he took the belt from the highly skilled and unorthodox Madrimov in a chess match that had the fans salivating . . Budd 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 just a number. Unlike others who balloon between fights, Budd stays lean, mean and always ready to get in the ring. A fight around 160-163 pounds for Budd would make him stronger while maintaining his speed advantage against Canelo. Canelo’s recent struggles have left him struggling with a questionable motor that gets loaded with single punches – a fact that was exposed by Bivol, who schooled him in the art of stick and movement. Don’t forget, Canelo couldn’t drop Mungia or Berlanga despite knocking them down and both of those fighters were seen as an easy task for the Mexican, and many pundits were right when they said they were the chosen ones.

Experts count

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

Andre Ward, a master strategist in his own right, sees Crawford’s versatility as a key. “Budd’s ability to change stances and control distance gives him an edge,” says Ward.

Steven “Breadman” Edwards praises Budd’s ability to control distance and dictate pace. He comments: “Crawford’s general position is second to none. He knows how to control the pace of the fight.”

Tim Bradley adds, “Budd’s work ethic and ability to stay in shape all year will cause problems for Canelo. He will not tire.”

And let’s not forget Errol Spence Jr., who went on the record saying, “If Bud was going to fight Canelo, I’d pick Bud because there’s nothing he can’t do when he sets his mind to it — he’s special.”

Cannell’s Excuses: A Comedy of Errors

Now, let’s dive into Canelo’s treasure trove of excuses for avoiding the Bad. First, he claims Crawford is “too small.” Really, Canelo? The same Bud who moved up the weight classes with ease? He’s also a bit rich coming from someone who fought at heavyweight, weighing around 200 pounds, but is only 5ft 7in – 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.” Cue the canned laughter. Budd’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 deal is like saying people don’t watch the Super Bowl because of the commercials — complete nonsense.

Canelo’s past with David Benavides is even more ridiculous. From claiming that Benavidez didn’t “earn” the shot (as if knocking out opponent after opponent wasn’t enough) to hiding behind the WBC’s protective rackets, Canelo’s reluctance smacks of being the WBC’s cash cow. Maurice Suleiman and his crew certainly pampered their golden goose, keeping him safe and sound from any real threat, and, in my opinion, turned the man into an insufferable Diva.

A question of inheritance

Canelo often talks about his legacy, but what does it actually entail? A series of carefully curated fights that eschew real competition – to Buffalo’s side? History does not remember ducks and dodges; he remembers the warrior. Crawford, on the other hand, deals with legacy. He is ready to step into the lion’s den, take on the biggest challenges and emerge victorious. Canelo seems to have one foot out the door, not wanting to go up against the best anymore, but content to make money fighting lesser men.

Tactics and victory on points

For Bud to win, it’s all about tactics. His quickness and footwork can frustrate Canelo, keeping him off balance and unable to get his feet up for those powerful punches. Crawford’s jab, combined with his ability to switch stances, can create angles that Canelo hasn’t faced before. Bud’s best bet is to stick and move, landing clean punches and avoiding extended exchanges. Over the course of 12 rounds, this approach could see Crawford outplay Canelo, win a points decision and prove that skill and strategy trumps raw power.

The grand finale

In conclusion, this fight is what boxing fans deserve. Crawford is a challenger ready to shake things up, while Canelo seems more interested in maintaining his comfortable, carefully managed status. If Canelo continues to avoid Bad, he risks his legacy being tarnished not by losses, but by missed opportunities. Enter Turki Al-Sheikh, a man who likes the best to fight the best. Love him or hate him, Turki has the resources to lure Canelo into the ring. Despite the twilight of their careers, a fight between Kanell and Crawford would be compelling and lucrative. So hopefully Canelo will stop hiding and step up to the challenge. If not, well, I’ll be here, laughing at his latest string of excuses.

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