By Jim Calfa: Terence Crawford is attempting laborious to construct curiosity within the boxing public in a battle that he’s hoping to get subsequent by telling followers {that a} match between him and Caneelo Alvarez is the “greatest” one within the sport.
Combating Crawford offers Canelo one other excuse to keep away from David Benavidez & Dmitry Bivol, whom the followers need to see him battle.
Contemplating that Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) fights three divisions beneath the four-belt 168-lb champion Canelo (59-2-2, 39 KOs) and has by no means fought in that weight, it will be a business-level battle to become profitable for the Nebraska native earlier than he quickly retires.
It might give Crawford a pleasant nest egg to stay in luxurious if Canelo gave him a title shot at 168, which he hasn’t earned by not competing within the division.
The contenders at 168 in all probability received’t be too completely satisfied to see Canelo combating one other man who doesn’t compete within the weight class as a result of the Mexican star is already circumventing his obligatory David Benavidez to battle 154-lb fighter Jermell Charlo on September thirtieth.
If Canelo is permitted by the sanctioning our bodies at 168 to battle at 147-lb fighter, it makes a joke out of the division. Clearly, it’s not good for the careers of the contenders who’ve been working laborious, attempting to get a title shot.
The 36-year-old Crawford has no intentions of staying at 168 to defend the undisputed tremendous middleweight championship if he efficiently defeats Canelo.
If Crawford we to remain at 168, he’d have vultures circling overheard, with David Benavidez & David Morrell Jr. coming for his scalp.
Whether or not Crawford is profitable in opposition to the fading Canelo, these guys would have many issues if he doesn’t select to vacate the 4 belts to keep away from them shortly.
Crawford over Canelo
“I give Crawford all of the credit score on this planet for even considering of probably combating Canelo, but when that battle ever takes place, I’ve Crawford 1000%,” stated Oscar De La Hoya to Fighthype. “Folks will say, ‘Oh, you’re contradicting your self.’ I sort of am, however Crawford can also be a giant man who can deal with Canelo as a result of they’re the identical measurement.
@Canelo vs Crawford is unquestionably by far the most important battle in boxing.
— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) August 29, 2023
“Crawford is a man that punches laborious, however he doesn’t depend on his energy. He depends on his footwork, his pace, his changeups, his mixtures, he depends on his thoughts, and I imagine Crawford is a manner higher boxer than Canelo,” stated De La Hoya.
Canelo beats Jermell
“Canelo will beat Charlo. He’s the stronger fighter. They’re each gifted, however he’s a much bigger fighter,” stated De La Hoya, selecting Canelo who he used to advertise, to defeat Jermell Charlo on September thirtieth.
“In boxing, within the historical past of the game, the gifted fighter who’s the larger fighter at all times beats the gifted small fighter. That’s simply traditionally what’s taken place in boxing.
“Folks will say, ‘Oh, didn’t Pacquiao beat you?’ I used to be already a lifeless man strolling [weight drained] after I stepped up within the ring. In order that doesn’t really matter, however I believe Charlo goes to have an excellent battle; I believe Charlo goes to have an excellent efficiency, however I believe the burden. Leaping up two weight lessons, it’s quite a bit.
“While you’re going through Canelo, when he retains on pressuring you, I believe he might even cease him within the later rounds,” stated De La Hoya.
