Why Canelo vs. Bud Crawford is the Fight Boxing Needs

For Gary Cromie: Boxing fans, prepare for a hypothetical matchup of epic proportions: Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence “Bud” Crawford. Although this fight is not confirmed, the mere possibility of it happening in 2025 has the boxing world buzzing. This match is not just a daydream; is the most compelling and intriguing fight in boxing today.

The story of the tape

First, let’s talk about size and skill. Mexican powerhouse Canelo Alvarez normally 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 , his intelligence and his will to win. On the other hand, Bud Crawford, a welterweight master and two-time undisputed champion, has shown that he can punch at higher weights such as 154, where he took the belt from the highly skilled and unorthodox Madrimov in a chess match that had die-hard fans salivating. . 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 make her age (currently 37) a number. Unlike others who slip between fights, Bud stays lean, mean and always ready to get in the ring. A fight around 160-163 pounds for Bud would make him stronger while retaining his speed advantage against Canelo. Canelo’s recent fights have seen him become a plodder with a questionable motor who charges with simple punches, a fact exposed by Bivol, who schooled him in the art of the stick and movement. Don’t forget, Canelo couldn’t put away Munguia or Berlanga despite knocking them down and those two fighters were considered easy assignments for the Mexican, and many pundits were right to say they were cherry picked.

The experts intervene

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

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

Stephen “Breadman” Edwards praises Bud’s ability to control the distance and dictate the pace. He comments: “Crawford’s ring generality 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 fit all year will give Canelo problems. He won’t get tired.”

And let’s not forget Errol Spence Jr., who said, “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 excuses: a comedy of errors

Now, let’s delve into Canelo’s treasure trove of excuses for ducking Bud. First, he claims that Crawford is “too small.” Really, Canelo? The same Bud who has moved up the weight classes with ease? He’s also a bit rich coming from someone who has fought at cruiserweight, tipping the scales at around 200 pounds, but he’s only 5-foot-7, 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 laughs. Bud’s recent fights have drawn huge audiences, proving that he is a star in his own right, but throughout his career, he has been shunned and sidelined, especially by the PBC stable. Saying that Bud isn’t a big draw is like saying that people don’t watch the Super Bowl for the commercials, total bullshit.

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 wasn’t enough) to hiding behind the WBC’s protection racket, Canelo’s reluctance stinks of being the cash cow of the WBC. Maurice Sulaiman and his crew have certainly pampered their golden goose, making sure he’s safe and sound from any real threat, and in my opinion, they’ve turned the man into an intolerable diva.

The question of legacy

Canelo often talks about his legacy, but what does it really entail? A series of carefully curated decks that avoid true competition: Bivol apart? History does not remember ducks and dodgers; remember the warriors Crawford, on the other hand, is all about legacy. He is ready to enter the lion’s den, face the greatest challenges and emerge victorious. Canelo seems to have one foot out the door, unwilling to challenge himself against the best, but content to make money fighting lesser men.

Tactics and point gains

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 switch positions, can create angles that Canelo hasn’t encountered before. Bud’s best bet is to stick and move, getting clean shots and avoiding extended exchanges. Over 12 rounds, that approach could see Crawford walk out Canelo, winning a points decision and proving that skill and strategy trumps raw power.

The Grand Finale

Bottom line, this fight is what boxing fans deserve. Crawford is the challenger ready to shake things up, while Canelo seems more interested in keeping his status comfortable and carefully managed. 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 pit the best against the best. Love him or hate him, Turki has the chops 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 let’s hope Canelo stops hiding and steps up to the challenge. If not, well, I’ll be here, laughing at his latest round of excuses.

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