The Evolving Saga of Canelo Álvarez and Terrence Crawford: A Blog Story
September 30, 2024
It all began with a spark of curiosity and an afternoon deep dive into Google searches. As a fan of the sweet science, I found myself captivated by the ongoing saga of two of boxing's greatest talents: Saul Canelo Álvarez and Terrence “Bud” Crawford. Would these two titans ever collide in the ring? Here’s what I discovered in my quest for answers.
Terrence Crawford, who started his illustrious career at lightweight and dominated all his opponents all the way up to the junior middleweight division, has made his intentions clear—he wants to step up to 168 lbs super middleweight to face Canelo Álvarez. This is not just about another belt on the shelf for Crawford; it’s about a legacy fight, one that could secure generational wealth. For Crawford, it’s a battle for eternal boxing glory and of course the BIG BAG 🦃.
His recent comment, “If no Canelo, I’ll retire,” echoed across news articles and social media feeds. Crawford's pursuit of this fight is relentless, driven by a desire not just for a payday but for the historical significance it holds, Crawford and Alvarez are considered two of the most prominent fighters of the post-Floyd Mayweather era.
Canelo Álvarez, on the other hand, words and actions paint a contradictory image. In various interviews, he has been quoted saying, “Beating Crawford does nothing for my career,” skeptical that he would NOT get credit for defeating a fighter moving up two weight classes. Yet, in other moments, he has expressed openness to the challenge.
Canelo’s financial demand—an eye-popping $150 million—seemed almost fantasy like, leaving fans unsure if he was serious or if it was a tactic to distance himself from the fight 🦆. According to some reports, the fight appeared dead as of August 2024, though both Terrance Crawford and Turki Al_sheikh both continue to explore possibilities.
Opinions within the boxing community are divided. Many boxing pros advise Crawford against the bout, warning of the risks involved in facing a naturally bigger and stronger fighter like Canelo. Yet, some see the potential for an epic clash, one that would draw massive attention and possibly redefine Terrance Crawford's careers.
As September draws to a close, the match-up remains elusive. Canelo, fresh off a victory against Edgar Berlanga, now has new rumors swirling about a fight in Japan alongside Naoya Inoue. This cross-continental bout could be marketed as a mega-event, drawing fans from around the globe.
Yet, here we are, left wondering if Terrence Crawford will be Canelo’s next opponent under the Japanese lights. Could this be the setting for Crawford’s ultimate challenge, or will he indeed step away from the sport if the fight fails to materialize?
In the murky world of boxing negotiations, certainty is a rare commodity. However, one thing is clear: this potential fight between Canelo Álvarez and Terrence Crawford continues to intrigue and tease fans worldwide. Only time will tell if these two legends will finally meet in the squared circle. Until then, the saga remains a hot topic for fans, podcasters and pundits alike.
Would you like to see Crawford remain active and continue fighting? If not, would you accept a fight between Canelo and Sebastian Fundora? I would!