Terence Crawford has vowed to move up two weight classes and beat fellow four-division world champion Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez.
Despite having just recently debuted at super-welterweight with a win over previously undefeated Israil Madrimov, ‘Bud’ Crawford now wants to go straight to super-middle and be the first man in that division to defeat the elite Mexican.
Canelo, who was undisputed but stripped of one belt earlier this year, has fought on ten occasions at 160 pounds and has ran into little trouble. He has been dismissive of the match-up with Crawford in the past, claiming he will get little credit for beating a smaller man. Despite that, he has said he is open to an offer.
Speaking to Boxing News, undefeated two-weight world champion Andre Ward had little doubt who he was backing. He believes that the switch-hitter from Omaha has what it takes to bridge the gap in weight and win.
“I’m going with Terence Crawford. Big weight jump, dangerous fight, but somebody’s got to prove to me that they can break Terence Crawford’s will and that he can’t figure it out against you.
It ain’t no disrespect to Canelo, but I’ve said this the last couple times, I’m not betting against Terence Crawford against nobody right now. You got to show me that you can beat him.”
Neither man currently has an opponent publicly lined up so the fight could still be on the table. If it doesn’t happen, there’s a general feeling that Crawford may consider retirement.
If he doesn’t, there are good challenges in the super-welter ranks including the likes of Vergil Ortiz Jr and Sebastian Fundora.
