Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford could write his name into boxing history once again later this year.
The unbeaten 37-year-old from Omaha, Nebraska will challenge Mexican icon Canelo Alvarez for the undisputed super-middleweight on Saturday September 13 in Las Vegas, with the official venue set to be announced in due course.
It will be a test of the highest magnitude for Crawford, who has spent the most recent portion of his professional career campaigning at welterweight before making his super-welterweight debut last August when he defeated WBA champion Israil Madrimov.
Despite his triumph against Madrimov, the 37-year-old seemingly underperformed against the Uzbek star, which came as a surprise to viewers with many left wondering whether Crawford was the deserved winner.
In an interview with Fight Hub TV, Madrimov shared his thoughts on his former rival’s upcoming showdown with Canelo, stating that he felt the only way the American wins is via twelve-round points decision.
“Good fight. You know, if it’s 168 pounds, I think Canelo. But Canelo [must have] better technique, because it’s 50/50. If it [goes] 12 rounds, Crawford. If knockout, Canelo.”
Victory for Crawford would see him become the first fighter in male boxing history to win the undisputed championship in three divisions, having already accomplished this feat at super-lightweight and welterweight.
Canelo will make the first defence of his undisputed titles at 168lbs in what is his second reign as champion. He defeated former IBF champion William Scull in Riyadh on May 2, becoming the first fighter ever to achieve undisputed status at super-middleweight on two occasions.
