Terence Crawford continues his pursuit of a fight with Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez.
The 36-year-old from Omaha, Nebraska has only had one fight in the super-welterweight ranks – a win to become a four-division champion – but is adamant he has what it takes to jump up two further weight classes to challenge Alvarez.
The Mexican has dominated the 168 ranks for some time now and has never been beaten at the weight. He has said in the past that he would get no credit for beating a smaller, albeit skilled, man like Crawford, but has also made it clear that if the offer is right he will consider if.
Speaking on the It is what it is podcast, former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson said unequivocally that it was too big of a weight jump for ‘Bud.’
“You know, I don’t like that fight. I don’t like that fight. It’s just too much weight. He had a close fight with the last guy he fought [Madrimov] cause this guy was big and he was awkward. He shouldn’t have fought that guy. He should’ve fought a guy that would come straight at him.”
Crawford beat Israil Madrimov over the distance, winning the WBA World Title at 154 but ending a stoppage streak of ten fights. Many questioned whether or not his power had translated to the bigger class and, even more so, how it would be at 168 against Canelo.
Meanwhile, the Mexican has most recently defended his unified titles against previously-undefeated contender Edgar Berlanga. It was a routine win, another that many feel didn’t pose enough of a challenge. If he decides against accepting the offer for Crawford, fans would like to see him in with David Benavidez but he has eyes on a rematch with Dmitry Bivol.
