Terence Crawford continues his pursuit of a fight with unified super-middleweight world champion Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez.
The Mexican is fresh off another victory in the 168 ranks, dropping and largely dominating the previously undefeated Edgar Berlanga. Although Berlanga fought admirably in stages and did well to recover from the knockdown in the third, it was another routine and some would say over-matched showing for Canelo.
Crawford, who recently made his debut at super-welterweight two divisions down, had a keen eye on the contest given Canelo is the only opponent he feels adds to his legacy at this point.
On the performance, he told TMZ Sports that Canelo was ‘great’ as always.
“First I went to the Canelo-Berlanga fight and then I went to the UFC fight. I think Canelo put on a great performance like he always does. Canelo was Canelo, I think Berlanga put on a tremendous show as well, he showed a lot of heart and great and determination as well and it made for a great fight.”
Crawford’s win over Israil Madrimov at 154 pounds was his first distance fight eight years and led some analysts to question whether or not his own power was beginning to lose its sting as he continues to move up. That will become more apparent against the even bigger Canelo.
Despite those warnings from some in the boxing world, in the same interview the 36-year-old from Omaha reiterated his desire.
“I’ve been wanting the fight, it’s a legacy fight, it’s the biggest fight in boxing today, I feel like the fight is the last of the Mohicans. I think the fight would be massive. You’ve got two guys who are top 3 pound-for-pound going head to head together. I know Canelo is bigger than me but I’m up for the challenge.
It’s all respect and if he does decide to come my way and we get in the ring then it would be an electrifying fight. Of course I’ll beat him, there is no doubt in my mind that I wouldn’t beat anyone I step in the ring with.”
Canelo said post-fight that he would now take time with his family before making a decision as to what’s next. He will likely return, as is his schedule, on Cinco De Mayo weekend in May. When asked about the Crawford fight he said, ‘no comment.’
