Terence Crawford has made no secret about looking to jump up a quite incredible three weight classes to challenge Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez.
Despite the Mexican not being keen on welcoming ‘Bud’ to super-middleweight for a shot at his undisputed crown – partly because he believes he won’t get credit for beating a smaller fighter – one of the most influential men in boxing in Turki Alalshikh wants to see it.
With that kind of money behind it, there is every chance Crawford wins his bout at 154lbs in August against champion Israil Madrimov before piling on the pounds to reach 168 and the Canelo prize.
However, one many who’s been in the ring with both advises strongly against it.
Amir Khan was brutally knocked out by the Mexican back in 2016 after starting the contest well. He would gain two wins before facing Crawford in 2019 – another sixth round stoppage loss.
The British boxing star spoke to TalkSPORT about the proposed fight and said ‘Bud’ would be giving away too much in weight to a big puncher in Álvarez.
“That’s a massive fight. I’ve shared the ring with both of them. Terence Crawford is a technician, he makes you miss and counters well.
But you have to understand, when I fought Terence Crawford, I was past my best. Whereas when I was fighting against Canelo I was at the peak of my career. I was doing really well then. I was probably winning the fight against Canelo.
“But obviously that one big punch that he has, he caught me with it and put me away. I don’t think Crawford should take that fight because he doesn’t need it. There are other fights out there he could take and make big money from. You can always get hurt, when you’re fighting a big puncher like that you can get hurt and I don’t think it’s worth it.”
The advice will likely go begging with Crawford, who has made it clear he wants to dare to be great before calling time on an already stellar career.
