Like many before, Edgar Berlanga too has been convinced where Canelo Alvarez stands. The boxing world is back to square one. It is keenly looking out for the next opponent who, like Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Dmitry Bivol before, could stop the modern-day icon in his tracks. At his end, Alvarez has reportedly cited a rematch with Bivol, provided he scrapes through Artur Beterbiev‘s challenge, as his next challenge. But what about those who have been clamoring a fight with the super middleweight champion?
Terence Crawford became a world champion for the fourth time early in August. He defeated Israil Madrimov on Riyadh Season’s card at the BMP Stadium. Subsequently, he bid farewell to the 147-pound weight class to focus on the path ahead. Now, following the exchanges between Canelo Alvarez and His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, the much-anticipated fight might have been pushed to the backburner. However, if a fight does come up, can Crawford deal with the ‘Canelo’ juggernaut? The Berlanga fight might have given some insights. The former undisputed welterweight champion believes that he has the wherewithal to tackle one of the most technically gifted boxers of the era.
Terence Crawford: Got it, let’s roll!
The light middleweight champion was sharing his thoughts with TMZ Sports. The interviewer wanted to know the kind of challenges he expected if ever he and Canelo Alvarez squared off in the ring. As it appears, the supermiddleweight champion’s powerful punches and physicality were two attributes that seem to concern ‘Bud’ Crawford.
“What challenges does Canelo pose once you guys get in there?”
Terence Crawford: “His punching power and his physical size are the only things I have to worry about. But who knows…once we get in the ring we don’t know how I will handle his power and size. I’ve been fighting… pic.twitter.com/9KWSI7bieT
— Danny (@dantheboxingman) September 18, 2024
However, radiating confidence, the Nebraskan Southpaw shared that the factors may turn out inconsequential as well once they step into the ring. “I’ve been fighting bigger guys my whole life, so I’m pretty familiar with that,” he emphasized. Perhaps the primary concern stems from the sheer leap Crawford might have to take to face Alvarez. Though he has bridged the gap after entering the 154 pounds, the difference still remains quite striking.
Then even when it comes to actual fighting, increasing reports suggested that Edgar Berlanga’s weight post-final weigh-ins was somewhere around 193 pounds! But despite that, Canelo Alvarez schooled him. ‘The Chosen One’ barely had any answer to the questions the Mexican superstar threw.
However, at the opposite end, the fact remains true. Sometime ago, Crawford’s long-time trainer, Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre, too, revealed that the difference in size should not be an issue in the Alvarez-Crawford clash. “Y’all can look at it like that, but Bud’s always been sparring bigger guys,” said ‘Bomac’. He added further, “I remember one time he was sparring Bryant Jennings. That was a good sparring session.”
6 feet and 3 inches tall Jennings is a two-time world heavyweight title challenger who has fought the likes of Wladimir Klitschko, Luis Ortiz, and Joe Joyce in the past.
Don’t miss the finer points.
But then critics may cite another challenge. Take a careful look at the Madrimov fight. Terence Crawford won the fight unanimously, 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113. However, no one can deny that it was a hard-fought context. The Uzbek warrior gave an excellent account of himself, taking Crawford the whole distance. So that was enough for a few to raise questions. Can ‘Bud’ Crawford remain as sharp as he climbs up divisions?
A better way could be to wait and watch. If Terence Crawford moved for a title unification or has a title defense, then that might prove a litmus test. It would help confirm how the Omaha-born boxer fares against a fellow light middleweight. Then fans could as well determine how he would measure up against a middleweight, or, for that matter, a super middleweight champion.
Do you agree that Terence Crawford can manage the kind of challenges Canelo Alvarez might pose?
The post “I’ve Been Fighting Bigger Guys My Whole Life”: Terence Crawford Not Afraid to Move Up for a Potential Canelo Alvarez Fight appeared first on EssentiallySports.
