Why Canelo Vs. Bud Crawford is the fight boxing needs

from Gary Cromie: Boxing fans, prepare for a hypothetical fight of epic proportions: Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence “Bud” Crawford. Although this fight has not been confirmed, the very possibility of it taking place in 2025. alarmed the boxing world. This coincidence is not just a dream; this is the most fascinating and intriguing fight in boxing today.

The Tale of the Tape

First, let's talk about size and skill. Canelo Álvarez, the Mexican powerhouse, usually fights at around 168 pounds and became the undisputed king at 168 before being stripped by the IBF in July 2024. He is known for his brute strength, iron chin, clever counter punches and will to win. On the other hand, Bud Crawford, the welterweight maestro and two-time undisputed champion, showed that he can handle higher weights such as 154, where he took the belt from the highly skilled and unorthodox Madrimov in a chess match that had hardcore fans drooling . Budd has now won championship belts in four different divisions, 135, 140, 147 and 154, and dares to dream at 168.

Crawford's clean living and strict discipline mean his age (currently 37) is just a number. Unlike others who rise between fights, Budd remains lean, mean and always ready to step into the ring. A fight at around 160-163 pounds for Budd will make him stronger while maintaining his speed advantage against Canelo. Canelo's recent fights have turned him into a hard worker with a questionable motor that feeds on single punches, a fact put on display by Bivolo, who schooled him in the art of the stick and move. Remember, Canelo couldn't stop Munguia or Berlanga despite knocking them down and those two fighters were considered easy tasks for the Mexican and many pundits were right to say they were picked.

Experts weigh in

As for the opinions of the boxing intelligentsia, many believe that Crawford has the tools to defeat Canelo. Teddy Atlas, the fiery trainer-turned-commentator, praised Crawford's ring IQ and adaptability, saying, “Crawford can fight any style and adjust on the fly. It's a nightmare for Canelo.”

Andre Ward, a master strategist in his own right, sees Crawford's versatility as key. “Bud's ability to switch stances and control distance gives him an advantage,” says Ward.

Stephen 'Bradman' Edwards praises Budd's ability to control distance and dictate pace. He commented: “Crawford's general seat is second to none. He knows how to control the pace of the fight.”

Tim Bradley adds, “Bud's work ethic and ability to stay in shape all year will give Canelo problems. He will not tire.”

And let's not forget Errol Spence Jr. who said, “If Bud was fighting Canelo, I'd pick Bud because there's nothing he can't do when he sets his mind to it – he's special.”

Canelo's Apologies: A Comedy of Errors

Now, let's dive into Canelo's treasure trove of excuses for avoiding Bud. First, he claims Crawford is “too small.” Really Canelo? The same Bud who moved up the weight classes with ease? He's also a bit rich, coming from someone who used to be a heavyweight, tips the scales at around 200 pounds, but is only 5'7 – the same height as Bud. Saying Crawford is too small to fight at 168 is like saying a giraffe can't reach high branches – complete nonsense.

Then there's the classic “Crawford isn't attractive enough.” Enjoy the canned laughter. Bud's recent fights have drawn huge audiences, proving that he is a star in his own right, but throughout his career he has been shunned and marginalized – especially by the PBC stable. Saying that Bud isn't a big draw is like saying that people don't watch the Super Bowl because of the commercials — complete nonsense.

Canelo's past with David Benavidez is even funnier. From claiming that Benavidez didn't “earn” a punch (as if knocking out opponent after opponent wasn't enough) to hiding behind the WBC's defense, Canelo's reluctance smacks of being a WBC cash cow. Maurice Suleiman and his team certainly pampered their golden goose, making sure he was safe and sound from any real threat, and in my opinion, turned the man into an insufferable diva.

The question of inheritance

Canelo often talks about his legacy, but what does it actually entail? A series of carefully selected fights that avoid real competition – Buffalo aside? History does not remember ducks and dodges; it remembers the warriors. Crawford, on the other hand, is all about the legacy. He is ready to enter the lion's den, take on the biggest challenges and emerge victorious. Canelo seems to have one foot out the door, no longer willing to face the best but content to make money fighting lesser men.

Tactics and scoring

For Bud to win, it's all about tactics. His speed and footwork can frustrate Canelo, keeping him off balance and unable to land on his feet for those power punches. Crawford's jab combined with his ability to switch positions can create angles that Canelo has never encountered before. Bud's best bet is to stick and move, land clean shots and avoid long exchanges. Over the course of 12 rounds, this approach could see Crawford outmatch Canelo, win a points decision and prove that skill and strategy trumps raw power.

The grand finale

In conclusion, this fight is the fight boxing fans deserve. Crawford is the contender ready to shake things up, while Canelo seems more interested in maintaining his comfortable, carefully managed status. If Canelo continues to avoid Budd, he risks his legacy being tarnished not by losses, but by missed opportunities. Enter Turki Al-Sheikh, the man who likes to make the best fight the best. Love him or hate him, Turki has the resources to lure Canelo into the ring. Despite being in the twilight of their careers, a fight between Canelo and Crawford would be fascinating and lucrative. So, here's hoping Canelo stops hiding and accepts the challenge. If not, well, I'll be here laughing at his latest excuses.

Until then, let's keep dreaming about this potential clash and hope it becomes a reality. In the world of boxing, the fights we don't see often leave the biggest questions.