Terence Crawford continues to call out Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez, and some of the biggest names in the sport are weighing in with their predictions.
Following a demolition of Errol Spence Jr in what many predicted to be a much-close affair, Crawford has been linked with some of the very best in the sport for his final few bouts.
One name that has constantly cropped up is Canelo’s. After initially saying that a weight jump from 147 to 168 was out of the question, ‘Bud’ came round to the idea and is now actively calling the Mexican out.
There are hoops to jump through and even then many will think it’s still unrealistic, but picks are coming in regardless.
Canelo’s former promoter and boxing legend, Oscar De La Hoya, recently weighed in on the match-up with ES News.
“At 168, people might think how can Crawford beat Canelo? That’s not possible. In boxing a big talented fighter will always beat the small talented fighter, that’s a given.”
It turns out that De La Hoya believes Crawford is more skilled than Canelo – enough to do the job up at super-middleweight despite currently campaigning 21 pounds lighter.
“In Crawford’s case, he’s a big guy. But he doesn’t rely on his power, he relies on his IQ. What he did to Spence, was magic. Incredible. Amazing. One thing about Canelo is that we all know that he walks in the ring as if there’s wet cement.
His footwork is a little too heavy. Crawford is such a smart fighter, he’s like Bruce Lee, literally. He’s in his peak, his prime. So I think if that fight ever happens – which I don’t think it will – I have to go with Crawford.”
It’s worth noting that De La Hoya and Canelo’s relationship didn’t end on the best of terms, and some fans may believe there’s a bit of bias.
Whilst the Omaha native doesn’t have a fight pencilled in, he’s expected to rematch Spence towards the end of the year.
Canelo has another undisputed champion on his hands in the form of Jermell Charlo, who will move up two weight classes to challenge for the four 168lbs belts on September 30.