After putting in one of the greatest performances in recent memory against Errol Spence Jr this summer, questions quickly began to surface as to whether there exists a fighter capable of handing Terence Crawford his first loss.
Though a rematch with Spence is likely to be next for Crawford, that has not stopped boxing fans speculating over ‘Bud’s chances if he were to jump up a whopping three weight divisions to take on Mexican icon Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
Alavrez’ former promoter Eddie Hearn has weighed in on the potential clash – and believes it would be a bridge too far for Crawford.
In a recent interview with Fight Hub TV, Hearn explained that straying too far from welterweight is the “only way” Crawford will taste defeat.
“In the situation and the age of Terence Crawford, he’s got to continue to chase greatness and he’s got to look for the biggest fights out there. Obviously that’s a big fight for him financially.”
“As good as Terence Crawford is, I think the only way he gets beat is moving too far out of his weight class, and I think that [Canelo Alvarez] is the fight that gets him beat. But he’s a brilliant fighter.”
“Having dealt with Canelo, I just don’t see him ever fighting a pound under 168 ever again. I know Crawford says he’d fight at 168, but Canelo would be in the ring at 180 plus. So I don’t think that’s a great idea.”
“You wouldn’t want to see Terence get beat just because it’s too light, but I think it’s great that people want to chase those fights, and good luck to him.”
Despite the fact he would likely be the significantly lighter man on the night, many observers online appear to give Crawford a good chance of dethroning undisputed super middleweight champion Alvarez, who stated he would be open to taking on the Omaha favourite.
However, with Spence activating a contractual rematch clause last month and ‘Canelo’ defending his belts against Jermell Charlo on September 30th, it is perhaps best to put such discussions on ice for now.