Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez and Terence Crawford are two of the best fighters the sport of boxing has to offer and, despite three weight divisions currently separating them, there are real feelings that there may be a fight in the future.
Despite weighing in for their professional debuts just two pounds apart – 139 for Canelo and 137 for Crawford – the Mexican has since competed as high as light-heavyweight and settled at the super-middle limit of 168 to become undisputed champion.
Crawford won a world title at lightweight before conquering all four belts at both 140 and 147. Despite the 21lbs difference in current fighting weight, he now wants to fight Canelo for his belts.
One man who’s well aware of the skills of both is Amir Khan. The Brit jumped up from welterweight to a catchweight of 155 in 2016 to face Canelo. He was brutally knocked out in the sixth.
Three years later, Khan would face Crawford at 147 – another stoppage loss at the halfway stage.
Speaking to the media, Khan advised his former welterweight opponent to avoid the legacy jump up in weight.
“I don’t think that should happen. Look, I like Crawford [but] I think Canelo is a beast at that weight, honestly. I would advise Crawford not to do that.”
Crawford is not to be deterred by such warnings, believing he has the skill and experience to beat the 33-year-old Canelo.
Despite the thirst for the match-up amongst fans, both men currently have more urgent plans.
Canelo will defend his belts against current undisputed super-welterweight champ, Jermell Charlo on September 30, whilst Crawford has recently been informed he will have a contractual rematch with Errol Spence Jr following his demolition of him in July.