Undisputed welterweight champion, Terence Crawford, wants to step through the ropes for all of the super-middleweight titles currently held by Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez.
Despite previously stating that 154lbs was his ceiling in the sport, Crawford has now deemed the opportunity to make history more important by announcing he would be willing to step up an incredible three divisions for the fight against the undisputed 168 champ.
Whilst that’s as far as plans go – and that’s not very far in boxing terms – the seed for a mega fight has been planted, and talk has turned to how it could play out.
There are many in the sport saying the Mexican is just too big for Crawford, who has worked his way up from lightweight. Promoter Eddie Hearn even said that the size difference makes it a mismatch.
Shawn Porter – who was stopped by Crawford in the tenth round of their 147 title bout – disagrees. He told FightHype that his former opponent has many advantages against an ageing Canelo.
“You have to get your mind out of the space of who’s stronger. Boxing ain’t just about strength. Who’s smarter? Who’s more athletic? Who’s faster? Who’s got more stamina? Who’s got more experience? The list goes on. You add all that up and you think wow, a lot is actually on Terence’s side.
I actually think that fight would be really interesting. I think that Canelo is not who he was three, four years ago. I wouldn’t say he’s declining fast, but his career is definitely not doing this [going up] and it hasn’t done this [stayed level] in two or three years. It ain’t a fast decline, but Canelo’s certainly not who he used to be.
A fight between them would be interesting and definitely competitive.”
Crawford has already been crowned undisputed in two-weight classes. To make a three-weight jump to do it a third time would be unprecedented in the sport.
For now, both men have more pressing matters to attend to.
Following his demolition job of previously undefeated Errol Spence Jr, Crawford is contractually obligated to fight a rematch should Spence activate it.
Canelo is out next month against Jermell Charlo – another man who saw an opportunity to step up in weight and dare to be great.