Crawford’s Canelo Dream: A Grand Stage for an Aging Star
Tim Bradley, a respected former world champion, has staked his reputation on the belief that Terence Crawford will cement his legacy as one of the "best fighters on planet Earth" if he triumphs over Canelo Alvarez on September 13th, during the Riyadh Season event. Crawford, a 38-year-old southpaw, has been a dominant force in boxing, maintaining an unblemished record of 41-0 with 31 knockouts. However, the journey to this fight has been a significant step up, both in terms of weight and the stakes involved. Crawford is moving from the welterweight division to light middleweight, a two-division leap, and he faces a fighter who has already proven to be a formidable opponent at this level.
Size Matters: Crawford’s Uphill Battle
The age and physical attributes of both fighters make this matchup intriguing but potentially one-sided. While Crawford is undeniably skilled, he will be facing a 34-year-old Canelo Alvarez who, despite his recent form, possesses a significant size and power advantage. The comparison to Jermell Charlo, who also moved up to 168 pounds to face Canelo in 2023, is apt. Charlo, despite being a natural 154-pounder, struggled immensely against Canelo’s power and resilience. It’s highly unlikely that Crawford, who is typically a smaller, lighter fighter, will fare any better. Bradley’s assertion that Crawford is taking this risk to be considered the best is commendable, but the reality is that even a victory would not place him above the likes of David Benavidez, David Morrell, or Diego Pacheco, who are younger, stronger, and more dynamic.
The Mayweather Blueprint: A Tried and True Strategy
Bradley suggests that the only viable strategy for Crawford to win is to follow the Mayweather blueprint. Floyd Mayweather’s 2013 fight against Canelo was characterized by his defensive prowess, constant movement, and effective jabbing. Crawford, known for his methodical and controlled style, might adopt a similar approach. However, this strategy often results in a dull, methodical bout, which could alienate the casual fans drawn by the hype and the big names. Many of these fans are looking for high-action, exciting fights, and watching Crawford box Canelo in a cautious, defensive manner might not be what they bargained for. The fans who have followed Crawford throughout his career know that his style, while effective, is often seen as unexciting compared to more aggressive fighters like a prime Errol Spence Jr.
The Role of the Undercard: Drawing in the Audience
The allure of the main event will likely draw a large audience, thanks to the marketing push from Turki Al-Sheikh and the star power of both fighters. However, the quality of the undercard could be crucial in maintaining fan interest. Younger, more entertaining fighters could provide the excitement that the main event might lack. This strategy has been used effectively in major boxing events to keep viewers engaged, even when the main event doesn’t meet expectations. If Turki can ensure that the undercard is packed with thrilling bouts, it could help mitigate the disappointment that might arise from a less engaging Crawford-Canelo match.
Unrealistic Expectations: The Perils of Hype
Bradley’s enthusiasm for the fight is palpable, but the expectations he sets are perhaps unrealistic. The notion that this fight will determine the "best fighter on the planet" is a grandiose claim, given the age and recent form of both competitors. Crawford, despite his impressive record, almost lost his last fight to Israil Madrimov, a relatively unknown opponent. Similarly, Canelo’s performance against Edgar Berlanga was lackluster, with him visibly gassing out after just four rounds. Both fighters are showing signs of fatigue and are well past their prime. This fight, therefore, is more of a novelty spectacle than a true test of boxing supremacy.
A Cautionary Tale: The Decline of Legends
The Crawford-Canelo fight serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of aging and the often unfulfilled dreams of boxing legends. As fighters get older, their physical capabilities diminish, and they are increasingly vulnerable to younger, stronger opponents. For Crawford, this fight might be his retirement payday, a final opportunity to earn a significant sum of money before hanging up his gloves. However, it’s clear that the physical toll of moving up two weight classes and facing a larger opponent will be substantial. The excitement and hype surrounding the event are likely to be tempered by the reality of what unfolds in the ring, where Crawford’s strategy and resilience will be put to the ultimate test.
