Crawford’s Strategic Move into the Ring
Last Saturday night in Riyadh, Terence Crawford was given the green light to enter the ring and congratulate Dmitry Bivol immediately after Bivol’s victory over the undisputed light heavyweight champion, Artur Beterbiev. This move, orchestrated by boxing promoters, appears to be a deliberate attempt to gauge fan interest in a potential Crawford vs. Bivol matchup in 2026. It’s a strategy that’s all too familiar in the world of high-stakes sports, where fan excitement and anticipation are often stoked for future fights. By allowing Crawford to pose with Bivol, promoters are essentially setting the stage for a blockbuster event, should both fighters continue to perform well in their upcoming matches.
The Business Over Sport
The decision to let Crawford into the ring with Bivol is more about business than it is about sport. Crawford, who is set to challenge WBA, WBC, and WBO super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez on September 13th, is known for making savvy business moves. If Crawford wins against Alvarez, he will likely move up to the light heavyweight division (175 pounds) to challenge Bivol for his four titles, provided Bivol still holds them after his likely trilogy with Beterbiev. This direct path to a title shot without facing top contenders is a strategic move to maximize Crawford’s earning potential. It’s a common practice in boxing, where fighters often skip over lesser-known opponents to secure high-profile bouts that promise significant financial rewards.
Crawford’s Physical Transformation
Bivol and Crawford looked to be of similar size during the ring appearance, a fact that is somewhat surprising given Crawford’s recent weight gain. Since bulking up last August, Crawford has added a considerable amount of muscle, appearing to weigh in the 180-pound range. However, it’s important to note that while Crawford has indeed gained weight, he is not as physically built or powerful as Bivol, who is a natural 175-pound fighter. For Crawford, this weight gain is part of his preparation to challenge Canelo at 168 pounds and, eventually, Bivol at 175. The Nebraska native has been heavily focusing on his nutrition and strength training to ensure he can compete effectively in these higher weight classes.
Crawford’s Legacy and Financial Motives
Crawford’s decision to move up to 168 pounds to face Canelo Alvarez is driven by both legacy and financial considerations. With a perfect record of 41-0 and 31 knockouts, Crawford is already a legend in boxing, but a win against Canelo would solidify his status as one of the greatest fighters of all time. However, it’s also clear that the financial incentives for this fight are substantial. Crawford, who has no prior experience at 168 pounds, is taking on this challenge not just to prove himself but to secure a big payday. If he wins, he will have a clear path to 175 pounds and a lucrative fight against Bivol. However, if the outcome of the Canelo fight is controversial, such as a questionable decision, Crawford may need to explore other avenues to maintain his earning potential.
Promoting the Future Matchup
The ring appearance with Bivol serves another important purpose: promoting Crawford’s upcoming fight against Canelo Alvarez. Many fans who ordered the Beterbiez-Bivol contest on PPV were treated to the sight of Crawford inside the ring, which helps to keep him in the public eye and build his profile. This exposure is crucial for a fighter who is making a cross-divisional jump and looking to establish himself in a new weight class. By posing with Bivol, Crawford is able to "steal some of the shine" from Bivol’s victory, redirecting attention to his own future plans and ensuring that fans remain engaged with his career trajectory.
The Sporting Way Forward
If the goal is to create genuine interest in a Canelo-Crawford fight, a more sporting approach would be for Crawford to prove himself at 168 pounds before making the jump to 175. Fighting a top contender like Osleys Iglesias or Diego Pacheco in June or July would be a more legitimate way to earn a shot at Canelo and build credibility for a future matchup with Bivol. However, this path is fraught with risk. If Crawford were to be defeated by either of these fighters, it would not only damage his reputation but also diminish the appeal of a celebrity fight against Canelo. In the business of boxing, where financial success often outweighs sporting achievement, it’s more likely that Crawford will be given a direct shot at the title, bypassing the traditional route of facing top contenders.
