Crawford’s Move to 168: A Strategic Leap
Terence Crawford, the undefeated boxing sensation, is set to make a significant leap in his career by moving up two weight classes from 154 to 168 pounds to challenge the formidable Canelo Alvarez for his WBA, WBC, and WBO super middleweight titles on September 13th in Las Vegas. Crawford, known for his tactical brilliance and adaptability, has been showcasing his training regimen, which includes a more pronounced emphasis on movement and evasion. Despite his impressive record of 41-0 with 31 knockouts, Crawford’s decision to skip the usual acclimatization process by fighting a top contender at 168 pounds first has raised eyebrows among boxing enthusiasts. This move suggests that Crawford is prioritizing a high-profile, lucrative bout over a gradual transition, which could have significant implications for the fight’s outcome and his legacy.
Evasion Tactics: Crawford’s New Strategy
In a recent training clip, Crawford demonstrated a lot of movement, hinting at a strategy that emphasizes evasion and counter-punching. This approach is not new for Crawford, who has often been described as a cautious, chess-playing boxer. Fans who are only familiar with his aggressive style against Errol Spence might be surprised, but Crawford’s aggressive tactics in that fight were a response to a slowed, weight-drained, and car crash-wrecked version of Spence. Typically, Crawford prefers to box, maintain distance, and control the pace of the fight, much like a bigger version of Shakur Stevenson with more power. This cautious, methodical style has often made his fights less exciting for casual viewers, and it’s likely that his bout with Canelo will follow a similar pattern. The key will be whether Crawford can effectively use his movement to stay out of the line of fire from the powerful Alvarez.
Legacy or Money: The Question Looms
Crawford’s decision to move up to 168 pounds without first acclimatizing to the division has sparked a debate among boxing fans and analysts. Many argue that if Crawford were truly fighting for legacy, he would have taken on one of the top contenders at 168 pounds, such as Olsleys Iglesias, Diego Pacheco, or Christian Mbilli. These fights would have allowed him to stay sharp, get used to the heavier weight class, and demonstrate his commitment to the division. Instead, Crawford is choosing to jump directly into a high-stakes bout with Canelo, a move that many see as being driven by financial incentives rather than a genuine desire to prove his greatness. The fact that Crawford plans to leave the 168-pound division after this fight, either to retire or return to 154 pounds, further reinforces the notion that this is a one-off payday rather than a long-term commitment to the super middleweight division.
The Precedent of Jermell Charlo
The precedent set by Jermell Charlo’s fight against Canelo in 2023 offers a cautionary tale for Crawford. Charlo, who moved up 14 pounds to challenge Alvarez, was a bigger, stronger version of Crawford, but he spent most of the fight on the move, running and avoiding engagement after taking some significant early shots from Canelo. The fans were furious, and the fight was widely criticized for its lack of action. If Crawford adopts a similar strategy, it could lead to a similarly disappointing performance. The challenge for Crawford will be to find a balance between staying out of harm’s way and engaging enough to make the fight competitive and entertaining for the pay-per-view audience.
Crawford’s Performance at 154 Pounds
Crawford’s move to 154 pounds from 147 last August against Israil Madrimov did not go as smoothly as many had hoped. Despite his tactical prowess, Crawford did not display the same level of power he is known for, and his face was badly beaten up by the end of the fight. This performance was almost as bad as Vergil Ortiz Jr.’s when he faced Madrimov last Saturday. Ortiz, who is younger and more willing to engage, did a better job of beating Madrimov, but Crawford’s defensive approach still left him vulnerable to significant punishment. This raises concerns about how Crawford will fare against a much larger and more powerful opponent like Canelo, especially if he continues to rely heavily on evasion and counter-punching.
The Future of Crawford’s Career
The upcoming fight with Canelo Alvarez is a pivotal moment in Terence Crawford’s career. If he can pull off an upset, it would cement his status as one of the greatest boxers of his generation. However, if he fails to adapt to the heavier weight class and Canelo’s power, it could be a significant setback. Crawford’s decision to skip the acclimatization process and his plans to leave the 168-pound division after the fight have led many to question his motives. For the fans and the pay-per-view audience, the hope is that Crawford will come to fight rather than run, providing a compelling and action-packed bout. The world will be watching on September 13th to see if Crawford can live up to the hype and prove that this fight is about more than just money.
