Crawford’s Resilience and Media Skepticism
Terence Crawford, the undefeated welterweight champion with an impressive record of 41-0 and 31 knockouts, is no stranger to the skepticism that often accompanies his career decisions. As he contemplates moving up two weight classes to challenge the unified super middleweight champion, Canelo Alvarez, Crawford feels a familiar breeze of media doubt. He sees parallels between this situation and the skepticism he faced before his bout with Errol Spence Jr. in 2023. Then, the media questioned whether Crawford, despite his stellar reputation, could handle a bigger, more physically imposing opponent. Crawford not only silenced those doubts but delivered a masterclass performance that solidified his status as one of the best fighters of his generation. Now, as he looks to face Canelo at 168 pounds, the media’s doubts are once again at the forefront. Their skepticism, Crawford believes, is premature and underestimates his ability to adapt and excel.
“Never Been Done Before?”
Crawford’s assertion that it’s "never been done before" where a “great” fighter moves up two divisions to defeat another “great” fighter is a bold claim, but one that he stands firmly behind. He cites his victory over Spence, a fighter known for his size and power, as proof of his capability. However, this argument has been met with skepticism, and for good reason. Critics point to the historical triumph of Sugar Ray Leonard, who moved from welterweight to middleweight to defeat Marvin Hagler in 1987. Leonard’s resume, brimming with wins over legends like Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Wilfried Benitez, and Floyd Mayweather Sr., is a stark contrast to Crawford’s more limited record. Leonard’s achievements in multiple weight classes and his ability to consistently dominate opponents of various sizes are often used as a benchmark for greatness. Crawford’s claim, while ambitious, is seen by many as a stretch given his narrower range of elite opposition.
Greatness Defined
The concept of greatness in boxing is often measured by the quality and diversity of one’s opponents, as well as the manner in which victories are secured. In the first four years of his career, from 1977 to 1981, Sugar Ray Leonard built a resume that few modern fighters can match. He faced and defeated the likes of Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Wilfried Benitez, and Floyd Mayweather Sr., each a formidable opponent in their own right. Crawford’s career, while exceptional, has been relatively sheltered in comparison. His primary claim to fame, the win over Errol Spence Jr., came under unique circumstances. Spence, who had suffered a catastrophic car accident and was struggling with weight issues at the time, was a far cry from the invincible champion he once was. This victory, while undoubtedly significant, does not provide a clear or fair comparison to the challenges Crawford will face against Canelo Alvarez, a fighter who is at the peak of his powers and has consistently performed at the highest levels.
Media Doubts and Crawford’s Response
The media’s doubts about Crawford’s ability to defeat Canelo Alvarez are multifaceted. They stem from several key factors: chronic inactivity, the significant weight jump, a poor showing in his last bout, his advancing age of 38, and the perception that he is fighting for money rather than legacy. Crawford acknowledges these concerns but remains unfazed. He is determined to prove that his skills and experience can overcome the physical advantages Canelo possesses. In a recent interview with Ring Magazine, Crawford stated, “My thought process about moving up two divisions is doing something that has never been done before. These are the things they said about Spence. We don’t know what to expect with Crawford because we’ve never seen Crawford at this weight before. We’ve never seen Crawford take a punch from a bigger guy like Canelo. We know Crawford can box and move, but can he take a punch?” Despite the media’s doubts, Crawford is confident in his ability to adapt and perform at the super middleweight level.
Chronic Inactivity and Tune-Up Concerns
One of the most significant concerns the media has about Crawford’s readiness for this fight is his chronic inactivity. Crawford has not fought consistently over the past few years, and his most recent bout did not showcase the level of dominance fans and critics have come to expect from him. Additionally, Crawford’s decision to take a tune-up fight at 168 pounds before facing Canelo has raised eyebrows. Some see this as a veteran boxer trying to ease his way back into the ring, while others view it as a strategic move to build confidence and conditioning. However, the tuning-up does little to assuage concerns about Crawford’s ability to handle the power and pace of a fight with Canelo, who is known for his relentless pressure and devastating punches. Crawford’s inactivity and the perceived lack of preparation add to the doubts about his readiness for such a high-stakes match.
A Legacy-Chasing Bout?
Another point of contention is the motivation behind Crawford’s decision to fight Canelo. Critics argue that Crawford is more interested in the financial rewards of the fight than in building his legacy. At 38, Crawford is at a stage in his career where the temptation of a large payday can be significant. However, Canelo Alvarez, who is younger and still actively pursuing his own legacy, presents a daunting challenge. If Crawford is indeed fighting primarily for financial gain, the quality of his performance and the outcome of the fight could be clouded by this perception. A victory that lacks the excitement and dominance of his previous bouts would do little to enhance his reputation. Instead, it could be seen as a controversial win, especially if Crawford resorts to a defensive, hit-and-run strategy similar to that of Floyd Mayweather Jr., who is known for his effective but often unexciting tactics.
Crawford’s Blueprint and Controversial Outcomes
If Crawford does manage to win the fight against Canelo, there is a strong possibility that it will be a controversial victory. Many expect Crawford to follow the Mayweather blueprint, which involves a lot of movement, defensive maneuvers, and holding. This style, while effective, can often make fights less exciting and can lead to contentious decisions. If Canelo is the one doing the majority of the pressing and landing the harder shots, a win for Crawford could be seen as undeserved and may sour the perception of his achievement. The boxing world is hungry for exciting, action-packed fights, and a defensive approach, especially from a fighter as talented as Crawford, could be disappointing. Crawford is aware of this, but he remains focused on the task at hand, determined to prove his critics wrong and write his own chapter in boxing history.
In summary, Terence Crawford’s decision to challenge Canelo Alvarez at super middleweight is met with significant media skepticism, rooted in his past inactivity, the substantial weight jump, and the unique circumstances surrounding his Spence victory. While Crawford is confident in his abilities and driven to achieve the unprecedented, the boxing world will be watching closely to see if he can live up to his own lofty standards and those of his legendary predecessors.
