Terence Crawford’s Remarkable Transformation
Terence Crawford, the former multiple-division world champion, has undergone a significant transformation as he prepares for his highly anticipated bout against unified super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez on September 13th. Recent videos posted by Israil Madrimov, who met with Crawford, reveal a visibly larger fighter, possibly weighing in the 180s. This bulking up is a strategic move as Crawford aims to challenge Canelo, who holds multiple titles at 168 lbs. Crawford’s bulk-up is not just a matter of visual change; it’s a calculated attempt to gain an edge over the formidable Alvarez. However, the size difference between Crawford and his peers, such as Madrimov, is striking, and it raises questions about the practicality and potential drawbacks of such a rapid weight gain.
Crawford’s Size: A Double-Edged Sword
Crawford’s newfound size puts him in an interesting position. He is already larger than Canelo, and at this rate, he might even consider moving up to 175 lbs to challenge the winner of the Artur Beterbeiv vs. Dmitry Bivol fight. However, this size increase doesn’t automatically translate to increased power or agility. In fact, it could have the opposite effect. Crawford’s fight against ‘Little GGG’ Madrimov last August, where he looked smaller and weaker, serves as a cautionary tale. Despite his recent weight gain, Crawford’s power didn’t necessarily carry over from 147 to 154 lbs. He took a lot of punishment from Madrimov’s right hands and looked like the lesser fighter. This brings up the concern that the additional weight might slow him down and make him more vulnerable to Canelo’s powerful punches.
The Fairness of Jumping Queues
The situation raises ethical questions in the sport of boxing. Crawford’s move to challenge Canelo for his super middleweight titles without ever fighting in the division is unprecedented and controversial. It’s akin to a baseball player jumping from the minor leagues directly to the World Series without ever playing in the majors. Crawford has no experience at 168 lbs, yet he is being given a straight shot at the title. This bypassing of the usual contenders and the lack of experience in the division is unfair to the other fighters who have worked hard to earn their shots. Turki Alalshikh, the promoter who helped Crawford secure the Canelo fight, should insist that Crawford earn his title shots through legitimate means rather than handing them out. The integrity of the sport demands that fighters earn their place through hard work and fair competition.
The Challenges Ahead
If Crawford has to work for his title shot, he would face formidable opponents like Osleys Iglesias, Diego Pacheco, and Christian Mbilli. These fighters are known for their skill and toughness, and they would not make it easy for Crawford. His recent weight gain might not be enough to overcome the technical and physical challenges posed by these contenders. Crawford’s age, 38, and his reduced fight frequency since 2020 add to the difficulty. A 38-year-old fighter who has been fighting just once a year will struggle to keep up with the speed and power of younger, more active opponents. The journey to a title shot should be a test of a fighter’s skill, resilience, and determination, not a shortcut to fame and fortune.
The Impact of Age and Weight
Age and weight are critical factors in boxing. Crawford’s recent bulking up might make him look more imposing, but it could also slow him down. At 38, his body might not handle the stress of carrying extra weight as well as it did in his prime. This could leave him vulnerable to Canelo’s powerful punches. Unlike some younger fighters who can rehydrate to much higher weights, Crawford is unlikely to rehydrate to the 193 lbs that Edgr Berlanga managed. This means he will have to fight at a weight that is not optimal for his age and experience, making it even harder to withstand the punishment from Canelo. The combination of age and weight could be a significant disadvantage for Crawford in the ring.
A Call for Fair Play and Integrity
In the end, boxing is a sport that demands respect for the rules and the hard work of all fighters. Crawford’s rapid weight gain and the unusual path to a title shot against Canelo raise serious concerns about the fairness and integrity of the sport. While it’s understandable that promoters want to create exciting matchups and lucrative fights, they should not come at the cost of the sport’s credibility. Turki Alalshikh and other promoters should insist that fighters earn their title shots through legitimate means, ensuring that the best athletes compete for the top honors. This will not only make the sport more credible but also more exciting and fair for all participants.
