Terence Crawford finally defeated Canelo Alvarez! He scored a knockout win over the Mexican superstar. Relax. The Nebraskan didn’t score his forty-second win in real life. It all happened in the simulated universe of ‘Undisputed’, the boxing video game. Had it happened for real, it would likely have been one of the greatest upsets of all time, with fans leaping from their seats and causing an uproar in the streets.

But as one of the most anticipated clashes of recent times, that is what the fight appears to many. Sadly, the way pieces are spread out across the chess board, chances of the fight materializing appear dim, at least for the time being. At various forums, Canelo Alvarez has often had to defend his stance on the fight. However, it appears a bit of heat is now being directed at Terence Crawford too. Why? After all, he is the one climbing up divisions to chase the fight. But there seems a discourse that the light middleweight champion might be in the game for the big moolah. So what should Crawford do? Exasperated, he had to make his standpoint clear. If that was all about money, then there are plenty of channels for him to milk, even one in the $100 million neighborhood.

Terence Crawford refutes suggestions that payday is paramount to him over legacy

“If I needed a payday, I would have taken the @TheNotoriousMMA 2 fight deal, don’t you think?” asked Terence Crawford. He was pointing towards the revelation that has garnered considerable attention. It started with Conor McGregor‘s viral outburst at the Duelbits live stream. 

https://twitter.com/terencecrawford/status/1843457759116919034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

UFC’s former two-division champion shared how, following their meeting at Wembley Stadium for the Antony Joshua–Daniel Dubois fight, he reached out to Terence Crawford for a two-fight deal—one boxing and one MMA. However, the former undisputed boxing champion didn’t seem too inclined towards the prospect.

So Crawford further added, “Yall people say anything to come up with some crazy stuff.” Then tagging Canelo Alvarez, he made it clear—the Mexican icon is free to pick his fights. Nevertheless, a few users did not take too kindly with Crawford’s explanation. One fan remarked, “You most definitely would have taken the fight if the MMA fight was not included.” But the light middleweight champion promptly shot back, stating that if he was genuinely interested only in money, then he would have given the go-ahead for both boxing and MMA fights against Conor McGregor instead of sticking with just one discipline for his convenience.​

Nevertheless, the prospective fight between Crawford and Alvarez remains a possibility.

Efforts underway

It’s been some time since the discourse on the Alvarez-Crawford fight commenced. From the time he defeated Errol Spence Jr. last year, Terence Crawford made it explicit that it is the Canelo fight he’s looking forward to. Even a clash with then-divisional mate Jaron Ennis failed to entice him. But on the other hand, already facing flak for his stance on the David Benavidez fight, Canelo Alvarez made it clear: $150 million is the only way to sway his mind to fight Crawford.

Money aside from his domain, the welterweight, Terence Crawford climbed up a division this year. Many deem it an attempt to bridge the gap towards 168 pounds. A fight with Canelo Alvarez remains an optimistic possibility. Time alone will tell whether the Mexican champion finally assents to the match or not. But will ‘Bud’ Crawford make a move to yet another division? The step might make his argument more potent.

Concerns and side issues apart do you feel that Terence Crawford has the ability to stop Canelo Alvarez in the ring?