“I Doubt…”: Fans in Disbelief Over Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford Being in Talks for a December Fight

Fans might want to see Canelo Alvarez fight David Benavidez. But as it appears, it is a fight with Terence Crawford that may receive the opportunity instead. Most fans remember that in the lead-up to the Cinco de Mayo fight, along with Benavidez and a few others, Crawford’s name appeared on the list of potential opponents against Alvarez. Now, per the available reports, his excellency Turki Alalshikh has reportedly stepped in to bring in two of the biggest names in modern boxing for an epic bout.

Nearly a year after he defeated Errol Spence Jr., Terence Crawford will step into the ring in August to begin a fresh campaign in the 154-pound weight class. Likewise, Canelo Alvarez should return by September for the year’s second match. So per the report shared by talkSPORT‘s Michael Benson, HE Turki Alalshikh is seemingly looking for either a year-end clash or in the first month of the new year.

Terence Crawford vs. Canelo Alvarez: Wishes to Reality

Citing ESPN as the source, Michael Benson wrote, “Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford is being potentially eyed for December/January by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh: “I’m working to deliver [Canelo], but it will be a big fight [for Crawford]. I’ll discuss the names with him.”

Soon after he became the first male two-division undisputed champion, ‘Bud’ Crawford sounded the bugle. Speaking at ‘The Breakfast Club’ he suggested a catchweight fight. “We can do something at a catchweight,” Crawford said about his fight with Alvarez. He further added, saying, “Probably 160 or something, 158. Yeah, 158, 160, that would be cool,” said the Nebraskan southpaw.

No one doubts the skills and determination of Terence Crawford. However, the weight gap remains the major impediment. The chances of Canelo Alvarez cutting down on weight remain slim. Hence, it bounces back on the welterweight champion to leap upward. Incidentally, he’s already doing that, as he takes on Israil Madrimov on August 3.

Listen to the Popular Sentiments Too

The personal involvement of HE Turki Alalshikh seems to have added a new variable to the equation. Many still harked back to the much-sought-after Benavidez fight. For some, the weight issue with Crawford remains a glaring sore point. But then a few didn’t hesitate to predict the outcome of the match.

This user doesn’t appear too enthused by the news. According to them, no one would buy a fight between a welterweight and a super middleweight boxer. In a scenario where a match takes place, the user posited that if Canelo Alvarez knocks down Terence Crawford, many would turn up with the ready excuse that the latter was way too small against the Mexican superstar. According to the user, it is the Alvarez versus David Benavidez fight that matters.

The next one seems doubtful about whether the fight will take place per the schedule specified. Alvarez already has a fight in September. Crawford, in the meantime, seems intent on becoming an undisputed champion in a third division. Like the previous user, this user also vouches for the Alvarez-Benavidez clash.

Another follower seems strictly opposed to the idea. According to them, there are reasons why weight classes are established. The sheer gap of three weight classes sounds preposterous. The follower would rather be happy if ‘Bud’ unified the 154-pound division. He can gain more fame by taking such a measure.

This user finds climbing three divisions to be an uphill task for Crawford. But skill-wise, they rate him better than Alvarez. Hence, he has a better chance if a fight takes place, most probably by a decision.

However, the next one differs. They believe that Canelo Alvarez will win the fight with a seventh-round knockout. But even they would rather see him take on either David Benavidez or David Morrell.

On his part, reportedly, Canelo Alvarez himself appears quite apprehensive about the match with Terence Crawford. Speaking on ‘Box Azteca’, when asked about a clash with ‘Bud’, the super middleweight king declined to proceed with the prospect.

According to him, it will become a fight where “I have everything to lose and nothing to gain because if I win, they’ll say, ‘Oh, he was too small, and everything!” However, with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh himself showing such a keen interest, the likelihood of the momentous Alvarez-Crawford clash becoming a reality grows stronger than before.

What’s your take on the Alvarez-Crawford context? Please share your views with us in the comments below.