Big fights call for hardcore preparation, and Terence Crawford needs a hefty dose of that to take on Canelo Alvarez. It seems that Crawford’s trainer, Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre, has secured the perfect training partner for Crawford—one capable of priming the Nebraska native for the challenge ahead. The pair is expected to lock horns this September. 

However, this fight can only happen if Canelo first gets past IBF super middleweight champion William Scull first on May 3rd. Regardless, the former undisputed super middleweight champion will be the biggest challenge of Crawford’s career. Canelo is not only a pound-for-pound great like Crawford, but he is also two weight classes above, which gives him the size and power advantage. 

To counter this issue, and get Crawford accustomed to fighting at 168, McIntyre has enlisted the help from his other prospect—drumroll, please—Lester Martinez! The super middleweight hopeful from Guatemala just secured a 4th-round knockout victory over previously undefeated Joeshon James. When asked whether Martinez would be a good training partner for Crawford ahead of the Canelo fight, ‘BoMac’ said, “And we’re definitely gonna use him for sparring.”

Although Crawford doesn’t have much experience fighting in the higher-weight classes, McIntyre seemed unbothered. “No, I’m not worried about size,” the 2023 trainer of the year told Boxing Scene in an interview. “I’m not worried about that. Terence [has] a great eye [for] boxing and a great boxing IQ. The only person who can beat Terence is himself.”

‘BoMac’ admitted that feeling worried is part of being human. Moreover, with Canelo in the picture, it makes sense to be worried. However, “Knowing how Bud is, knowing what he’s capable of doing–and I know he’s doing this for legacy, and he wanted to do this to prove everybody wrong–he’ll be all right.”  With McIntyre’s comments it’s obvious Canelo is Crawford’s biggest challenge, but does ‘BoMac’ agree?

Brian McIntyre reveals plans for Terence Crawford after the Canelo Alvarez fight

Besides Canelo, Crawford’s toughest challenge was easily his 2023 fight against Errol Spence Jr. Although, Crawford looked supernaturally dominant against ‘The Truth.’ Thus, the Boxing Scene reporter pressed Crawford’s trainer on whether Canelo would be a bigger challenge for the two-weight undisputed champion. 

“F**k yeah. Oh yeah. Just look at the level of accomplishments,” the trainer said confidently. However, that wasn’t all! This led the reporter to a controversial question. He asked after the Canelo fight, would Crawford, who is turning 38 soon, hang up his gloves? McIntyre didn’t waste a breath, answering, “F**k yeah. It probably could [be the last one]. It probably could. Yeah. Probably could.”

That said, the Canelo Alvarez fight could very well be Crawford’s last. And to make it a success, his trainer is bringing in the best training partner for Terence Crawford. Now, whether this new training partner helps the Nebraska native win is yet to be seen. However, fans will definitely be waiting. What are your thoughts on the matter?