After long last, a fight between four-division champion Terence Crawford and former undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez is finally on the table. In the meantime, the latest reports suggest that the Nebraska-born technician may end up fighting someone else for a tune-up fight before squaring off against Canelo. 

‘Bud’ has been pushing for the Canelo fight since his win over Errol Spence Jr. in 2023, claiming he is willing to move up to 168 pounds to make it happen. Last year, when Crawford fought Israil Madrimov to acquire a belt in the fourth weight class, Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh reached out to Canelo for the fight but talks seemingly fell apart. 

However, Canelo and Crawford have since opened doors for their potential skirmish, and significant progress has been made toward seeing the duo in the ring. According to the latest report from ESPN, both parties are close to reaching a deal to have their much-talked-about fight later this year. Interestingly, the fight is being eyed for September in Las Vegas.

Before that, a report from Pound4Pound on X suggests that Crawford may take on a tune-up fight to oil his gears. “As a tune-up for the Canelo fight Crawford might be fighting Sergiy Derevyanchenko at 168,” they wrote. It’s worth noting that Crawford appeared against Madrimov at 154 pounds last year, which was his first fight in the division. 

Many believed he didn’t look as good as he used to in lower-weight classes, meaning ‘Bud’ would be at a disadvantage in the Canelo Alvarez fight. The fight is expected to be at 168 pounds without a rehydration clause. 

The rumors of Crawford taking a tune-up fight make a lot of sense because the report from ESPN suggests Canelo may enter a three-fight deal with the Saudis. Canelo may even return in May, having previously been asked to face his IBF mandatory William Scull, who currently holds the IBF super middleweight title. Meanwhile, a former four-division titleholder has shared his verdict on the potential fight. 

Mikey Garcia is not convinced Terence Crawford could beat Canelo Alvarez

Mikey Garcia has expressed doubts about Terence Crawford’s chances against Canelo Alvarez in a potential super middleweight clash. While Garcia acknowledges Crawford’s exceptional skills, calling him “one of the best fighters” he’s seen, he believes the size difference would be too much for Crawford to overcome.

“Canelo ain’t gonna come down to 160. Maybe 166, maximum, if he accepts. I think Canelo wins that fight based on just the size – the power and size,” Garcia told Fight Hub TV. He added, “Skills-wise, I think Crawford is a better-skilled fighter. But the difference in size will be the deciding factor.”

Garcia suggested both fighters pursue different paths, urging Alvarez to face Artur Beterbiev or Dmitry Bivol at 175 and Crawford to remain at 154. “Crawford doesn’t need to fight Canelo. He can just fight other guys at 154,” Garcia concluded, casting doubt on the fight’s competitive balance.

That said, even though the potential fight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford is heading in the right direction, it might not be the next fight for the duo. Crawford may very well try to get in the ring to experience what fighting at 168 pounds feels like. Do you think Canelo would prove too much for Crawford?