Terence Crawford has a task at hand. He will have to find a dance partner ASAP. Come September, he will face Canelo Alvarez. So he has to prepare. Crawford’s last bout took place on August 3 last year. It will be a 13-month layoff if he proceeds to the Canelo fight straight off. To many fans, that’s a disaster in waiting.

And fans didn’t mince words when they came across Terence Crawford’s latest video. In a strict sense, the fight with Canelo received a new lease on life. After months of back-and-forth, early in January, things moved in a positive direction and reached a point where it appeared the Canelo-Crawford fight was a done deal. But the situation changed overnight, and Jake Paul‘s name cropped up in place of Crawford. Thankfully, HE Turki Alalshikh pulled the strings. Canelo and ‘Bud’ Crawford were back on track to create a memorable epic. But Crawford’s apparent lack of activity appears to have become a concern for many. On the other hand, to reclaim his undisputed championship, Canelo will be off to face William Scull on the Cinco de Mayo weekend in Riyadh.

Terence Crawford: Message misfire

The Ring Magazine shared footage featuring Terence Crawford. “What’s up, y’all? I’m looking forward to being undisputed in September. Let’s get it. It’s work time,” said the first two-division undisputed champion among men. Concerns about the weight gap between Canelo and Crawford already occupied the general discourse. Going by the latest footage where Crawford revealed his current weight – 186 lbs – at least that problem may have been tackled.

But what to do about the ring activity? Shouldn’t Crawford fight someone with a walking weight matching Canelo? Ahead of the big challenge that lies ahead, he will get some experience. His last fight occurred at 154 lbs; that’s still two weight classes down. So Crawford may have a lot to catch up with.

Many fans felt likewise. Let’s check what some of them had to say.

Make sure you’re set on time!

This fan dropped in the big question: “So is Bud just gunna sit idle while Canelo gets a fight in?” A thirteen-month break is a long time in boxing. Things change rapidly. Hence, to keep the skills sharp, it’s imperative for fighters to stay active.

The next one echoed similar sentiments. “Shouldn’t he get a quick tune-up at 168 instead of waiting? Might as well get used to the weight,” they said. If not at 168, at least an attempt at 160 pounds does make sense.

And it continued. “Isn’t he having a tune-up at 168?” asked this user. Given Canelo’s stance and basis in several reports, the September showdown will take place at 168 pounds. Hence, Crawford could utilize the time in between to get ready.

This follower traveled back to a bygone era. They said, “Remember when boxers had more than 2 fights a year? September 😴.” For Canelo, it may not matter. He has been following the pattern for some time now. This year itself, after Scull, he will meet Crawford. So he remains a competitive boxer. On the other hand, since 2020, Crawford has by and large stuck with the one-fight-per-year format.

This fan minced no words. “Crawford should be forced to fight in May at 160 lb. or 168 lb., for no room for excuses,” they said. Great tasks demand great effort. Perhaps it’s time Crawford stepped up for the occasion.

It’s good to voice concerns. However, one should be cognizant of the workarounds involving an interim fight.

A title fight against WBA middle champion Erislandy Lara may sound prudent. Crawford already holds the sanctioning body’s 154-pound belt. A win over the Cuba-born southpaw could strengthen Crawford’s case.

Do you think it won’t take much before Crawford’s team will make adjustments and rope in a tune-up before he embarks on the historic duel?