Some diehards may find it discomforting. If one goes by what Mike Coppinger updated, then it will be a nearly 12-month layoff for Terence Crawford. The two-division undisputed champion is back on track to create history. After much confusion, the face-off with Canelo Alvarez has been scheduled for September in Las Vegas. Things may change in the interim. However, as of now, it appears that, between the two, Canelo may step into the ring well-prepared.

As part of his new four-fight deal with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, the Mexican icon will fight IBF champion William Scull on May 3. So if he defeats Canelo, Crawford stands a chance to become the first three-division undisputed champion among men! But before that happens, will he take up a tune-up or, for that matter, even a regular bout? For the time, it doesn’t seem likely. Closing the three-weight gap between him and Canelo, Crawford moved to 154 pounds last year and defeated Israil Madrimov to clinch the interim title. Much larger questions remain: if he chooses a stopgap duel, how’s that going to help? Will he pick someone who matches Canelo’s physique and style?

Terence Crawford: Holding off on his next bout

Mike Coppinger shed some light on Canelo Alvarez’s upcoming schedule. Beginning with the Cinco de Mayo fight, the new deal will see Canelo facing Terence Crawford on September 13. A potential rematch with Dmitry Bivol and lineups against Hamzah Sheeraz or Chris Eubank Jr. are also in consideration for the remaining matches slated for 2026. What makes the venture so intriguing is that barring the Crawford square-up, the remaining three fights could take place in boxing’s new capital, Saudi Arabia.

“Canelo Alvarez will fight outside North America for the first time with a May 3 bout vs. William Scull in Riyadh,” said Mike Coppinger. Perhaps to maximize viewership, the timing has been arranged so that the fight airs during prime-time hours in the U.S. Like many fans, Coppinger also believes that Canelo will face Crawford as an undisputed champion again.

The message was bound to raise curiosity. One of the users checked for Terence Crawford’s schedule: “So who will Crawford fight before September?” “He won’t,” responded Mike Coppinger, thus sparking a fresh line of commentary. One fan even asked whether Crawford’s supposed decision to wait till September sounded like a prudent move, to which Coppinger replied that he’s a “big believer in activity…”

Does that seem like the right call?

On his part, the Nebraskan southpaw sounded quite confident as he wished his opponent. “Good luck @Canelo in your next fight. I’m looking forward to becoming a 3x Undisputed Champion. 😉”

It is often said an active boxer is the best boxer. Consistency remains the key. Reports suggest that the Canelo fight has been scheduled for September 13. It means since his last fight that took place on August 3 of last year, it will be a 13-month break for Terence Crawford. Given the stakes involved, it presents a discouraging scenario. Longtime trainer ‘BoMac’ McIntyre had in the past shared that Crawford often tests himself against larger opponents. But will that be sufficient, especially when he’s about to face someone like Canelo Alvarez?

Do you think, ahead of the momentous duel with Canelo, we’ll soon hear news about Crawford entering a stay-busy fight?