“That’s the Excitement”: Describing His Own Experience, Sugar Ray Leonard Warns Terence Crawford of Moving Up in Weight Class to Fight Canelo Alvarez

Terence Crawford has cemented himself as one of the greatest modern-day boxers. But is he as good as the undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez? On one hand ‘Bud’ Crawford is an undefeated boxer who became the first male boxer to attain the undisputed status in two different weight divisions. On the other, Canelo is a title holder in four different weight classes. It begs the question – Does Crawford stand a chance against Canelo?

On paper, Crawford stands a decent chance of winning against Canelo. However, the last pugilist, Jermell Charlo, who ascended weight classes to fight Canelo, met an embarrassing defeat. It’s not just Charlo; even when Amir Khan faced Canelo in a similar manner, he had to taste the canvas. While Crawford is a lot different from Khan and Charlo, what says he wouldn’t meet the same fate? While appearing in a recent interview, former world champion Sugar Ray Lenord warns Terence Crawford about moving up weight divisions while describing his own experience. 

Sugar Ray Leonard feels Terence Crawford vs. Errol Spence Jr. rematch would be any different

During the interview with Fight Hype, the reporter asked Leonard about the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Crawford rematch at 154lbs. Leonard confidently asserted the difference would not be so significant that it would bother Errol. “I don’t think it would be that much or that significant…bothering him,” Leonard told the reporter. 

Leonard went on to share his own experience moving up divisions. “I mean, when I moved up in weight, it did not bother me. But at some point, it does,” said Leonard. Probing further, the reporter questioned Leonard if it would be too much for Crawford to move up to 168 lbs to fight Canelo. Leonard suggested it could be potentially damaging for Crawford but also claimed that’s what is exciting about the potential fight. “Could be, but that’s the excitement,” added Leonard.

Roy Jones Jr. claims Errol Spence Jr. has a better chance as 154lbs

After suffering a devastating loss at the hands of Terence Crawford in July this year, Errol Spence has activated the rematch clause in his contract. There is no confirmation of when the fight could take place, with some experts speculating a 2024 date. However, does Errol Spence stand a chance of winning in the rematch?

Also Read: “I Love Him to Death”: Worried About His Health, Former Heavyweight Champion Hopes Errol Spence Jr. Would Rather Retire Than Rematch Terence Crawford

While appearing in an interview with Seconds Out, Roy Jones Jr. shed light on what could transpire in the rematch. Jones stated, “Now the fight at 54, I think it gives Errol a better chance because he’s more comfortable at 54. I don’t know if it changes the outcome.” Later in the interview, Jones asserted Crawford is still the pound-for-pound the best. “I got ‘Bud’ Crawford as number one,” said Jones. 

With his extensive experience in the sport of boxing, Sugar Ray Lenord has warned Crawford about the dangers of moving up weight classes. However, what happens in the ring is unpredictable. So, only time can tell what will happen, that is, if it happens. Until then, let us know who you think would win.

Watch This Story: Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford Beef