Why Canelo vs. Bud Crawford is the fight boxing needs

Per Gary Cromie: Boxing fans, prepare for a hypothetical showdown of epic proportions: Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence “Bud” Crawford. Although this fight has not been confirmed, the very possibility of it happening in 2025 has stirred up the boxing world. This match is not just a daydream; it is the most compelling and intriguing fight in boxing today.

The story of the tape

First, let’s talk size and skill. Canelo Álvarez, the Mexican powerhouse, usually fights around 168 pounds and became the undisputed king at 168 before being stripped by the IBF in July 2024. He is known for his brute strength, iron chin, clever counterpunching and will to win. On the other hand, Bud Crawford, the welterweight maestro and two-time undisputed champion, showed that he can make a splash at heavier weights such as 154, where he took the belt from the highly skilled and unorthodox Madrimov in a chess match that had die-hard fans drooling. Bud has now won championship belts in four different weight classes, 135, 140, 147 and 154, and dares to dream at 168.

Crawford’s clean living and strict discipline mean his age (currently 37) is just a number. Unlike others who get high between fights, Bud stays lean, mean and always ready to get in the ring. Fighting around 160-163 pounds for Bud would make him stronger while maintaining his speed advantage against Canelo. Canelo’s recent struggles have seen him become a hard-hitting player with a questionable single-punch motor — a fact exposed by Bivol, who schooled him in the art of the stick and the move. Don’t forget, Canelo couldn’t knock out Munguia or Berlanga despite knocking them down and both of those fighters were considered easy tasks for the Mexican, and many pundits were right when they said they were the best choices.

Experts weigh in

When it comes to the opinions of the boxing intelligentsia, many believe that Crawford has the tools to take down Canelo. Teddy Atlas, a fiery trainer-turned-commentator, praises Crawford’s in-ring IQ and adaptability, saying, “Crawford can fight any style and adapt on the fly. It’s a nightmare for Canelo.”

Andre Ward, a master strategist in his own right, sees Crawford’s versatility as key. “Bud’s ability to change stances and control distance gives him an edge,” says Ward.

Stephen “Breadman” Edwards praises Bud’s ability to control distance and dictate pace. He comments, “Crawford’s general post is second to none. He knows how to control the pace of the fight.”

Tim Bradley adds: “Bud’s work ethic and his ability to stay fit all year will give Canelo problems. He will not tire.”

And let’s not forget Errol Spence Jr., who publicly said, “If Bud were to fight Canelo, I’d pick Bud because there’s nothing he can’t do when he sets his mind to it – he’s special.”

Canelo’s Excuses: A Comedy of Errors

Now let’s dive into Canelo’s treasury of excuses for avoiding Buddha. First, he claims Crawford is “too small.” Really, Canelo? The same Bud who moved up the weight class with ease? It’s also a bit rich, coming from someone who fought at cruiserweight, weighs around 200 pounds, but is only 5ft 7in – the same height as Bud. Saying Crawford is too small to fight at 168 is like saying a giraffe can’t reach high branches – completely absurd.

Then there’s the classic “Crawford isn’t hot enough.” Keep the canned laughter. Bud’s recent fights have drawn huge crowds, proving that he is a star in his own right, but throughout his career he has been shunned and marginalized – especially by the PBC. Saying that Bud isn’t a big draw is like saying that people don’t watch the Super Bowl because of the commercials – complete nonsense.

Canelo’s past with David Benavidez is even funnier. From claiming that Benavidez didn’t “earn” the shot (as if knocking out opponent after opponent wasn’t enough) to hiding behind the WBC’s protection racket, Canelo’s reluctance smacks of the WBC’s milkman. Maurice Sulaiman and his crew must have spoiled their golden goose, making sure he was safe and sound from any real threat, and, in my opinion, turned the man into an insufferable Diva.

The question of inheritance

Canelo often talks about his legacy, but what does it really entail? A series of carefully curated fights that avoid real competition – Buffalo aside? History does not remember ducks and dodges; it remembers warriors. Crawford, on the other hand, deals with inheritance. He is ready to step into the lion’s den, take on the biggest challenges and come out victorious. Canelo seems to have one foot out the door, no longer wanting to challenge the best, instead content to make money fighting lesser men.

Tactics and scoring

For Bud to win, it’s all about tactics. His speed and footwork can frustrate Canelo, off balance and his inability to lift his feet for those powerful punches. Crawford’s jab, combined with his ability to switch stances, can create angles that Canelo hasn’t faced before. Bud’s best bet is to stick and move, landing clean shots and avoiding lengthy exchanges. Over the course of 12 rounds, this approach could see Crawford outmaneuver Canelo, win a points decision and prove that skill and strategy trumps raw power.

The grand finale

In conclusion, this fight is what clash boxing fans deserve. Crawford is the challenger ready to shake things up, while Canelo seems more interested in maintaining his comfortable, carefully managed status. If Canelo continues to avoid Bud, he risks his legacy being tarnished not by losses but by missed opportunities. Enter Turki Al-Sheikh, a man who likes to make the best fight the best. Love him or hate him, Turki has the resources to draw Canelo into the ring. Despite their declining careers, a fight between Canelo and Crawford would be compelling and lucrative. So hopefully Canelo will stop hiding and accept the challenge. If not, well, I’ll be here, laughing at his latest excuses.

Until then, let’s keep dreaming about this potential showdown and hope it becomes a reality. In the world of boxing, the battles we don’t see often leave the biggest questions.