Is a fight between Canelo ALvarez and Bud Crawford a real possibility?

By: Sean Crose

One is generally a super middleweight. The other moved up in weight to become a super welterweight. Why, then, are some so eager to see Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Terence “Bud” Crawford throw their hats into the ring? After all, it wouldn’t be anything new. Canelo and Crawford are active fighters, both slightly away from the zeniths of their careers, if at all. At first glance, the whole thing seems like a case of David and Goliath, and with the exception of David’s case, Goliath generally loses in these situations. Generally. In truth, a fight between Canelo and Crawford could be closer than you might think at first glance.

Let’s start with the fact that Canelo fought Floyd Mayweather in the super welterweight realm. Crawford would likely move up to middleweight if a fight with Canelo occurred. And Canelo probably had his greatest success as a middleweight. Cutting weight may not be optimal for Canelo, but Crawford’s weight gain risks him losing the speed and power that are part of Crawford’s repertoire. Viewed objectively, a Canelo-Crawford pitch likely wouldn’t show either of them at their best. Yet that would probably make the fight more competitive.

However, while the prospect of Bud and Canelo stepping into the ring is enticing, it’s worth asking exactly how enticing this might all be for fans. People have wanted to see Canelo fight the frighteningly powerful David Benavidez for ages now. Additionally, some may be interested in seeing the red-haired star fight light heavyweight dynamo Dmitry Bivol again. Canelo lost the first fight. Perhaps there is still a sense of unfinished business among Canelo’s huge fan base. In other words, Canelo has several options ahead of him.

Crawford doesn’t have the options that Canelo has, but the reality is that neither of them should really have to work again unless they want to. Canelo was the face of boxing for much of the post-Mayweather era, while Crawford secured his legendary status when he dominated and then stopped fellow American Errol Spence in a contest for welterweight supremacy. However, there is always the allure of another great fight. And Canelo-Crawford would definitely be a great fight. It may not go as far as attracting casual fans, but it would certainly attract a good percentage of the sport’s regular fan base. And that would definitely make it a financial success.