In the aftermath of Terence Crawford’s narrow unanimous-decision triumph over Israil Madrimov, the boxing world is abuzz with speculation about his future. Crawford, now a four-division champion, has cemented his place in boxing history. However, his performance against Madrimov raises questions about the feasibility of a high-profile showdown with Canelo Alvarez.

Crawford’s Latest Victory and Its Implications

Terence Crawford’s victory on Saturday night at the World Boxing Association junior-middleweight level marks a significant achievement in his illustrious career. The bout against Madrimov was a closely contested affair, with Crawford securing the title through a unanimous decision, with scores of 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113. Despite the win, the fight exposed several vulnerabilities in Crawford’s game, particularly against a fighter as tough as Madrimov.

Crawford’s performance against Madrimov did little to silence doubts about his readiness for a bout with Alvarez, the recently crowned undisputed 168-pound champion. The fight against Madrimov showcased Crawford’s resilience and skill but also highlighted areas where he struggled. For instance, Crawford’s face showed considerable swelling, and he seemed to have difficulty dealing with Madrimov’s power and technique. These issues have led some to question how well he would fare against Alvarez, whose reputation for durability and skill is well established.

The Allure of a Canelo Alvarez Showdown

The prospect of a super-fight between Crawford and Alvarez has long been a tantalising one. Both fighters are highly accomplished, with Crawford’s recent triumph elevating him to the ranks of four-division champions and Alvarez being a formidable presence in the super-middleweight division. Such a match would undoubtedly generate significant interest and financial rewards.

However, the reality of making this fight happen is fraught with challenges. Alalshikh, a prominent figure in Saudi Arabian boxing circles, has previously indicated interest in facilitating such a match. “If he is smart, then he will accept it,” Alalshikh remarked about a potential fight between Alvarez and Crawford. Yet, he has also suggested a more pragmatic alternative: a bout between Crawford and Vergil Ortiz Jr., another rising star in the junior-middleweight division.

Considering Alternative Opponents

Vergil Ortiz Jr. presents a compelling alternative to the Alvarez showdown. Ortiz, who remains undefeated with a record of 21-0 and 21 KOs, is slated to fight for the World Boxing Council 154-pound interim title against Serhii Bohachuk. Ortiz’s interest in a match against Crawford has been clear, as evidenced by his recent call-out on social media.

Ortiz’s trainer, Robert Garcia, has expressed that while Ortiz must focus on his upcoming bout with Bohachuk, he sees value in a fight between Crawford and Ortiz. Garcia mentioned, “Maybe (Crawford’s) performance was not good enough for people to expect him to do very well against Canelo, so maybe (an Ortiz fight) is a good idea.” This sentiment aligns with Crawford’s trainer, Brian McIntyre, who has acknowledged the need for Crawford to refine his skills and address the weaknesses displayed in the Madrimov fight.

Evaluating the Canelo Fight Feasibility

The idea of moving up another weight class to challenge Alvarez is significant. As Madrimov’s performance demonstrated, Crawford struggled with certain aspects of the 154-pound division, particularly against a well-prepared and skilled opponent. Alvarez, who has been a dominant force since 2011 and is preparing for his 66th professional bout, presents a different level of challenge.

McIntyre has noted that fighting Alvarez would require Crawford to improve his physical conditioning and movement, particularly side-to-side agility. “If the money is right, you gotta fight,” Crawford remarked post-fight, reflecting his willingness to pursue high-profile bouts for the right financial incentive. However, as boxing experts suggest, the allure of a match against Alvarez may be diminished if Crawford’s recent performances do not instil confidence in his ability to compete at the highest level.

As Eddie Hearn, sometimes an advisor for Alvarez, pointed out, “To me, 168’s a huge jump.” The jump from 154 to 168 pounds is considerable, and Crawford’s difficulties against Madrimov only highlight the potential challenges of such a move.

In conclusion, while a fight between Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez would undoubtedly be a marquee event in boxing, several factors complicate its feasibility. Crawford’s recent performance has cast some doubt on his readiness for such a high-profile bout, making alternative fights, such as a match against Vergil Ortiz Jr., a more realistic prospect for the immediate future.