Terence Crawford is preparing for a monumental challenge: a two-division jump to face Canelo Alvarez later this year. Crawford, already an undisputed champion in two weight classes and a titleholder in four divisions, will need to gain approximately 14 pounds to compete at super middleweight. This move has drawn comparisons to the legendary career of Roy Jones Jr., who understands better than anyone what it takes to move up weight classes and make history.
Jones, a boxing icon, began his professional career as a middleweight and steadily climbed the ranks, capturing titles at super middleweight, light heavyweight, and even heavyweight. His ability to adapt his fighting style while maintaining his speed and power against larger opponents cemented his legacy as one of the greatest pound-for-pound boxers in history.
Canelo Alvarez, one of the most dominant fighters of his generation, presents a formidable challenge. The Mexican superstar has never been knocked down and is rarely seen hurt in the ring. With an impressive record of 60-2-2, including an undefeated streak at 168 pounds, Canelo’s only losses came against Floyd Mayweather at 152 pounds and Dmitry Bivol at 175 pounds.
Roy Jones Jr.’s prediction
Speaking to the media about the fight, Jones emphasized that the outcome largely depends on Canelo’s performance and made a bold prediction about the result. “It’s Canelo’s fight to lose,” Jones said, highlighting the pressure on the Mexican superstar to deliver.
Edgar Berlanga (R) punches WBC/WBA/WBO super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez during the sixth round of a title fight at T-Mobile Arena on September 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)
The stage for an epic showdown
The highly anticipated fight is scheduled for September in Las Vegas, and Crawford plans to remain inactive until then. Canelo, meanwhile, will stay busy with a bout against William Scull, where he will aim to become a two-time undisputed super middleweight champion.
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Canelo vs Crawford: Legacy on the line
This fight promises to be a clash of titans, where strategy, adaptability, and sheer willpower will determine the winner. For Crawford, it’s an opportunity to cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats. For Canelo, it’s a chance to further solidify his dominance in the super middleweight division.
The boxing world is eagerly awaiting this showdown, which could redefine the legacies of both fighters and deliver one of the most memorable fights in recent history.
