Terence Crawford recently shared his desire to fight Canelo Alvarez at 168 pounds on social media, citing his goal to showcase his greatness to the world. However, this explanation has not been well-received by fans, who perceive Crawford as being motivated by greed and self-interest. Rather than seeking to solidify his legacy through challenging opponents, Crawford’s focus appears to be solely on securing a lucrative payday before retiring from the sport.
Fans are skeptical of Crawford’s intentions, viewing his pursuit of the Canelo fight as a means to pad his retirement fund without taking on the risk of facing formidable opponents like David Benavidez, David Morrell Jr., or Osleys Iglesias. Both Crawford and Benavidez have failed to capture Canelo’s interest in the past, primarily due to their low selling power and lack of significant accomplishments in the ring. To earn the right to face Canelo, Crawford must first prove himself against worthy adversaries.
To elevate his status and increase his chances of securing a showdown with Canelo, Crawford should consider engaging in a mini-tournament format in the super middleweight division. A matchup against Benavidez could serve as a stepping stone, with the victor then facing the winner of the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol contest. This tournament structure would ensure that the most deserving contender emerges to challenge Canelo, emphasizing the importance of earning one’s shot at greatness.
In order to prove his worth and demonstrate his readiness for a clash with Canelo, Crawford must be prepared to face tough opponents such as Benavidez, Morrell, Iglesias, and the Beterbiev vs. Bivol winner. These fights will test Crawford’s skills, resilience, and determination to succeed at the highest level of the sport. By overcoming these challenges, Crawford can establish himself as a legitimate contender for Canelo’s titles and earn the respect of fans and critics alike.
While Crawford remains fixed on the idea of facing Canelo and asserting his greatness, it may be beneficial for him to consider alternative paths to achieving his goals. Rather than fixating on a fight that may never materialize, Crawford could showcase his willingness to pass the torch to the next generation by taking on rising star Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. Embracing this new challenge could help Crawford transition from a seasoned veteran to a mentor figure, paving the way for future stars to emerge in the sport.
Terence Crawford’s pursuit of a showdown with Canelo Alvarez reflects his ambition to leave a lasting impact on the boxing world. However, his approach to achieving this goal has been met with skepticism and criticism from fans who question his motives. By reevaluating his strategy, engaging in meaningful competition, and exploring new opportunities for growth, Crawford can redefine his legacy and truly demonstrate the greatness he seeks to showcase.