During the last few weeks, reports that Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford are discussing a possible fight have been flooding the internet. With each passing day, this dream fight is getting closer and closer to becoming a reality.
While fans are excited for these two best pound-for-pound boxers to face off in the ring, experts have taken a different path. While the prospect of Crawford vs. Canelo is fascinating, many promoters and fighters such as Eddie Hearn, David Benavidez and Demetrius Andradethink the winner is already decided
In a conversation with Fight Hub TV, former unified lightweight champion Mikey Garcia also had a similar perspective. However, he advised Canelo Alvarez to take a different path to redeem his past mistakes.
Canelo and Bud face criticism
The younger brother of veteran trainer Robert Garcia admitted that this fight had the possibility of performing well financially, while speaking to FightHubTv about the possible matchup.
However, he urged the duo to look for different fights in their own weight classes, but “there’s no money in that.” For him, “at that point, it’s more of a big money fight that’s going to generate,” and nothing else. He further added that although Canelo and Bud are going to fill stadiums, “I’m really not a fan of that matchup”. The Oxnard, California, native believes the duo has enough competition in their own weight classes.
On the other hand, Garcia also had a specific career path for the unified super middleweight champion. According to Mikey Garcia, Canelo should rectify his past mistakes and challenge Dmitry Bivol or even Artur Beterbiev. “I’d rather see Canelo go up and fight someone like Beterbiev or Bivol again if he wants to challenge himself. Go up to 175 again and challenge himself against those guys,” and get out of the bubble he has created around himself.
The four-division champion added that if a smaller guy like Crawford moves up to face the Guadalajara native, a win here will only fuel the latter’s illusion. So, “to prove he’s the best, Canelo Alvarez should move up and challenge himself. He wants the same for Terence Crawford, claiming that “he doesn’t need to move up to fight Canelo, he could just fight other guys at 154 pounds”.
Experts weigh in on alleged advances
While experts have given their opinions on the possible fight, it seems that the deal is progressing smoothly. A new report from ESPN suggests that both sides are close to completing negotiations and have even decided on a final timetable.
It is no secret that Terence Crawford has been chasing the fight against Canelo Alvarez for several years. However, the latter has always denied the fight for certain reasons. Before December 2024, this fight was only possible in the imagination of the fans. However, the entry of His Excellency Turki Alalshikh has somehow forced both of them not only to consider this fight, but negotiations have been progressing rapidly.
During ESPN’s State Of Boxing program, Bernardo Osuna and Mike Coppinger reported that the deal is almost done. It has been leaked that both fighters have decided that the fight will take place on Mexican Independence Day in Las Vegas. Reports also suggest that it would be held at 168 pounds with no rehydration clause, exactly what ‘Bud’ had previously said. While Canelo Alvarez will have the size advantage, a fight at 168 pounds will mark Crawford’s debut in his fifth weight division.
During ESPN’s coverage, Osuna stated that “when Turki Alalshikh is determined to see a fight that he is interested in doing, it usually gets done,” regardless of what the world thinks about it. So, at this point, it doesn’t seem that Mikey Garcia’s opinion changes anything. What do you think about Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford? Should the Mexican champion go back to 175 pounds to fight Bivol again? Tell us your opinion below.