Terence Crawford has continuously established himself as one of boxing’s elite, holding an unblemished record of 41-0, with 31 victories coming by way of knockout. Recently, he was seen alongside former WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol at an event called IBF Champions Night, which raises questions about his current strategy. Many fans speculate whether this meeting was a calculated move by Crawford to elicit insights from Bivol for a possible upcoming bout against Canelo Alvarez next May. However, this prospect merits a critical examination.
Crawford’s physical stature poses a significant challenge in a potential match against Canelo. The trade-off between fighting smaller opponents versus larger ones in professional boxing can determine the outcome of bouts. The prevailing opinion is that Crawford’s size, along with his age—approaching the later stages of a boxing career—can weaken his chances against someone like Canelo. Additionally, Bivol’s fighting style, which emphasizes distance and rhythm, is markedly different from Crawford’s. This disparity calls into question the efficacy of Crawford seeking advice from Bivol, as the information obtained may not bear any practical value in the context of a clash with Alvarez.
Crawford’s recent decision to pull out of a potential bout against Vergil Ortiz Jr. due to a reported injury raises eyebrows regarding his commitment to challenging opponents head-on. Some analysts argue that this could be a strategic retreat to preserve his career for a more lucrative fight against Canelo. The notion that Crawford is dodging a challenging fight against Ortiz—who is gaining recognition and poses a significant challenge—opens up a discussion on whether he is playing the long game. By avoiding Ortiz, who is a rising star in the boxing world, Crawford may be prioritizing financial gain over reputation.
The Financial Dynamics of the Canelo Scenario
Complicating matters further, reports have emerged suggesting that Canelo could demand an astonishing $180 million for a fight against Crawford. While some may argue that this figure reflects Canelo’s star status, it also signals a potential lack of interest in a matchup with Crawford. If negotiations continue to stall, Crawford could find himself without high-profile fights, which could jeopardize his legacy. The presence of influential figures like Turki Alalshikh in this narrative provides a glimmer of hope for Crawford. However, the emphasis on financial negotiations inevitably clouds the competitive nature of the sport.
Adding to the complexity is Bivol’s recent defeat to Artur Beterbiev, which ended on a disappointing note for the former champion. His performance in that match left much to be desired, raising further questions about his credibility as an advisor for Crawford. Having previously handed Canelo the most significant defeat in his career, Bivol’s current trajectory continues to decline, which diminishes his worth as a resource for Crawford. The boxing landscape is rife with evolving dynamics, and Crawford must carefully navigate these waters to achieve his ultimate ambitions in the sport.
While Crawford’s intent to gather insights from Bivol may be well-meaning, the practical implications of such a move raise critical questions about size, style, and strategy in the quest for greatness. As the boxing landscape evolves, so must Crawford’s approach if he is to maintain his position as a leading figure in the sport.