As Terence Crawford contemplates his future bouts, the conversation about his weight class has become increasingly pronounced. Potentially facing off against Canelo Alvarez in May 2025, Crawford stands at a crossroads in his career. If he fails to secure this significant matchup, the alternative may require him to transition into the middleweight division. In doing so, Crawford would not only seek to expand his market appeal but also improve his standing among elite fighters. However, a move to 160 pounds poses challenges, particularly when considering contenders like Janibek Alimkhanuly, who presents a complicated obstacle with his impressive stats and physical presence.
Crawford’s decision to face Alimkhanuly (currently undefeated at 16-0 with 11 knockouts) for the IBF and WBO middleweight titles could be a pivotal moment. The jump from 154 to 160 is substantial, and Crawford may find himself outmatched against a fighter of Alimkhanuly’s caliber and size. Given Crawford’s smaller frame at 5’8”, this bout threatens to be more than merely a test of skill; it could significantly impact his career trajectory if he were to suffer a defeat. While Crawford has proven himself as a formidable welterweight champion, the middleweight division bears a different kind of competition, one that may not favor a junior middleweight fighter making a transitory leap.
Crawford’s ultimate goal is clear—he wants a fight with Canelo Alvarez, a confrontation that’s been anticipated by boxing enthusiasts for years. However, Canelo’s reticence to engage with a fighter based two weight classes below him complicates matters. Alvarez has been vocal about his concerns, deeming Crawford “too small” and lacking the necessary power to pose a risk. Therefore, if Crawford remains at junior middleweight, he risks being overlooked and dismissed in favor of more pressing opponents. The backlash from fans, juxtaposed with the pressure to fight fellow champions like Bakhram Muratazaliev or Sebastian Fundora, may ultimately undermine Crawford’s prospects for elevating his own profile.
Crawford faces not only the challenge of making weight but also navigating the economic landscape that surrounds his fights. Canelo, already a billionaire in his own right, is not easily swayed by lucrative offers. Making the financial appeal compelling enough to entice him into the ring with Crawford is a daunting task, particularly in light of Canelo’s established dominance. With Crawford’s reputation as a skilled yet smaller opponent, the potential for leveraging financial incentives fades rapidly, ultimately hinging on his ability to showcase his talent against formidable adversaries.
As Terence Crawford maps out his boxing journey, the strategy must be calculated. He must weigh his options carefully and decide on a course that maximizes his opportunities without jeopardizing his legacy. A successful venture into the middleweight landscape could rejuvenate his career and align his ambitions with those of the elite fighters he seeks to challenge. The stakes couldn’t be higher as Crawford steps into a phase of his career that will define the latter portion of his boxing legacy. Whether he faces Alimkhanuly or lays the groundwork for a long-desired clash with Canelo Alvarez, the next moves he makes will echo throughout the sport for years to come.