The Path to the Canelo Alvarez Fight: Terence Crawford’s Determination

Introduction

Terence Crawford, a prominent figure in the boxing world, has recently made headlines for securing a high-stakes bout against Canelo Alvarez, the undisputed champion at 168 pounds. This fight is set to take place at Allegiant Stadium and is generating significant buzz due to the magnitude of the matchup. Crawford’s journey to this fight is marked by his unwavering determination and a desire to challenge himself against one of the sport’s biggest names.

A Bold Move Up in Weight

The groundwork for this fight began over a year ago, shortly after Crawford celebrated his 37th birthday. Following a closely contested victory, he expressed his ambition to move up two weight classes to face Alvarez. This ambition was directed at Turki Alalshikh, a Saudi Arabian boxing financier who has been instrumental in the sport’s recent financial landscape.

Initially, Alalshikh seemed skeptical, raising concerns about the weight difference. In boxing, the advantages typically lie with the larger, younger fighter, and Crawford was neither of those things compared to Alvarez, who has amassed nearly half a billion dollars in career earnings. Despite the daunting odds, Crawford remained resolute in his desire for this fight, dismissing more conventional alternatives like Vergil Ortiz Jr. or Jaron “Boots” Ennis, both of whom are rising stars in the 154-pound division.

Crawford’s reasoning was clear: “Boots is not a megafight,” he stated, emphasizing that he wanted to face Canelo. “This is the tail end of my career. I want Canelo Alvarez.”

The Fight Agreement

Ultimately, Alalshikh acquiesced to Crawford’s wishes, stating, “I’m going to try to get that fight for you.” Crawford’s singular focus on Alvarez was a driving force in securing the matchup that many in the boxing community deemed improbable.

The fight agreement was reached, with Alvarez reportedly set to earn a purse exceeding $100 million, a sum that even a fighter of his stature could not refuse. This monumental financial incentive reflects the fight’s significance in the boxing landscape.

Crawford’s Longstanding Interest in Alvarez

Crawford’s desire to fight Alvarez is not a new development. He has been eyeing the Mexican champion since at least 2015, when he witnessed Alvarez claim his first middleweight title against Miguel Cotto. At that time, Crawford was a champion in the junior welterweight division, and the prospect of a matchup seemed distant due to their weight disparities.

As time passed, Crawford’s interest in Alvarez intensified. In 2021, he attended Alvarez’s fight against Avni Yildirim, where Canelo delivered a decisive knockout victory. Although Crawford did not publicly acknowledge it then, the idea of facing Alvarez began to take root in his mind.

By 2023, Crawford launched a concerted effort to arrange a fight with Alvarez. He approached Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel, the then-president of the WBO, to discuss the possibility. Valcarcel was taken aback by Crawford’s ambition, considering the significant weight difference and Alvarez’s established dominance in the sport. “Why don’t you wait a couple of years?” Valcarcel suggested, but Crawford was adamant: “I can’t wait. I can beat him.”

The Stakes of the Fight

Crawford’s determination to face Alvarez is driven by more than just financial gain; it represents a quest for respect and validation. He views the fight as a chance to rectify perceived injustices throughout his career, from missed opportunities to lack of recognition. A victory over Alvarez would not only elevate his status but also serve as a vindication for the challenges he has faced.

Crawford has been a frequent spectator at Alvarez’s fights, observing the patterns in Canelo’s performances. He noted that many fighters who faced Alvarez appeared to fight defensively, prioritizing survival over victory. “They wanted the payday,” Crawford remarked, contrasting their approaches with his own aggressive fighting style.

The Age Factor

As the fight approaches, questions about age and experience come into play. Alvarez, at 35 years old, has a wealth of experience, having fought over 520 rounds as a professional. In contrast, Crawford is just weeks shy of his 38th birthday, which raises concerns about his ability to compete at a higher weight class against a seasoned champion. However, Crawford points out that Alvarez began his professional career at a young age, which may contribute to his wear and tear in the ring.

Crawford acknowledges the challenges ahead, particularly the need to adapt his fighting style. He understands that he cannot afford to start slowly, as he often does in fights. “You have to set the tone with Canelo,” he explains, emphasizing the importance of winning early rounds to establish a lead in the judges’ eyes.

Conclusion

As Terence Crawford prepares for his monumental fight against Canelo Alvarez, his journey reflects a blend of ambition, determination, and the desire for legacy. This matchup represents not only a significant financial opportunity but also a chance for Crawford to assert his place in boxing history. With the fight just around the corner, fans eagerly await what promises to be a thrilling showdown between two of the sport’s elite.

Key Facts

– Terence Crawford is moving up two weight classes to fight Canelo Alvarez.
– The fight is scheduled to take place at Allegiant Stadium.
– Crawford’s determination to face Alvarez has been a long-standing ambition, dating back to at least 2015.
– Alvarez is expected to earn over $100 million for the fight.
– Crawford’s last fight was a close decision victory at 154 pounds.
– The fight is set against the backdrop of Mexican Independence Day weekend, likely favoring Canelo in terms of crowd support.

Source: www.espn.com