Trainer Abel Sanchez says Terence Crawford “belongs” at welterweight and junior middleweight, not battling Canelo Alvarez for his undisputed 168-lb championship on September 13th in Las Vegas.
A Title Shot Paved with Cash
Indeed, Crawford, 37, hasn’t had to prove himself worthy of challenging for a world title at super middleweight by going through the top contenders in a way that is usually required in this sport.
Turki Alalshikh paved the way for Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) to jump straight into a world title spot against Alvarez by offering the Mexican star massive money. If not for that, the underpowered, undersized Crawford likely would have been weeded out by the top 168-pounders.
Madrimov Fight Exposed Crawford’s Limits
Crawford’s last fight against Israil Madrimov in August 2024 at 154 showed that he lacks the power to compete at a high level above the 147-lb weight class. He basically lost that fight, but was given a decision. Madrimov is not one of the big talents at junior middleweight. The guys that would have likely beaten Crawford to send him into retirement, Sebastian Fundora, Bakhram Murtazaliev, and Vergil Ortiz Jr., were wisely avoided.
Turki likely realized that he needed to make the so-called ‘Fight of the Century’ with Canelo immediately, rather than throwing Crawford to the wolves against one of the true talents at 154. His fight against Madrimov showed that he’d reached his limit of what he was capable of doing without being bailed out by the judging.
Sanchez on Crawford’s Proper Place
“Terence belongs down at 154 and 147, but it’s a great opportunity for him. All the guys that are around in the lower divisions want that opportunity to fight Canelo for a lot of different reasons,” said trainer Abel Sanchez to Secondsout. “Obviously, monetarily, but also for their egos, their pride, and their legacy matters a lot to these guys.
“Hopefully, he doesn’t get hurt, but I don’t think he’s going to be strong enough to deal with Canelo. A name like Crawford motivates Canelo to be more focused [than he was against William Scull]. I don’t think it would be the same fight as Scull had. I think Crawford has the responsibility and pressure on him to make it a fight.”