As the highly anticipated showdown between Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez approaches, the boxing world is rife with speculation. Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero, a rising star in boxing, has been vocal about his skepticism surrounding Crawford’s move to super middleweight. With an impressive record of 41-0 and a notable knock-out ratio, Crawford appears formidable on paper. However, Romero argues that the challenges posed by Canelo—the reigning WBA, WBC, and WBO champion—are insurmountable for a fighter making such a significant leap in weight class.
Romero emphasizes a crucial point: size and power matter immensely in professional boxing. Alvarez, with his extensive experience and stellar record of 62 wins and 39 KOs, represents a division where only the strongest survive. Romero articulately highlights the disparity in weight and strength, pointing out that Crawford, stepping up from his comfortable welterweight realm, may not only be outclassed physically but also mentally by a fighter like Alvarez, who is a veteran at 168 pounds.
The Motivation Behind the Move
One of the more contentious aspects of this matchup is Crawford’s purported motivations. Many, including Romero, suggest that this climb to super middleweight is less about legacy and more about financial gain—a “cashing out” scenario. If legacy were the true driver, questions arise: Why not engage in a tune-up fight in the new weight class? Why not aim to establish a presence if intending to stay? These factors provoke significant doubt about Crawford’s intentions, painting a picture of a boxer chasing a lucrative payday rather than validating his place in boxing history.
Moreover, Romero astutely recalls that the last notable 154-pounder to challenge Canelo, Jermell Charlo, faced a similar challenge and did not fare well. This comparison underscores a potential trend of smaller fighters being overpowered by Canelo’s brute strength and refined skill set. The transition from 147 to 168 pounds is no small feat, and for Crawford, it could prove catastrophic if he doesn’t possess the fortitude required to handle the power and precision of Alvarez.
The Technical Aspects: A Risky Gamble
Technically speaking, the art of boxing transcends sheer physicality; strategy plays a critical role. Yet, Romero raises valid concerns regarding Crawford’s past performances—most notably his performance in his junior middleweight debut against Israil Madrimov. Observations like these offer keen insight into how Crawford may struggle against a fighter of Canelo’s caliber, who can manifest every ounce of his weight and power into devastating punches.
To suggest that Crawford, a fighter who has experienced significant challenges moving up in weight, can contend with the evolved version of Canelo—who has grown leaps and bounds since his early defeat to Floyd Mayweather Jr.—is a lofty assumption. The comparisons between the younger Alvarez and the present-day champion reveal an evolution in skill and aggression that could render Crawford’s efforts futile.
In a sport where margins are razor-thin, entering the ring with doubts may be the greatest risk of all. Crawford’s skills and past accomplishments are undoubtedly commendable, yet the circumstances surrounding this fight prompt serious contemplation about whether he is truly prepared for the monumental obstacles that stand in his path.