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Terence Crawford could pull off drastic move if he takes Canelo Alvarez's undisputed belts

"Bud" doesn't seem to have any plans for the future just yet, with the focus squarely on Canelo.

Terence Crawford speaks to the crowd during an IBA event in 2025.
Terence Crawford speaks to the crowd during an IBA event in 2025.
Updated

The upcoming fight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford has the potential to take the boxing world by storm. While both boxers are in their mid-30s and not in their primes, they still demand undivided attention whenever they step into a ring. And now, they're doing it together.

It's yet to be seen what kind of fight will play out. Canelo's opponents have generally shied away from trading blows with him, but Crawford is adamant he will go toe-to-toe with the Mexican. It won't come easy, as "Bud" is moving up two weight classes for this bout. That deci

Ali's grandson raises doubts about Terence Crawford's reflexes to face Canelo Álvarez

Would Terence Crawford relinquish super middleweight belts if he beats Canelo Alvarez?

Will Arons of Boxing News 24/7 has picked up on something interesting regarding Crawford's plans. It doesn't seem like Bud has any plans for the super middleweight titles even if he defeats Alvarez.

Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) views the fight as "business." He wants what Canelo (63-2-2, 39 KOs) has got with his four titles. Interestingly, he's not mentioned anything about defending them unless it involves a rematch with Canelo... Without a rematch, Crawford will surely treat the belts in a catch-and-release type scenario, like fishing and letting the fish go. It's too risky for him to hold onto the titles because the contenders are younger, bigger, and just as strong as Canelo.

In reality, it wouldn't make that much sense for Crawford to stay in the division even if he beats Alvarez and captures the belts. He's not a natural fit at 168, as evidenced that his highest previous weight for a fight has been 154.

Crawford would more than likely go back down there and try to become undisputed at 154, which would make him a four-division undisputed champion. At least, that's the goal, but Alvarez is standing in his way first and foremost.

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