Benavidez responds, ‘The fight between Canelo and Crawford will be a disaster for the Mexican king.’

The boxing world is abuzz with speculation as David Benavidez weighs in on the hypothetical clash between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Terence Crawford. Both fighters are among the best in the sport, but the debate centers on whether a matchup between the Mexican icon and the undefeated American would be viable, given the disparity in size and weight classes.

Canelo Alvarez: A Proven Champion Across Multiple Divisions

Canelo Alvarez has cemented himself as one of the greatest boxers of his era. With over 50 fights under his belt and only two losses—to Floyd Mayweather and Dmitry Bivol—Canelo has conquered the super middleweight division and held titles in the middleweight and light heavyweight classes.

His ability to move between weight classes and dominate his opponents showcases his versatility and skill. However, Canelo’s previous struggles when stepping up to light heavyweight, such as his loss to Bivol in 2022, highlight the challenges of facing larger and more powerful opponents.

Terence Crawford: Undefeated and Dominant

On the other side of the debate is Terence Crawford, an undefeated fighter and the undisputed champion in multiple weight classes. After defeating Errol Spence Jr. in the summer of 2023, Crawford solidified his status as the king of the welterweight division.

Crawford has since moved up to 154 pounds, where he claimed a world title in his debut fight at the weight class in August 2024. While Crawford’s technical skills and ring IQ are unparalleled, his ability to compete at even higher weight classes, such as super middleweight, remains untested.

Benavidez’s Perspective on Canelo vs. Crawford

David Benavidez, a top contender in the light heavyweight division, has long expressed his desire to face Canelo. However, he recently offered his thoughts on what would happen if Canelo Alvarez fought Terence Crawford. While Benavidez praised Crawford’s technical prowess, he also emphasized the importance of respecting weight classes.

“Honestly, Crawford is one of the most technically sound fighters I’ve ever seen,” Benavidez said. “When he moved to 154, I’m not saying he struggled, but he didn’t look as strong as he did at 147. And now we’re talking about moving up two or more weight classes. Crawford is unique, but weight classes exist for a reason. I think Canelo would have the advantage.”

Benavidez’s remarks underline a key challenge in making this fight a reality: the significant size difference. Canelo, naturally the bigger fighter, has operated at 168 pounds and 175 pounds, whereas Crawford’s highest weight to date is 154 pounds.

The Weight Factor

The disparity in size is perhaps the biggest obstacle to a potential bout between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford. While Crawford’s skill and adaptability are undeniable, facing a much larger opponent like Canelo poses significant risks.

Canelo’s power and physicality could prove overwhelming for Crawford, especially if the fight were to take place at super middleweight or light heavyweight. Conversely, if the fight were held at a catchweight closer to Crawford’s natural range, Canelo might struggle with conditioning and stamina.

The Current Landscape

Both fighters are currently without scheduled bouts, fueling speculation about their next moves. Fans have eagerly debated the hypothetical matchup, but the likelihood of it happening remains slim due to the weight difference and other logistical challenges.

For now, David Benavidez continues to position himself as a top contender in the light heavyweight division, aiming for his own showdown with Canelo. Meanwhile, Crawford’s next steps in his career remain uncertain, with fans hoping to see him face another top-tier opponent.

Conclusion

The idea of a fight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford sparks intrigue, but as David Benavidez aptly noted, weight classes exist for a reason. While Crawford’s skills make him a formidable opponent at any weight, the size and strength advantages held by Canelo could tilt the scales in his favor.

As the boxing world waits for these fighters to announce their next moves, the debate over hypothetical matchups like Canelo vs. Crawford underscores the sport’s enduring appeal. Whether this dream fight ever materializes or not, it remains a testament to the talent and allure of two of boxing’s greatest champions.