Terence Crawford is eyeing a fight with fellow four-division champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, and he’s not shy about explaining why he thinks it’s the defining legacy moment in boxing. He’s laid it all out during the World Boxing Council Convention, spelling out why fans should settle in and take note.
As Crawford puts it: “That is why the fight should happen so there can be all the answers to the questions that everyone is asking.” He’s aware of the size and strength advantage Canelo brings, yet he refuses to be intimidated: “Canelo is the bigger, the stronger fighter, he’s got a lot of experience just like myself, he’s been around for a long time. I’ve got the speed, the movement, long arms, were around the same height, so that’s why it’s an interesting fight.”
Crawford credits his versatility to deep preparation: “I think it’s me training so hard and so long in studying the sport of boxing. That way, if I need it I’ve got it. If I don’t, then it is what it is, so I just practice what I preach. I don’t know which style I’ll fight Canelo, I just know I’ll fight him.” He’s nothing if not confident, jokingly revealing that he’s not interested in losing: “Yes, I always want to win. If I’m competing against someone, I want to do it all the way and not just do it to have fun.”
And if Canelo isn’t game? Crawford shrugs: “We’re looking forward to the Canelo fight happening. If it does…if it doesn’t, good luck to Canelo. He’s a tremendous champion…he’s got the right to pick and choose who he wants to fight.” Even injury concerns don’t faze him: “It is what it is. It ain’t anything I can’t handle.”
Nor will he underestimate Canelo’s speed: “I’m not going to bank on him being slow. For me to beat Canelo would be one of tge biggest achievements in Boxing history. So, I’m looking on leaving a legacy that will be talked about for ages to come.” Assessing historical comparisons, he’s succinct: “Donny Lalonde wasn’t the level of Canelo Alvarez…so…it’s two different fights.”
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