The boxing world is abuzz with the upcoming clash between Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez on September 13th, yet the discourse paints Crawford as a desperate underdog trying to make a monumental leap into a matchup stacked heavily against him. Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero, a notable figure in the boxing sphere, has taken a bold stance by declaring Crawford’s chances of winning this fight as nil. His argument centers on the elemental truth of boxing: size matters, especially when facing a powerhouse like Canelo Alvarez, who has proven himself time and again at super middleweight.
Romero goes beyond mere speculation, underscoring the physical disparities in this fight. Crawford, with a welterweight background, merely tipping the scales at 147 pounds, is now pitted against the rock-solid Alvarez, who boasts not only size but immense punching power that comes from years spent dominating the larger super middleweight division. The contrast brings into sharp focus the harsh reality that Crawford may simply not withstand the force behind Alvarez’s punches—a truth that could manifest painfully in the ring.
Moreover, critics, including Romero, express skepticism regarding Crawford’s motives for accepting this daunting challenge. The narrative surrounding Crawford’s ascent to 168 pounds revolves largely around financial gain—a “cash out” move, as Romero puts it. If Crawford were genuinely intent on building a lasting legacy, one could argue that he would have opted for a more strategic approach, such as taking on competitors in the middleweight class or engaging in a string of fights that would solidify his footing before facing Alvarez.
This perception of Crawford’s objectives only exacerbates Romero’s assertion that this fight serves more as a monetary incentive than a quest for greatness. Rather than facing the trials and tribulations of higher-weight classes gradually, Crawford’s leap appears hasty, perhaps echoing the desperation of a fighter looking to quickly uplift his bank account rather than his esteem.
The boxing world has witnessed similar mismatches before, often with disastrous results for the smaller fighter. Romero references previous instances like Jermell Charlo, who also transitioned from 154 pounds to fight Alvarez. Charlo’s efforts drew scrutiny, not only in terms of body weight but also in the level of competition faced prior to the megafight. The lesson here is clear: underestimating an opponent’s capabilities based on weight alone can lead to catastrophic outcomes in the ring.
Crawford’s previous struggles at junior middleweight further amplify concerns. In his debut at this weight class, he faced Israil Madrimov and was visibly challenged, raising alarm bells about his resilience against a fighter like Canelo. When one considers the possibility of Alvarez landing heavier blows with his exceptional skill set and experience, the stakes rise alarmingly.
Crawford’s path diverges sharply from that of Alvarez, who has transformed dramatically since his early days in the ring. The Canelo of today commands respect not only as a heavyweight contender but as a tactical boxer with a strategic mind. This evolution should concern Crawford, who, despite his sportsmanship and talent, may find himself outmatched, both physically and mentally.
In essence, the stages are set for a fight that could redefine Crawford’s career—if he survives it. Yet, there remains a stark dichotomy between risk and reward. For many, this fight isn’t merely about winning or losing; it’s a question of bravado, financial necessity, and the ongoing struggle of a seasoned fighter trying to reclaim his place amidst towering giants.