Terence Crawford Opens Up About Moving Up Two Weight Divisions to Face Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez

LAS VEGAS – Terence Crawford is known for his unwavering belief that boxing is all about pushing boundaries and facing the toughest challenges. That philosophy has driven him to not only dominate his division but to pursue a legendary showdown with one of the sport’s most famous fighters: Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. As the two prepare for a potential clash in September 2025, Crawford reflected on his journey to this moment and the mindset that drives him to take on challenges that many consider too risky.

Crawford, who currently holds an undefeated record of 41-0 with 31 knockouts, has always seen himself as someone who thrives on testing his limits. After becoming the undisputed welterweight champion in 2023 by stopping former champion Errol Spence Jr., Crawford moved up to 154 pounds and took on the tough Israil Madrimov in August. Despite the leap in weight, Crawford emerged victorious by unanimous decision, proving that his skill and determination transcended the weight classes.

Now, he is setting his sights on Canelo Alvarez, a four-division champion and one of boxing’s biggest stars. Alvarez, who holds a 62-2-2 record with 39 knockouts, is widely regarded as the sport’s most accomplished active fighter. A former undisputed super middleweight champion, Alvarez recently faced defeat only at the hands of Dmitry Bivol in 2022 and Floyd Mayweather Jr. back in 2013.

“I’m looking to challenge myself against the best,” Crawford told BoxingScene during an exclusive interview at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. “That’s what great fighters are all about – testing yourself against all the odds. Canelo is one of the best out there, and I’ve got to prove I belong with him.”

Crawford’s confidence is rooted in the belief that overcoming the toughest opponents is what defines a fighter’s legacy. Critics have been quick to label him “too small” for Canelo or questioned whether his skills can translate to a higher weight class. However, Crawford is not fazed by the doubters.

“People say, ‘You’re too small, or you’re outmatched,’” Crawford said. “That’s when great fighters perform their best. I don’t shy away from challenges – I embrace them. I’ve been in tough fights before, and that’s when I show my true ability.”

Crawford’s statement comes as reports indicate that Alvarez is preparing for his annual Cinco de Mayo fight in May, potentially against another opponent before taking on Crawford in September. Despite this, Crawford emphasized that he is focused solely on his upcoming fight with Alvarez and plans to fully adjust to his new fighting weight at 168 pounds.

“I’m not worried about the weight,” said Crawford. “I know I’ll feel great at 168. There’s a lot of preparation to do, but we’re ready for it. Boxing is all about overcoming milestones, and we’re prepared to meet the challenges ahead.”

When asked about his strategy against Alvarez, Crawford downplayed any advantage and instead highlighted his ability to adjust during a fight. “I’m the kind of fighter who feels out my opponents and adapts to what they’re doing,” Crawford explained. “That’s what makes me so dangerous. I’ve done it against every opponent so far, and I plan to do the same when the time comes to fight Canelo.”

Despite a career filled with incredible victories and achievements, Crawford has long been restricted by his contract with Top Rank, limiting his opportunities to face the best fighters from rival promoters. That changed in recent years when Saudi Arabian businessman Turki Alalshikh stepped in, helping to facilitate some of the biggest fights in the sport, including this highly anticipated showdown between Crawford and Alvarez.

“I’m grateful for what Turki has done in boxing,” Crawford said. “He’s a fan of the sport, and he’s putting his resources into making the biggest fights happen. I’m excited about where things are heading and where this fight is going to take us.”

Crawford’s transition to facing Alvarez at 168 pounds marks another chapter in his illustrious career, and the potential fight with Canelo is seen by many as the defining moment of his legacy. If Crawford can overcome the challenges of moving up yet another weight class and defeat a fighter of Alvarez’s caliber, it would solidify Crawford’s place as one of the greatest of his generation.

Alvarez, who is also nearing the tail end of his prime years, will be facing a motivated and dangerous Crawford, one who’s eager to prove that he’s not only a dominant welterweight but a force to be reckoned with in multiple divisions. The outcome of this fight will not only affect the two fighters’ legacies but could also have major implications for the sport of boxing as a whole.

As the countdown to September 2025 continues, fans and pundits alike eagerly await the collision between these two boxing giants. Will Crawford’s skills and adaptability give him the edge against Canelo’s power and experience, or will Alvarez prove to be too much for the challenger? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: this will be a fight for the ages.

Stay tuned as this highly anticipated showdown draws closer, and boxing fans around the world eagerly prepare for one of the biggest matchups in recent history.