IMAGO / Torsten Helmke

Terence Crawford Admits He Can’t Compete At Canelo Alvarez's Weight In Resurfaced Clip

Originally posted on KO on SI | By Apratim Banerjee | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 12:12 PM ET

September 13 will be the biggest night of Terence Crawford's professional boxing career as he fights Canelo Alvarez for the undisputed super middleweight title. 'Bud' Crawford is looking to make history as he aims to become a three-division undisputed champion. Crawford has previously held the undisputed title at junior welterweight and welterweight.

Canelo, right now, is the biggest name in boxing and Crawford's most high-profile opponent. 'Bud' is moving up two weight divisions to fight Canelo, which is a major narrative of the fight, with fans and experts doubting Crawford can handle Canelo's power at 168 lbs.

The Nebraska native looks confidence in his ability and is looking to shock the Mexican with a signature performance. Crawford is yet to be bettered inside the ring and boasts a perfect 41-0-0 record with 31 knockouts.

While there's no denying Crawford's brilliance, a resurfaced clip from 2023 shows 'Bud' himself doubted his chances against someone like Canelo at super middleweight. He echoed the sentiment that boxing has weight classes for a reason, proving that his doubters are not completely wrong in their stance.

CANELO ÁLVAREZ SHOVES TERENCE CRAWFORD AT THE FACEOFF #CaneloCrawford pic.twitter.com/5mL73DQOIq
— Netflix (@netflix) June 22, 2025

Back in 2023, speaking to the EBRO in the Morning podcast, he said:

Canelo fights at 168 lbs+. I don’t see us fighting. 154 lbs realistically (is the highest I can fight at). Those boys get big up there. I’m not a person to toot my own horn too loud to be able to say I can beat the world. I understand there’s weight classes for a reason, and I respect the weight classes. I think 154 lbs is my max.Terence Crawford

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The comments came shortly after Terence Crawford's sensational win against Errol Spence Jr. However, 'Bud' has clearly changed his mind. He is taking a risk to further solidify his greatness and by beating Canelo Alvarez, he can become of the best to ever lace up a pair of gloves.

It's a high risk, high reward game for Crawford. Crawford himself stated that he'll only make $10 million from the fight in an appearance on Ring Champs with Ak & Barak, but there's no official purse released. All in all, it looks like a calculated career decision from 'Bud' to cement his legacy rather than earn a payday.

Crawford said as much when explaining his decision to Ak & Barak, saying "I'm doing it for the opportunity, baby, the legacy. The legacy outweighs the money."

Canelo and Crawford have already done two press conferences, in Riyadh and New York. Their third presser is set for June 27 in Las Vegas.

This article first appeared on KO on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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