Weight Concerns Loom for Terence Crawford Ahead of Canelo Clash

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by Butch Belga

Terence Crawford. Photo: Matchroom.

As Terence Crawford prepares for the biggest fight of his career against undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez, questions are surfacing about whether the added weight will work against him inside the ring.

Boxing observer Lonnie Thompson believes the transition from welterweight to 168 pounds may prove too steep for the 37-year-old Crawford. He pointed to Crawford’s lackluster performance against Israil Madrimov at 154 as an early warning sign that climbing further up the scales could be costly.

In that bout, Crawford struggled to impose his usual dominance. Madrimov’s size and power were difficult to handle, and Crawford’s punches lacked the sting they once had at 147. Thompson fears the same scenario could repeat — only worse — against a stronger, more experienced opponent in Canelo.

While he acknowledged Crawford’s skills and ring IQ, Thompson warned that strategy alone may not be enough.

Photo: Via X/tbudcrawford.

“He can box well, and he might even win the early rounds,” Thompson said. “But once Canelo starts walking him down, landing to the body and arms, that added bulk could turn into a burden. Carrying that extra mass over 12 rounds isn’t easy — especially against someone like Canelo.”

The fight, set for September 13, will be Crawford’s first appearance at super middleweight. Without a tune-up fight to adjust to the weight class, the Omaha native is diving straight into deep waters.

Thompson noted that Alvarez has consistently faced — and beaten — bigger and younger fighters, including recent opponent William Scull. He believes Crawford’s age and long layoff will only compound the challenge.

“Canelo’s been in there with naturally bigger guys. He knows how to wear you down,” Thompson said. “And Crawford, pushing 38, coming off a year without a fight, is asking his body to do something it’s never done before.”

Crawford is expected to rely on movement and sharp jabs to keep the fight at distance. But Thompson warned that if the Nebraska native chooses to trade punches, it could end badly.

Canelo Alvarez. Photo: Getty Images.

“Once Canelo starts landing clean, it’s going to be a different story,” he said. “The wear and tear will catch up, and the judges won’t reward Crawford if all he does is try to survive.”

With the odds and weight stacked against him, Crawford faces not just a legendary opponent — but also the limits of his own body.