The bout between Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez is set to create quite a stir in the boxing world on September 13th. At the heart of the excitement lies the stark contrast in weight and experience. Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero, a prominent figure in the boxing community, has openly criticized Crawford’s decision to ascend to middleweight to face Alvarez. The clear insinuation from Romero is that Crawford, a fighter of 147 pounds, may be out of his depth against the formidable Canelo, who boasts an intimidating 168 pounds. This opinion echoes a broader sentiment among fans and analysts who are questioning the wisdom of Crawford’s choice.
Romero’s narrative suggests that Crawford’s ascension to the super middleweight class is financially motivated. The phrase “cashing out” resonates strongly within this context, indicating that this fight may not be about legacy but rather about a lucrative payday. If Crawford were truly focused on etching his name in boxing history, observing traditional pathways — such as securing a tune-up bout in the new weight class — would likely be paramount. Instead, the abrupt jump has raised eyebrows, fostering skepticism about his preparedness to face an elite opponent like Alvarez.
The skepticism doesn’t stop with his financial motivations. Rolly Romero points out Crawford’s recent performance in the junior middleweight division, where he appeared vulnerable against Israil Madrimov. The argument is compelling: if Crawford struggled to absorb powerful shots at 154, what can he expect when trading punches with a true heavyweight puncher like Canelo? Alvarez’s staggering record of 62 wins, 39 of which came by knockout, demonstrates his ability to deliver crushing blows that can alter the course of a fight in an instant.
Unlike the less experienced version of Canelo that faced Floyd Mayweather in 2013, the current Alvarez is a much more refined and dangerous fighter. Over the years, he has evolved to become a more complete boxer, blending speed, power, and strategic acumen in a manner that leaves few contenders standing. The comparison of Canelo as he was at 22 with the 37-year-old powerhouse he is today illustrates the significant growth one would expect to see in a champion. When it comes to facing super middleweights, Crawford may find himself far out of his league.
What many fail to appreciate is the stark reality that comes with the weight disparity. When considering that Crawford will be stepping into the ring as a 147-pounder against a 168-pounder, one cannot dismiss the implications of such a jump. The raw physics of the fight favor Alvarez, whose experience against heavier opponents provides him with a significant advantage. Historically, comparisons to fighters like Jermell Charlo point to a crucial insight: even a 154-pounder like Charlo faced enormous challenges against Alvarez, leading many to believe that Crawford’s chances are slim at best.
In a sport where the stakes are incredibly high, and the fighters’ wellbeing is paramount, the decision-making surrounding such matchups must be scrutinized. While the allure of financial gain is undeniable, the consequences of stepping into the ring under such conditions cannot be taken lightly. Rolly Romero’s analysis serves as a cautionary tale for those who may be tempted to chase monetary rewards at the expense of safety and legacy.
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