Crawford’s plan B: who would he fight if he can’t get Canelo?
The American defeated Madrimov via unanimous decision on Saturday night and is now looking for his next challenge.
Terence Crawford made history last weekend by becoming a world champion in four different weight classes.
The still-undefeated fighter had one of his toughest fights against Israil Madrimov, who proved to be a worthy opponent. The Uzbek had his moments in the fight and the Omaha native struggled more than expected in some moments in the fight.
After claiming the WBA light-middleweight crown, the 36-year-old veteran wants to keep taking on challenges and the next name on the table is Saul Alvarez. However, that would mean going up in weight once again, and many believe that wouldn’t be a good idea against a fighter like Canelo.
Crawford fought at the 154 lbs-weight limit against Madrimov and if he wants to face the Guadalajara native for all the marbles, he should bulk up his body to get to 168 lbs. Considering he fought and defeated Errol Spence Jr. a year ago at 147, it’s hard to foresee a great version of himself at super middleweight against such a talent like Alvarez.
Who’s Crawford’s potential opponent if he can’t close a deal with Canelo?
Meanwhile, Canelo is expected to take on Edgar Berlanga in September. Once again, the Mexican has been heavily criticized since the fight was announced, as the Puerto Rican fighter seems to be no real threat to Alvarez’s reign at 168 lbs.
Considering Eddy Reynoso’s best boxer won’t fight Crawford unless a huge amount of money is offered to him, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, Turki Alalshikh, has a plan B for the American.
If Canelo decides to reject the fight against the Omaha boxer, there’s a replacement name: Vergil Ortiz Jr. The Texas native made Crawford and Turki Alalshikh know about his interest in fighting Bud on social media. “@Turki_Alalshikh put me in,” Ortiz wrote.
Ortiz Jr. will have to defeat Serhii Bohachuk first if he wants to dream about that fight. He could become the interim WBC 154-pound champion if he emerges victorious against the Ukrainian next Saturday night in Las Vegas.