Former world champion Tim Bradley has reignited the debate over a possible fight between Terence “Bud” Crawford and David Benavidez, claiming that the current champion is “too complex” for the so-called Mexican Monster.
Bradley explained that he re-watched Benavidez’s fight against Caleb Plant – fought in March 2023 – and concluded that Crawford’s technical and intelligent style would be lethal against the mistakes Benavidez showed on that occasion.
“If Benavidez were to go back down to 168 pounds, he wouldn’t beat any Bud Crawford. No, he wouldn’t beat Crawford,” Bradley said on his channel. “Shakur was right. He always said, ‘Benavidez can’t handle him.'”
Weight factor and Benavidez’s mistakes
One of the main obstacles would be Benavidez’s (30-0, 24 KOs) return to 168 pounds, having competed at light heavyweight since 2024. The weight cut would be a considerable challenge, and according to Bradley, that would affect his performance.
The analyst recalled that if Benavidez were to show the same erratic performance that he had in the first five rounds against Plant, Crawford could take advantage of every mistake with his precision and reading of the fight.
“This guy (Benavidez) knows how to use his size and pressure, but he makes a lot of mistakes. Someone with Crawford’s complexity would see them all and make him pay. That’s the key: to make him pay often. I would never bet against Crawford because I know what he’s made of,” Bradley added.
Could Bud handle Benavidez’s power?
However, the size and power of the Mexican would be a major challenge for Crawford. The American is not as big or offensively explosive to replicate what Plant did in his loss to Benavidez. In addition, Crawford tends to take fewer risks when facing hard-hitting opponents, as seen in his close victory over Canelo Alvarez on September 13.
The “hit and run” style that Bud used against Canelo might not be enough against a fighter with volume and constant pressure like Benavidez. To have a real chance, Crawford would have to attack more, as he did in his wins over Errol Spence and Israil Madrimov.
A hypothetical duel of chess and power
The clash between Crawford’s surgical technique and Benavidez’s unstoppable aggression would be a true test of styles. Although for now the matchup only lives in the opinion of the experts, Bradley is clear:
“Benavidez is strong, but Crawford is too smart. He doesn’t just fight, he thinks inside the ring.”
For now, the debate remains open: will Bud’s complexity and accuracy outweigh the power and size of the Mexican Monster?
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