Terence “Bud” Crawford isn’t easing into his jump to 168 pounds – and at least one Olympic medalist thinks that’s exactly why Canelo Alvarez should be worried.
Omari Jones, who grabbed bronze at the 2021 World Championships and is now 3-0 as a pro, sees more than just hype in Crawford’s camp. “It looks like he put it on the right way,”Jones told TMZ Sports, pointing to the nutrition, the gym work, and the kind of discipline it takes to jump weight classes without losing a step. “Crawford trains hard. It’s gonna be a little bit different for Canelo this time.”
Crawford’s not just any challenger – he’s undefeated at 41-0, a former undisputed champion in two divisions, and fresh off a statement win against Errol Spence Jr. last summer. This time, though, the challenge is different: stepping up against the undisputed super-middleweight king on September 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, with all four major belts on the line. And for the first time, a boxing superfight of this scale will stream live on Netflix instead of pay-per-view.
A Calculated Climb to the Top
Jones believes Crawford’s approach to bulking up – not just adding muscle, but adapting his style to a heavier division – could be the key. He’s seen other fighters rush the move and pay the price, but insists this isn’t one of those cases. “His competitiveness is always gonna put him over the edge,” Jones said.
Canelo, 60-2-2 with titles in four different weight classes, is still widely regarded as one of boxing’s pound-for-pound elites. But his recent wins over Jermell Charlo and John Ryder didn’t exactly silence critics who feel he’s been selective with opponents. Crawford, for his part, says Canelo’s dismissive comments about his résumé “definitely irritated” him, though he’s keeping the focus on fight night rather than trading insults.
With Allegiant Stadium expecting a massive crowd – and Netflix promising a global audience – this fight has the feel of a generational moment. Analysts like Stephen A. Smith have already hinted at the possibility of an upset, citing Crawford’s speed, footwork, and timing as potential game-changers even against Canelo’s trademark counterpunching.
For Jones, the pick is clear. “He’s gonna win. He’s just different,” he said. Whether that prediction becomes reality or not, the buildup alone is already making September 13 one of the most anticipated dates in the sport’s recent history.
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