Terence Crawford: Are 154-Liberty Sharks Afraid, Chasing Canelo’s Millions?
In the world of professional boxing, there are few names as dominant as Terence Crawford. The Omaha, Nebraska native has been on a tear in recent years, racking up an impressive record of 36-0 with 27 knockouts. With his skills in the ring and his growing reputation, Crawford has become one of the most sought-after fighters in the sport. But is his dominance and potential payday against Canelo Alvarez the reason why some of his potential opponents at 154 pounds are backing away?
Crawford has been vocal about his desire to move up to 154 pounds, a weight class that has long been dominated by Alvarez. The Mexican superstar has been the undisputed champion at 154 for years, and his impressive resume and lucrative purses have made him a formidable opponent for any fighter. However, Crawford has been eager to take on the challenge, believing that his skills and athleticism would give him a good chance at dethroning Alvarez.
Despite Crawford’s confidence, there are signs that some fighters at 154 pounds are hesitant to face him. Take, for example, the recent statements made by former WBC junior middleweight champion Jermell Charlo. Charlo, who has been angling for a fight against Alvarez, seemed hesitant to commit to a bout against Crawford, citing concerns about the Nebraska native’s power and skills.
"I don’t think it’s a fair fight," Charlo said in a recent interview. "Terence Crawford is a tough, tough guy. He’s got a lot of experience, a lot of skills. I think he’s one of the best fighters in the world. I don’t know if I can beat him."
Charlo’s comments have been echoed by other fighters at 154 pounds, who seem to be intimidated by Crawford’s formidable skills and impressive record. The question is, are they simply afraid of losing to a superior opponent, or are they worried about the financial implications of facing Crawford?
It’s no secret that Crawford is one of the highest-paid fighters in the sport, with a reported purse of $10 million for his recent bout against Egidijus Kavaliauskas. Alvarez, meanwhile, has consistently commanded top dollar for his fights, with a reported purse of $35 million for his recent bout against Sergey Kovalev. If Crawford were to face Alvarez, he would likely be in line for a massive payday, one that could exceed $20 million.
It’s easy to see why some fighters at 154 pounds might be hesitant to face Crawford, especially if they believe that they won’t be able to compete financially. After all, a loss to Crawford could mean a significant reduction in their earning potential, at least in the short term.
Despite the reluctance of some fighters to face him, Crawford remains confident that he will eventually get his shot against Alvarez. And when he does, he believes that he will come out on top.
"I’m the best fighter in the world," Crawford said in a recent interview. "I’ve got the skills, I’ve got the power, and I’ve got the speed. I’m ready for Canelo, and I’m ready to take his title."
Only time will tell if Crawford’s bravado is justified, but one thing is certain: his potential showdown with Alvarez is one of the most intriguing fights in the sport right now. And with the financial stakes as high as they are, it’s easy to see why some fighters at 154 pounds are so eager to avoid a bout with the Nebraska native.
