The Riyadh Season continues to deliver big fights for boxing fans. One potential matchup set for May 2025 is Terence Crawford vs. Canelo Alvarez. While some details of the agreement are still being finalized, this fight is exciting for fans. It’s not just about who wins—it’s about the fact that boxing needs matchups like this. This one pits skill against strength.

There’s been some debate about whether this fight should happen due to the weight difference between the two. But why was Amir Khan allowed to fight Canelo, yet Crawford isn’t? Is it just because people think he might get knocked out? I think Crawford is here to prove people wrong.

Win or lose, he’s chasing greatness, much like Bivol did when he fought Beterbiev. As for who might win, it’s hard to say. In boxing, anything can happen.

WHY DOES TERENCE CRAWFORD STAND A CHANCE?

Boxers moving up to higher-weight divisions has always been a big deal. Sugar Ray Leonard’s jump to Light Heavyweight is a classic example—it was a step too far for some. For Terence “Bud” Crawford, though, this fight against Canelo Alvarez is a real opportunity. But there’s no denying Canelo’s punching power, and Crawford will have to prepare for that.

If Crawford wins, it would be an all-time great performance. He wouldn’t even need to fight again after that. On the other hand, Canelo, with nearly 70 fights, has more wear and tear than Crawford.

Crawford’s record is impressive. He won his first world title at 26, beating Ricky Burns for the WBO Lightweight title in 2014. Since then, he’s had 18 world title fights, winning 12 titles and defending them 15 times. He’s been a champion in three weight classes and became undisputed at welterweight by beating Jeff Horn and Errol Spence.

He also unified the junior welterweight division by defeating Ricky Burns, Viktor Postol, and Julius Indongo. Bud`s strategy for this fight isn’t to knock out Canelo. That’s unlikely, if not impossible. Instead, he’ll aim to outbox him and win by decision. That’s his best shot. This is a big leap for Crawford, maybe more than he can handle. But his strength will be tested. Have you ever seen Terence Crawford seriously hurt? If Canelo doesn’t dominate early, the fight could swing in Crawford’s favor.

He can apply a similar approach to what Mayweather used against Canelo. Even Amir Khan, who was smaller, outboxed Canelo until he left himself open. Crawford has the skills to make this a competitive fight. It’s a 50/50 matchup.

WHY DOES CANELO ALVAREZ STAND A CHANCE?

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If this fight happens, both fighters stand to make the biggest money of their careers. Rumors suggest it could generate $600 million. For Crawford, it would be his biggest payday. But does this fight add to Canelo’s legacy? That’s debatable.

No one questions Canelo’s legacy—it’s undeniable. While fighting Terence Crawford won’t affect his fan base, it could raise questions among hardcore boxing fans. Has Crawford faced anyone with the power or experience to prepare him for Canelo? His record shows wins, but what about the quality of his opponents? Canelo has 66 fights, compared to Crawford’s 41—that’s 25 more fights of experience.

Canelo also has a steel chin. He’s never been rocked—frustrated, maybe, but not shaken. Even against Bivol, he kept moving forward, taking hard shots. His power punches could be the difference here. If Bivol couldn’t knock him down with a barrage, why would Crawford be able to?