Terence Crawford addressed the media at a press conference in Riyadh today, expressing his desire to fight Canelo Alvarez. He described Alvarez as “the last great fighter” from a past era whom he hasn’t had the opportunity to face, emphasizing his motivation stems from a longing for those “mega-fights” that eluded him throughout his 17-year career.
During the press conference, Crawford stated, “I called Canelo out because he’s the last great fighter amongst the era that surpassed us.” He compared their careers to those of legends like Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, asserting that Alvarez has fought many top contenders while he missed those opportunities.
However, opinions among fans are divided on Crawford’s true motivation for wanting this fight. Some believe that his eagerness to face Canelo is driven more by the substantial financial reward than by a genuine pursuit of legacy. Crawford’s reported net worth of $20 million could potentially more than double following this bout, leading some critics to question the sincerity of his intentions. They argue that his inactivity and hesitance to move up to lighter weight classes over the years suggest that financial gain is a primary motivator.
Crawford faces criticism for not pursuing big fights earlier in his career with champions like Miguel Cotto, Mayweather, and Gennadiy Golovkin. Many argue that he had opportunities to elevate his career and make significant boxing history but opted for a safer route until now.
Despite the skepticism surrounding his motives, Crawford remains steadfast in defending his ambitions. He views the upcoming clash with Canelo as his chance to secure a significant fight that could define his legacy. This bout not only presents a thrilling matchup for boxing fans but also offers Crawford a final opportunity to cement his place in the sport.
While the motivations behind Crawford’s desires may be complex, this highly anticipated fight reflects a broader narrative in boxing where legacy and financial success often intertwine, raising intriguing discussions about what truly drives athletes in their pursuits.