Boxing
From the “tank” to Canelo, seven boxers who would benefit from promotion on weight
Terenka Crawford dare to be great, jumping up two weight classes to challenge the undisputed master of the super medium weight Canelo Alvarez on September 13 in Las Vegas. If it succeeds, this move would put Crawford on a compact list as one of the best – if not the best – boxers of this generation.
Who else in sport would take advantage of larger and better fights?
We identified seven boxers who would gain the most from promoting the weight class (or two) to get more opportunities. Some are obvious and were discussed in the past, while others would raise several eyebrows if the warrior decided that the bump in the scale was worth the challenge.
Canelo Alvarez
Current weight class: 168 pounds
Proposed up-to-date weight class: 175 pounds
If Canelo can reverse Crawford’s challenge next month, he has nothing to do with 168 pounds except the fight against Hamzah Sheeraz, in which the risk is not worth rewards. He already dared to be great in 2022, when he tried to become the owner of a weighty title in losing against Dmitryj Bivol. But the lightweight heavyweight landscape has become even more intriguing David Benavidez’s arrival. Of course, Canelo can also follow Artur Beterbałal or Bivol rematch. But if he really wanted to silence NaSayers, he would finally fight Benavidez in a huge duel between Mexican fighters.
Ji Opea
Current weight class: 200 pounds
Proposed up-to-date weight class: HWeight
Opetsai took the scale weight competition in a circuit scale, and his last challenge is the fight against Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. If Australian lethargic wants to do waves, what Oleksandr Usyk did and will lead to heavyweight, where opponents are much more attractive. Fighting with Daniel Dubois, Joseph Parker and Andym Ruiz Jr. They are entertaining suggestions, but how about the fight with Usyk, a former undisputed heavyweight champion and the current unquestioned heavyweight champion? This is a fight that Usyk can solve before retiring.
Teofimo Lopez
Current weight class: 140 pounds
Proposed up-to-date weight class: 147/154 pounds
Lopez is one of the best pound boxers in the world when it is closed. It is a great supple -handed weight, and a jump to 147 pounds would set him up to fight the winner of Brian Norman Jr. vs. Devin Haney on November 22. Lopez and Haney would mention words in the past, and Norman would make “Acceptance of fascination” on November 22. But why stop at 147 pounds? Lopez is bold enough to jump two classes of weight to fight Jaron “Boots” Ennis. He called Ennis after the dominance of Arnold Barbozy Jr. In May, AZ with “shoes” movement up to 154 pounds against UISMA LIMA on October 11 Lopez could chase. It is a kind of fight that would separate the two -level Lopez master from his peers if he was the first to put an impact on the invincible Ennis record.
Gervonta “Tank” Davis
Current weight class: 135 pounds
Proposed up-to-date weight class: 147 pounds
“Tank” is one of the biggest stars in boxing, but he has not yet faced the opponent of the tent. Moving from 135 to 147 makes a lot of sense, considering the names that would wait for it. While fighting the winner of Norman. vs. Haney would be tempting, a real draw would be a clash with the legendary manna Pacquiao. Considering that Pacquiao fought Mario Barrios – who was knocked out by Davis in 2021 – for a controversial draw in July, in the Philippine Hall of Famer there is still some juice, which makes the fight against Davis worth squeezing. Pacquiao manager Sean Gibbons said that the fight against Davis is also on their radar. The fight between past and great ones would probably be a huge attraction.
Shakur Stevenson
Current weight class: 135 pounds
Proposed up-to-date weight class: 140 pounds
Stevenson’s clouds made him to land duels with the names of the awning in his weight class. It seems that he is not running away in the near future to fight Davis, and Floyd Schofield may not be worth the risk. Instead, Stevenson will have to chase larger names in boxing, and a jump to 140 pounds will bring him opportunities against Lopez, Richardson Hitchinom and Subriel Matias. Stevenson is the best pure boxer in sport, but he will have to move to get recognition, which he deserves some of the major boxing draws.
Junto dug
Current weight class: 118 pounds
Proposed up-to-date weight class: 122 pounds
0:45
Junto Natani Kos David Cuellar in the 3rd round to keep the title of Bantamweight
Junto donated twice knocks David Cuellar in the third round to win KO to keep the title of Bantamweight.
This movement has long been rumors and it is most likely that it will be realized. In the case of the biggest fight in the Japanese history of boxing, the dug out can jump to 122 pounds to challenge Nayy Inoue in the battle with No. 10 and 2 pounds of ESPN boxers, respectively. Two warriors have already agreed orally to face each other in 2026, although the weight class has not yet been established. “Massive Bang” was a weight class for Inoue in pursuit of “Monster” and became the biggest boxing star in Japan. All they have to do is remain a course, and this fight is in the bag.
Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez
Current weight class: 115 pounds
Proposed up-to-date weight class: 122 pounds
The 25-year-old Rodriguez is no. A 5-year boxer in the world in the world. The two -level world champion is still not a star that he could have been, largely because he competes in smaller weight classes. If “Bam” moved from 115 pounds to 122 pounds, he could meet with Inoue in the battle of destructive finalists. In a 52-0 connection with 42 knockouts between them, it would undoubtedly be a battle from the action that would probably be on the compact Fight of the Year list.
“What’s better than being Undisputed? Being Undisputed twice. What’s better than being Undisputed twice? Being Undisputed 3 times at three different weights. Now argue with your mom.”
Crawford clearly sees it differently. His argument is straightforward. Becoming unchallenged once is infrequent. Doing this twice puts the athlete in unique company. Doing this three times in three divisions gives him a resume that doesn’t require much defense.
That was Crawford’s response to anyone who questioned the timing of his departure.
Some fans believe Crawford left at the perfect time, before Ennis became more in demand and before top super middleweights started calling for him. Ennis is just a part of it. Crawford’s retirement removed him from the ranks of contenders who would force these fights next.
While Crawford points to his three sets of belts as proof of greatness, a vocal segment of the boxing world sees these titles as shields rather than trophies.
The argument is that being unchallenged today is as much about promotional maneuvers and sanctioning body politics as it is about being the best. To these fans, Crawford’s departure looks like a calculated retreat. By leaving now, he avoids the hungry Jaron “Boots” Ennis and the group of talented 168 fighters that Alvarez ignored for years.
Crawford was allowed to fight for Canelo’s undisputed championship at 168 without facing any of the 168-year-old fighters: Osleys Iglesias, Christian Mbilli, Lester Martinez, Diego Pacheco and Hamzah Sheeraz.
Much of fan frustration stems from “skip the queue” culture. Fans say superstars can compete in title fights without facing established challengers who competed in mandatory positions. When Crawford defeated Canelo, he took the throne, but he didn’t necessarily clear the room.
There is also some frustration on Duarte’s side with the transfers. He’s still upset about how his Feb. 21 date with former IBF 140-pound champion Richardson Hitchins fell apart on fight day. The tardy withdrawal wiped out months of work, leaving Duarte without results after a full training camp and the associated expenses. This fight will be his first real chance to turn this stretch into something concrete.
Duarte pointed directly to the clash of styles. He expects pressure and prefers to face it rather than deal with it.
“I’m here to show my best and let everyone know what I’m capable of,” Duarte said. “Fierro is an aggressive player, so am I. The only way to neutralize his aggressiveness is to step forward and show him what I mean.”
This approach fits his recent career. Duarte has built his reputation on constant pressure and volume in attack, and he has no intention of changing his identity here. He also used the moment to point to a goal beyond Saturday, naming Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz as the type of fight he wants next if he can beat Fierro.
Fierro didn’t throw away style expectations. He embraced it.
“I love being the underdog. I’m here to crash the party,” Fierro said. “I gave everyone an amazing fight against Pitbull Cruz and I will do it again against Duarte.”
This reference to Cruz is significant. Fierro’s loss in this fight still improved his position due to the pace and damage dealt. Here he’s counting on a similar performance whether he wins or not, but he’s made it clear he expects more this time.
“I’m here to steal the show… we’ll delight the fans and I’ll come out with the victory.”
The fight is scheduled for 12 rounds, which gives it room to turn into something more arduous than a typical undercard fight. Both players rely on pressure, both are willing to trade and neither is talking about caution.
This usually leads to a fight that doesn’t last long.
Terence Crawford responds to criticism over the timing of his retirement
Floyd Mayweather is one heavyweight position above Muhammad Ali
“USYK WON’T MAKE A DIFFERENCE!” – Dave Allen Candid On Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua
-
Opinions & Features1 year agoPacquiao vs marquez competition: History of violence
-
MMA1 year agoDmitry Menshikov statement in the February fight
-
Results1 year agoStephen Fulton Jr. becomes world champion in two weight by means of a decision
-
Results1 year agoKeyshawn Davis Ko’s Berinchyk, when Xander Zayas moves to 21-0
-
Video1 year agoFrank Warren on Derek Chisora vs Otto Wallin – ‘I THOUGHT OTTO WOULD GIVE DEREK PROBLEMS!’
-
Analysis1 year agoRobert Garcia discusses the debate on the greatest Mexican warrior in history
-
Video1 year ago‘DEREK CHISORA RETIRE TONIGHT!’ – Anthony Yarde PLEADS for retirement after WALLIN
-
Results1 year agoLive: Catterall vs Barboza results and results card