Boxing
Canelo is not a large guy, he started out at welterweight
Published
7 months agoon
Errol Spence Jr. says he was not surprised by Terence Crawford’s victory over undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez in the so-called “fight of the century” on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas.
Inactive former three-division unified welterweight champion Spence claims the 5’7 1/2″ (63-3-2, 39 KO) Canelo began his welterweight career in 2005.
The Massive Four Crawford didn’t fight
It’s not like Crawford jumped two divisions from 154 to 168 to face a real super middleweight with size and youth like the “Massive Four” in this division:
- Osleys Iglesias (27 years ancient) 6′ 2″ or 6′ 2½”
- Christian Mbilli (30) 5′ 8½” or 5′ 9″
- Lester Martinez (30) 5′ 11″
- Diego Pacheco (24) 6′ 3″ or 6′ 4″
If Crawford had to face these fighters for four belts at 168, things might have been different for him. However, it is unlikely that he will even decide to make such a move because these are not superstars like Canelo. They are younger, more agile and better suited to the 168-pound weight class than the Mexican star. They haven’t been given a chance yet.
What happens if Crawford is humiliated
The downside of Crawford being beaten by one of these younger fighters would be disastrous for his dreams of climbing boxing’s Mount Rushmore and becoming one of the all-time greats. Facing these types of fighters is what Crawford should be doing if he truly wants to become an all-time champion, but he may not like the result.
Crawford looked good. He looked mighty and carried the weight well. No, I wasn’t shocked. Canelo isn’t a large guy anyway. Canelo started at 147 and finished at 168,” said Errol Spence Fighting Hub TV last Saturday night when asked if he was surprised by Terence Crawford’s victory over Canelo Alvarez last September.
Fighting a real super middleweight would be a completely different experience for Crawford than fighting the diminutive, flat-legged 35-year-old Canelo. It was the perfect situation for Crawford to win the undisputed super middleweight championship against little, ancient and faded Canelo.
“I feel like Crawford weighed 168, 170 or something. So I think it was pretty straightforward for him to get to that weight. He looked good. He handled it well,” Spence said.
In terms of size, Crawford was as large as Canelo and should have fought 168 years ago. It would be compelling to see Crawford fight David Benavidez and David Morrell when they were 168 pounds. Would Crawford do well against either of them? Chris Williams doubts it. They are all bad for him, both in terms of power and youth.
“He’s definitely one of the best,” Errol said when asked if Crawford’s win over Canelo makes him an all-time champion.
Spence is right. Crawford is an all-time great fighter, but he can’t be called No. 1 because he didn’t take the risks needed to get over the top and be among these four on boxing’s Mount Rushmore:
- Sugar Ray Robinson
- Muhammad Ali
- Henry Armstrong
- Jo Louis
Mount Rushmore: The test Crawford must pass
Crawford could improve his chances of being an all-time champion in the true sense of the word if he took the risks needed over the next two years to face top-flight predators. However, he is unlikely to do so as the risk of him failing again would be high. When you barely beat Canelo, it’s a signal that you’re not going to be a top-tier fighter.
The fights Crawford should fight to be on the Rushmore of boxing:
- David Benavidez
- Dmitry Bivol
- Jaron Ennis
- David Morrell
- Osley Iglesias
- Artur Beterbiew
- Jai Opetaia
Chris Williams is a senior writer for Boxing News 24covering sports since 2013 and reporting on major events around the world. His relationships range from established champions to hungry prospects vying for recognition. Over the years, Chris has worked with many of boxing’s top brass, earning respect for his insightful analysis and insider perspective.
Last update: 11/09/2025
You may like
Boxing
Shakur Stevenson accuses Devin Haney of ‘false public negotiations’ after £144 settlement
Published
2 hours agoon
June 13, 2026
Potential negotiations between Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson have taken another public turn after Stevenson accused his rival of engaging in “false public negotiations” following Haney’s latest comments on social media.
Haney appeared frustrated after previously agreeing to Stevenson’s proposed catchweight of 144 pounds, suggesting that even accepting those terms did not bring the fight any closer to becoming a reality.
“144 is not enough…I still don’t want to fight! Damn…@ShakurStevenson,” Haney wrote X.
Shakur later responded by dismissing this public exchange as a impoverished reflection of how main event fights actually unfold.
“The same thing you all did with Rolly. All those counterfeit public negotiations… The real negotiations take place offline.” I am the truth that you will see when you stand before me!!” Shakur posted.
Shakiur previously considered 144 pounds to be a fair compromise in a potential showdown with Haney, who has competed at welterweight in his most recent outings. Haney then signaled his willingness to accept the catchweight offer, sparking optimism that one of boxing’s most talked-about fights could gain momentum.
The latest exchange came shortly after the WBO confirmed that Haney must either defend his welterweight title against mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis or risk losing the belt. While neither Haney nor Stevenson directly addressed the situation in their recent posts, the article did add another note to any future negotiations involving the former two-division world champions.
With Haney facing a WBO title decision and Shakur insisting that stern negotiations will take place behind closed doors, the pressure is now on both camps to determine whether the fight can go beyond an online exchange.
Dan Ambrose is a boxing journalist at Boxing News 24, respected for his direct analysis and extensive coverage of the global fight landscape. His reports focus on the most critical fights, division development and the most discussed stories in sports.
Click here to sign up for our FREE newsletter
Related boxing news:
Last update: 2026/06/12 at 21:45
Boxing
Shakur Stevenson Doubles Down on Tim Tszyu vs Errol Spence Prediction: ‘Can’t Beat Him’
Published
4 hours agoon
June 12, 2026
Shakur Stevenson maintained his predictions for the Errol Spence Jr vs. Tim Tszyu fight, believing that one fighter would be too “mentally tough” for the other.
The meeting of the two former world champions will take place on July 25 in Australia at weight of 158 pounds to accommodate Spence’s inactivity.
Even though Tszyu insisted on fighting at super welterweight, his opponent clearly felt the extra 4 pounds would be appropriate after his three-year layoff.
This long break came after Spence suffered a ninth-round stoppage loss to Terence Crawford, who became the undisputed king of the 147-pound division in surprisingly one-sided fashion.
Spence previously held the WBC, IBF and WBA titles with victories over Shawn Porter, Kell Brook and Yordenis Ugas, although a weight augment always seemed inevitable.
Now the 36-year-old hopes to revive his career against Tszyu, who is coming off a two-point win after losing to Sebastian Fundora last July.
While their rematch ended in the seventh round, Tszyu showed tremendous strength against Fundora in 2024, only to lose the WBO title via split decision.
Later that year, the Australian suffered a third-round defeat to Bakhram Murtazaliev, with four-division world champion Stevenson saying: The whole fight against smoke that he thinks Spence is a level above him.
“I think so [Spence] I will do well. I wish Errol all the best; I hope Errol goes in there and beats Tim Tszyu.
“I’m an Errol Spence fan; I was okay with Errol Spence before [Crawford] fight. I know Errol is mentally forceful – Errol is a dog when it comes to fighting, so I don’t think Tim Tszyu can beat him.
Stevenson previously suggested that Spence could “destroy” Tszyu, believing the 31-year-old’s style was tailor-made for “The Truth.”
Boxing
Shakur Stevenson expects the former champion to defeat Tim Tszyu
Published
6 hours agoon
June 12, 2026
Despite concerns about Errol’s long three-year absence from the ring, Shakur believes the former unified welterweight champion still has what it takes to beat Tszyu.
“I think so [Spence] I will do well. I wish Errol all the best; I hope Errol goes in there and beats up Tim Tszyu,” Shakur said on Andre Ward’s channel.
“I’m an Errol Spence fan; Errol Spence was OK before [Terence Crawford] fight. I know Errol is mentally robust. Errol is a dog when it comes to fighting, so I don’t think Tim Tszyu can beat him.
Spence has not fought since a ninth-round loss to Crawford in July 2023 that cost him the WBC, WBA and IBF welterweight titles. After almost three years of break from competition, the 36-year-old is now trying to resume his career in a fresh weight class.
Meanwhile, Tszyu enters the fight with regained momentum after a arduous period in 2024. The former WBO junior middleweight champion bounced back from setbacks to Sebastian Fundora and Bakhram Murtazaliev with back-to-back victories to get back into position for his next marquee fight.
Shakur has previously expressed confidence in Spence’s chances against Tszyu, but his latest comments suggest he remains confident that the Texan’s experience, mentality and overall ability will be the deciding factor on July 25.
The fight will be one of the biggest tests of Spence’s career. While Tszyu is looking to secure a spectacular win that could redefine his position in the junior middleweight division, Errol will be looking to show that he can still compete at the highest level after an extended period of inactivity.

Robert Segal is a boxing reporter at Boxing News 24 with over a decade of experience covering fight news, previews and analysis. Known for his first-hand reporting and in-ring perspective, he delivers authoritative coverage of champions, challengers and emerging talent from around the world.
Shakur Stevenson accuses Devin Haney of ‘false public negotiations’ after £144 settlement
Shakur Stevenson Doubles Down on Tim Tszyu vs Errol Spence Prediction: ‘Can’t Beat Him’
Shakur Stevenson expects the former champion to defeat Tim Tszyu
Pacquiao vs marquez competition: History of violence
Dmitry Menshikov statement in the February fight
Stephen Fulton Jr. becomes world champion in two weight by means of a decision
‘WHY ARE YOUR FIGHTERS LEAVING?!’ – Johnny Nelson REACTS to Ben Shalom LEGAL DRAMA
“HEADBUTTING MIDGETS!” – John Fury and Eddie Hall Go Back And Forth At Final Presser For Tommy Fight
Scooter Davis Gets DEAD SERIOUS on Abdullah Mason: “NO FRIENDS — You Can Get Smoke!”
Trending
-
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



