Terence Crawford can dominate the 154-pound division

By Jack Walsh

NEW WBA super-welterweight and WBO super-welterweight interim champion Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford has proven his hall of fame status, annihilating all competition he faced in the ring during his reign as king between 135lbs and 147lbs.

That is until Saturday night, when Israil Madrimov truly gave the Omaha native a run for his money at 154lbs.

While the fight started off relatively slow, it was evident that Madrimov moved around the ring uniquely, in a way that Crawford was not used to. Timing his forceful right hand in an attempt to break down Bud, with a new form of power, while also employing his stiff jab. In round eight, Madrimov enjoyed particular success connecting back-to-back rights.

It wasn’t until the later rounds that Crawford was able to land combos that may have been the deciding factor of the fight, like a left uppercut with roughly 30 seconds remaining in the eleventh, and a nice jab, straight and hook (one, two, three) to conclude the round.

Notably, Bud was hit with more pressing shots than we’ve seen in previous bouts, and for the first time in his career under the mainstream spotlight, showed actual signs of physical damage, even if just a swollen right eye.

The reality is simple, but one that many Crawford fans don’t want to face: the journey which started at 135, now at 154, is drastic, and Bud may not look as quick and smooth as we’re used to in the super-welterweight division — at least right away.

With a jump in weight comes slower ring movement, bigger opponents who are also far superior physically and the need for more aggressiveness from round one to 12. 

Basically for Bud, there is no time to feel out opponents for three to five rounds and then unload something dangerous in a class of powerful knockout artists with great accuracy. Fighters at 154lbs will not just drop like flies for him as in previous divisions, such as Errol Spence Jr., David Avanesyan, Shawn Porter, Kell Brook and many others.

But, it’s not impossible for Crawford to rip through the division. However, it’s imperative that he perfects his style to combat the heavier, far fiercer opponents with a faster attack from the initial bell and an immediate willingness to trade precise combinations, which will ensure he gains his usual advantage to earn ring control.

And as far as the potential Saul “Canelo” Álvarez fight — which now seems like it is unlikely to occur in the coming months, but not necessarily impossible to take place in the future — that jump would be simply ridiculous. If Bud feels that he wants to preserve his legacy, a jump up to 168lbs is undeniably absurd, and poses a significant threat to his dominant outlook in the face of the public.

Crawford also needs to put on a few more entertaining shows to prove that he even belongs at 154, because while a four division champ now, his performance felt less than what was expected.

Additionally, we as boxing fans see how Canelo fights, walking down opponents and throwing hefty power shots, letting go of both of his hands without hesitation.

Canelo walking down Crawford, and catching and shooting, especially to the body, will prove lethal for Bud — who is just too small to come out victorious, especially with just one fight under his belt at a higher weight.

If Bud takes damage at 154, you better believe he’ll feel that same pain — and worse — 14 pounds heavier.

Unquestionably, the fight with Canelo seems like an unnecessary event to prove greatness to the world, which Crawford has already done time and time again.

In short, if Bud can rip through the super-welterweight division and become a lineal champ in his late thirties, his legacy will be cemented as a top 10 boxer in history.