Brashna Kasi
Updated on: October 11, 2024 3:21 pm GMT
Former four-weight boxing champion Mikey Garcia has sparked interest in the welterweight division by naming a potential challenger to Terence Crawford, suggesting that Vergil Ortiz Jr. might be the fighter capable of breaking Crawford’s undefeated streak. This comment comes amid ongoing discussions about Crawford’s future in the ring, particularly a potential high-profile bout against boxing star Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
Garcia Weighs In on Ortiz’s Potential
Mikey Garcia, who has not fought since 2021, spoke about Ortiz’s abilities following his assessment of Crawford’s recent performance. Despite being inactive as a boxer, Garcia remains closely connected to the sport, particularly through his brother, Robert Garcia, who trains the rising star Ortiz. The Californian praised Ortiz, highlighting his size and power as advantages in a potential fight against Crawford.
“You’ve got the power and size in your advantage,” said Garcia during an interview with ES News. “If Crawford is not in his prime anymore, all it takes is one fight, one training camp, and all of a sudden it’s the end of his career, and Vergil can really take advantage.” Garcia’s comments reflect a growing sentiment in the boxing community concerning the potential vulnerabilities of Crawford, particularly in light of his recent shift up to the 154-pound weight class.
Crawford’s Current Standing
Terence Crawford, who boasts an impressive 40-fight record without a single loss, recently solidified his status in the super-welterweight division by defeating Israil Madrimov. The 36-year-old from Omaha has held championship titles in three different weight classes, becoming undisputed at welterweight. Despite these accomplishments, critics have begun to question if Crawford can maintain his dominance as he steps into heavier competition.
Recent Performance Indications
Crawford’s unanimous decision victory over Madrimov raised eyebrows regarding his punching power at the new weight. Observers noted that this fight marked the end of a notable run of ten consecutive stoppages for Crawford, leading to speculation about whether his strength and effectiveness could diminish against larger opponents.
Vergil Ortiz Jr.: Rising Star
Vergil Ortiz jnr., on the other hand, is making headlines by showcasing his skills in the welterweight and super-welterweight classes. After overcoming a period of illness that had sidelined him, Ortiz is gaining momentum and aims to challenge the top fighters in his division. He recently achieved a controversial decision victory over Serhii Bohachuk, which many believed was a fortunate outcome for Ortiz.
The Fight Landscape
Despite the increasing interest in a potential bout between Ortiz and Crawford, the likelihood of the fight occurring remains uncertain. Promoters and analysts speculate that Crawford may be holding out for what he views as a more lucrative opportunity—an anticipated showdown with Canelo Alvarez. Observers note that Crawford may even consider retirement if such a fight does not materialize.
Canelo Alvarez: The Desired Opponent
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, the current unified super-middleweight champion, has been the target of Crawford’s call-outs for over a year. Alvarez has ruled out discussions about facing Crawford until after his upcoming defense against Edgar Berlanga. When asked about the potential matchup, Alvarez pointed out the significant weight difference, suggesting that this disparity makes a fight against Crawford seemingly easy for him.
Crawford’s Future Plans
In light of these developments, Crawford appears patient and contemplative about his next steps. He remains vocal about wanting the fight with Alvarez, even considering retirement if it does not happen. Alvarez, while focused on his upcoming fight, acknowledged that he might entertain an offer for a bout with Crawford if it arises.
Conclusion: A Potential Showdown Looms
As the boxing landscape evolves, Terence Crawford’s path forward appears intertwined with Vergil Ortiz Jr.’s rise and Canelo Alvarez’s competitive priorities. With the stakes high for both Crawford and Ortiz, the coming months will be crucial in determining their respective trajectories. Fans and commentators alike will keenly watch for announcements regarding fights that could redefine the welterweight and super-welterweight divisions.
For further updates on Terence Crawford and his future bouts, visit the official boxing news site.
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