Canelo Alvarez And Terence Crawford: Comparing Post-Mayweather Careers

Laila Abdi

5 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

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Canelo Alvarez's Post-Mayweather Dominance

Canelo Alvarez has undeniably established himself as a boxing superstar in the post-Mayweather era. His relentless pursuit of championship titles and his captivating fighting style have captivated audiences worldwide.

Record and Notable Wins

Since Mayweather's retirement, Canelo's record has been nothing short of spectacular. He has consistently faced top contenders, showcasing his power, precision, and adaptability.

• Gennady Golovkin: Two closely contested fights, with a win and a controversial draw, cemented Canelo's status as a top-tier fighter. (Links to fight details and recaps)
• Sergey Kovalev: A stunning victory against the then-light heavyweight champion demonstrated Canelo's power and ability to conquer multiple weight classes. (Links to fight details and recaps)
• Caleb Plant: Unifying the super middleweight titles against Plant completed Canelo’s undisputed reign at 168 pounds. (Links to fight details and recaps)

Beyond these individual victories, Canelo has engaged in numerous successful unification bouts, showcasing his ambition to dominate across weight divisions. His consistent PPV success underlines his immense drawing power and financial impact on the sport. His fights regularly generate millions of pay-per-view buys.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite his undeniable success, Canelo's career hasn't been without its criticisms. Some argue that his opponents, while skilled, haven't always been the absolute best available. Others point to stylistic preferences that favour defensive boxing, potentially leading to less exciting matchups for certain opponents.

• Opponent Selection: Debate continues on the perceived level of competition Canelo has faced in the post-Mayweather era compared to other top fighters.
• Fighting Style: While effective, his predominantly defensive approach occasionally draws criticism for lacking the aggressive "brawler" style some fans crave.

Terence Crawford's Undisputed Reign

Terence Crawford presents a contrasting case study in post-Mayweather dominance. Known for his exceptional boxing IQ and technical mastery, Crawford’s path to success has been marked by a different kind of dominance.

Unification and Dominance

Crawford's record showcases a level of dominance arguably unmatched in recent boxing history. His ability to unify titles across weight classes highlights his superior skill and adaptability.

• Welterweight Unification: Crawford successfully unified the welterweight titles, showcasing his ability to outclass opponents with superior skill and strategy. (Links to fight details and recaps)
• Move to Super Welterweight: His recent move up to super welterweight and subsequent victory further solidified his position as a multi-weight class champion. (Links to fight details and recaps)

His fights often showcase brilliant tactical displays, dismantling opponents with calculated precision rather than sheer power. However, his less frequent PPV appearances compared to Canelo raise questions regarding his marketability and potential for widespread mainstream appeal.

Challenges and Lack of High-Profile Fights

One significant criticism leveled against Crawford is the perceived lack of high-profile fights against marquee names. Securing fights with top-ranked contenders in his weight classes has proven to be a persistent challenge. This stems from various factors:

• Negotiation Difficulties: Securing fights with top names often involves complex negotiations and disagreements over terms.
• Opponent Availability: Top contenders may be tied up with other commitments or unwilling to risk facing Crawford's superior skill set.

This absence of mega-fights, while not directly reflecting on Crawford's talent, does impact his overall legacy in the public eye compared to the more consistently high-profile fights of Canelo.

Comparing Legacy and Impact

The legacies of Canelo and Crawford are distinctly different, reflecting their contrasting approaches to the sport.

P4P Rankings and Accolades

Both fighters consistently feature highly in various pound-for-pound rankings, though their relative positions fluctuate depending on the criteria used. Both have garnered numerous awards and recognitions within the boxing world.

• Pound-for-Pound Rankings: Regularly appear at the top of various publications' pound-for-pound rankings.
• Awards: Both have received multiple awards recognizing their achievements and contributions to the sport.

Financial Success and Popularity

Canelo’s consistent high-profile fights translate to massive PPV buys and considerable financial success, establishing him as one of boxing's highest earners. Crawford, despite his dominance, hasn’t achieved the same level of widespread mainstream popularity or PPV success.

• PPV Buys: Canelo consistently surpasses Crawford in terms of PPV buys.
• Media Presence: Canelo enjoys significantly greater media exposure and broader global recognition than Crawford.

Conclusion

The Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford Post-Mayweather debate is a fascinating study in contrasting paths to boxing greatness. Canelo's relentless pursuit of high-profile fights and massive PPV success has cemented his status as a global icon. Crawford, on the other hand, displays a level of technical mastery and dominance that is arguably unmatched, though his lack of high-profile opponents occasionally overshadows his achievements. Ultimately, determining who is the "better" fighter is subjective. Both have left an indelible mark on the post-Mayweather boxing landscape, but the Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford Post-Mayweather discussion continues, and only time will tell how their legacies will ultimately be viewed. To further fuel this debate, delve into their individual fight records and analyze their distinct fighting styles. Let's keep the conversation going – who do you think reigns supreme in the post-Mayweather era?