Crawford, who boasts a perfect 41-0 record, will jump from super welterweight (154 lbs) to super middleweight (168 lbs) for the chance to dethrone Canelo. This weight leap presents a significant challenge for Crawford, who's dominated opponents like Errol Spence Jr, Shawn Porter, and Amir Khan in lower divisions.
During a recent fan event at Bondi Boxing Club in Sydney, Australia, Crawford reflected on his toughest fight to date. A fan asked him about his most challenging bout and in which division it occurred.
"My toughest fight was against Gamboa. It was at lightweight," Crawford told the crowd.
Crawford's battle with Yuriorkis Gamboa in 2014 marked a turning point in his career. The Cuban boxer, an Olympic champion from Athens 2004, came into the fight with an 18-0 record and posed a serious threat to Crawford's rise.
In the early rounds, Gamboa's speed and explosiveness gave Crawford trouble. The Cuban even shook Crawford in the fourth round, putting the American in a difficult spot.
"Gamboa was fast, he was experienced, he was explosive. He put me in a bind in that fight, I had to stay focused, keep calm and stick to the fight plan," Crawford explained.
Crawford's composure paid off in the fifth round when he knocked Gamboa down and took control of the fight. He went on to win by technical knockout in the ninth round, cementing his status as a top-tier boxer.
Now, at 37 years old, Crawford faces perhaps his most daunting challenge yet in Canelo Alvarez. The Mexican champion has ruled the super middleweight division, and Crawford will need to draw on all his experience and skill to compete at this new weight class.
As fight fans eagerly await more details about this potential super-fight, Crawford's willingness to test himself against the best continues to define his career. His journey from lightweight battles to super middleweight showdowns showcases the evolution of a true boxing great.