Terence Crawford’s Ambitious Challenge
In an ambitious bid for greatness, Terence Crawford is set to challenge the undisputed super middleweight champion, Canelo Alvarez, on September 13 in Las Vegas, despite the daunting leap up two weight classes. Should Crawford prevail, he would solidify his status as one of the premier boxers of his era. This raises the question of which other fighters in the boxing world might find enhanced opportunities by ascending to a higher weight class.
Boxers Who Could Revitalize Their Careers by Moving Up
Here are seven boxers who could find their careers revitalized by moving up, some of whom are familiar names while others might surprise fans:
- Canelo Alvarez: Currently fighting at 168 pounds, Canelo faces Crawford next, a bout that could determine his future in that weight class. If victorious, the Mexican superstar might explore fights against notable heavyweight contenders like Dmitry Bivol or Artur Beterbiev. The most compelling matchup would be against fellow Mexican David Benavidez, which would silence critics and elevate his legacy.
- Jai Opetaia: Competing now at cruiserweight, Opetaia is looking to solidify his place with a match against Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez. However, a transition to heavyweight could open up significant battles against rising stars like Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker, and even a high-stakes confrontation with current heavyweight champ Oleksandr Usyk, whom he faced previously in the amateur ranks.
- Teofimo Lopez: Ranked among the top pound-for-pound fighters, Lopez is currently a junior welterweight but might consider moving up to 147 pounds where he could challenge the victor of the upcoming Brian Norman Jr. and Devin Haney clash. Given Haney’s past rivalry with Lopez and Norman’s knockout power, this matchup could create a thrilling showdown. Furthermore, Lopez could aim for a leap up to 154 pounds to face the undefeated Jaron “Boots” Ennis, potentially etching his name in boxing history with a victory.
- Gervonta Davis: Recognized as one of boxing’s hottest stars, the move from 135 to 147 pounds would place Davis in the ring with high-profile opponents. A fight against Manny Pacquiao, who remains a significant draw in the sport despite recent controversies, is an enticing possibility that Davis’s management is exploring.
- Shakur Stevenson: Although known for his technical prowess, Stevenson is finding it challenging to land marquee fights in his current weight class. Transitioning to 140 pounds could provide fresh opportunities against opponents such as Lopez and Richardson Hitchins, allowing him to gain the recognition his talent deserves.
- Junto Nakatani: Competing at 118 pounds, Nakatani is positioned to potentially move up to 122 pounds for a much-anticipated bout against Naoya Inoue, a clash that would mark a historic moment in Japanese boxing. With both fighters in agreement for a potential showdown in 2026, this move seems imminent, promising excitement for fans.
- Jesse Rodriguez: Currently at 115 pounds, Rodriguez is an emerging star in the boxing realm. Elevating to 122 pounds could lead him to a thrilling encounter with Inoue, a contest that boasts an impressive combined record of 52 wins and 42 knockouts. The sheer intensity of such a match would likely resonate deeply within the sport, potentially earning accolades as Fight of the Year.
These fighters, through strategic moves to higher weight classes, could not only elevate their own careers but also provide fans with thrilling matchups that resonate within the boxing community.
