Boxing legend, Mike Tyson shares his thoughts on a potential matchup between Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez.

Mike Tyson recently voiced his concerns about the potential matchup between Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez. The boxing legend particularly emphasized the significant physical and stylistic challenges Crawford would face if he jumped up to fight the Mexican champion at 168 pounds. Here is what happened:

Mike Tyson recently sat down for an interview on the It Is What It Is podcast. During the discussion, Tyson made it clear that he does not “like that fight” for Crawford. He pointed out the vast size difference between the two fighters. Canelo is a natural 168-pounder and Crawford’s experience is limited to 147 and 154 pounds. Tyson specifically highlighted Crawford’s most recent fight at junior middleweight against Israil Madrimov.

I don’t like that fight. Too much weight. He had a close fight with the last guy he fought (Madrimov) because he was big and really awkward. He shouldn’t have even fought that guy.Mike Tyson on It Is What It Is

Although Crawford won, Tyson believes that similar difficulties could be amplified against a stronger, more polished fighter like Canelo. He would have to leap two divisions to challenge Canelo for his super middleweight titles.

“What do you think about Terence Crawford calling out Canelo?”Mike Tyson: “Y’know…I don’t like that fight. Too much weight(for Crawford). He had a close fight with the last guy he fought(Madrimov) because he was big and really awkward. He shouldn’t have even fought that guy.”… pic.twitter.com/7fHDlyMIWC

— Danny (@dantheboxingman) September 22, 2024

Canelo Alvarez is experienced at heavier weights, having fought and won against top-tier opponents in the super middleweight division. Eddie Hearn, Canelo’s former promoter, also commented on the potential fight. He suggested that Canelo may hesitate to take it because a victory might not earn him much credit.

Mike Tyson has recently voiced strong support for UFC CEO, Dana White‘s potential expansion into boxing. The boxing legend stated that White could revolutionize the sport. During his appearance on the It Is What It Is podcast, Tyson highlighted that White’s business model prioritizes quality fights and punishes poor performances.

Mike Tyson on Dana White entering boxing (Image via Imago)

This could bring much-needed change to boxing. He drew comparisons between how UFC handles underwhelming fights, ensuring fighters who disappoint are not immediately showcased again. Meanwhile, boxing sometimes gives repeated chances to fighters who fail to excite fans.

Tyson believes White’s entry into boxing could bring more consistent and competitive matchups. During a recent press conference, Dana White announced that his long-planned foray into boxing is finally taking shape, with major announcements expected soon. As UFC and WWE merged under the Endeavor-backed TKO umbrella, White is moving forward with the rebranded “TKO Boxing.”