The burning question on every boxing fan's mind: What happens to Canelo's precious belts if Crawford manages to pull off an upset? Guys, let's dive deep into the implications of such a monumental fight and what it could mean for the future of the super middleweight division. This is a hypothetical scenario, of course, but one definitely worth exploring given Crawford's immense talent and Canelo's… well, being Canelo! Let's break down the possible fallout.
The Stakes: Canelo's Reign and Crawford's Ambition
First, let's remind ourselves what Canelo Alvarez currently holds. As of now, he's the undisputed super middleweight champion, holding all four major belts: the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO titles. That’s a clean sweep, boxing's equivalent of collecting all the infinity stones. To lose them would be a significant blow to his legacy, no doubt. Canelo has worked tirelessly to unify the division, overcoming tough challenges and cementing his place as one of the sport's biggest stars. The prestige and marketability that come with being an undisputed champion are immense, impacting not just his career but also his earning potential and future opportunities.
Now, enter Terence Crawford, a fighter known for his versatility, skill, and relentless pursuit of greatness. Crawford has already conquered the light welterweight and welterweight divisions, becoming undisputed in the former. Moving up to super middleweight to face Canelo would be a huge risk, but the potential reward – becoming a multi-division champion and defeating one of boxing's icons – is undeniably enticing. For Crawford, this fight isn't just about adding another belt to his collection; it's about solidifying his place among the all-time greats and etching his name in boxing history. Defeating Canelo would be a career-defining moment, instantly elevating his status and opening up new avenues for lucrative fights and endorsements.
The Belt Breakdown: What Happens if Canelo Falls?
So, what exactly happens to those coveted belts if Crawford were to defeat Canelo? Here's the straightforward answer: Crawford would become the new unified super middleweight champion, inheriting all four belts. Just like that, Canelo's undisputed reign would be over, and a new king would be crowned. All the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO titles would transfer to Crawford, instantly making him the top dog in the 168-pound division. It's a clean and simple transfer of power – the winner takes all.
However, the situation isn't always quite so straightforward in the world of boxing. There can be complicating factors such as rematch clauses or mandatory title defenses that could influence the immediate aftermath. For example, Canelo might have a rematch clause in the fight contract, guaranteeing him an immediate second shot at reclaiming his titles. In that case, even if Crawford wins, the belts could be on the line again very quickly. Also, sanctioning bodies (like the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO) have their own rules and regulations regarding mandatory title defenses. Crawford might be required to defend a specific title against a highly-ranked contender within a certain timeframe. If he fails to meet those obligations, he could be stripped of the title, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. Despite these possibilities, the initial outcome is clear: Crawford wins, he gets the belts.
Rematch Clauses: A Second Chance for Canelo?
As mentioned, rematch clauses are common in high-profile fights like this. They essentially guarantee the losing fighter an immediate second chance to win back their title. If a rematch clause is in place, Canelo would have the option to invoke it, setting up an immediate second fight against Crawford. This is a crucial detail because it could significantly impact the long-term fate of the belts. Even if Crawford wins the first fight and becomes the unified champion, Canelo could potentially win the rematch and reclaim his titles, throwing the entire division back into its previous state. — Anllela Sagra OnlyFans Leaks: What You Need To Know
Rematch clauses are often a point of negotiation between the fighters' camps, with each side weighing the potential benefits and risks. For Canelo, a rematch clause would provide a safety net, ensuring that he has an opportunity to regain his titles if he suffers an unexpected loss. For Crawford, a rematch clause might be seen as a disadvantage, as it would force him to face Canelo again in his very next fight, potentially derailing his plans for other matchups or title defenses. The presence or absence of a rematch clause can significantly alter the dynamics of the fight and the subsequent trajectory of both fighters' careers.
The Ripple Effect: Mandatory Defenses and the Division's Future
Even if Crawford wins and there's no immediate rematch, he'd still have to contend with the mandatory title defenses dictated by the sanctioning bodies. Each of the four major boxing organizations (WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO) has its own set of rules and rankings, and they each have a mandatory challenger who is next in line to fight for the title. Crawford would be obligated to defend each title against its respective mandatory challenger within a specified timeframe. These mandatory defenses can be tricky because they often pit the champion against lesser-known or less-desirable opponents, potentially disrupting their plans for bigger, more lucrative fights.
If Crawford were to win Canelo's belts, the entire super middleweight division would be thrown into a state of flux. Other top contenders, who have been patiently waiting for their chance to fight for a title, would suddenly see new opportunities open up. Fighters like David Benavidez, David Morrell, and Christian Mbilli would likely be vying for a shot at Crawford's titles, eager to prove themselves against the new champion. The division would become more competitive and unpredictable, with a flurry of exciting matchups and potential upsets. It would be a new era for the super middleweight division, filled with possibilities and uncertainties. — Powerball Drawing: Sept 1, 2025 - Results & Payout
What About Canelo's Future?
Losing to Crawford, especially with all the belts on the line, would undoubtedly be a significant setback for Canelo's career. It would raise questions about his dominance and potentially tarnish his legacy. However, it's important to remember that Canelo is an incredibly resilient and determined fighter. He has overcome adversity in the past, and he has the skills and experience to bounce back from a loss. — Catching The Buzz: Your Ultimate Guide To A Red Sox Game
Depending on the circumstances of the defeat, Canelo could choose to pursue a rematch with Crawford, aiming to reclaim his titles and reassert his dominance. Alternatively, he could decide to move up or down in weight, seeking new challenges and opportunities in different divisions. Canelo has shown a willingness to take risks and explore different weight classes throughout his career, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him venture into uncharted territory once again. Regardless of his decision, Canelo's future would depend on his ability to learn from the loss, adapt his training and strategy, and continue to evolve as a fighter. A defeat to Crawford wouldn't necessarily spell the end of his career, but it would certainly force him to reassess his goals and priorities.
In conclusion, if Crawford defeats Canelo, he becomes the new unified super middleweight champion, plain and simple. All the belts change hands. But boxing is never really that simple, is it? Rematch clauses and mandatory defenses could muddy the waters, making the aftermath just as interesting as the fight itself! One thing's for sure: it would be an earth-shattering event with massive implications for both fighters and the entire super middleweight division. Let's see if this dream match ever becomes a reality!
