Terence Crawford has made it clear that his primary ambition in boxing is to challenge Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez at super-middleweight. Despite his upcoming debut at super-welterweight this weekend, Crawford is focused on bridging the gap to 168 pounds, although he faces the challenge of moving through two more weight classes.

Canelo Alvarez has previously dismissed the idea of facing Crawford, citing concerns about the lack of credit he would receive for defeating a smaller opponent. Despite this, Crawford remains steadfast in his pursuit of a fight against the Mexican champion, a goal that seems almost as fervently pursued by David Benavidez. Benavidez has been making waves in the super-middleweight division and is also eyeing a bout with Canelo.

For now, neither Crawford nor Benavidez has managed to secure a match against Canelo. Alvarez is scheduled to defend three of his four major belts against Edgar Berlanga on September 14, following his recent stripping of the IBF title.

In light of the ongoing pursuit of Canelo, boxing legend Floyd Mayweather has suggested a compelling alternative. Speaking to FightHype, Mayweather proposed that Crawford and Benavidez should face each other if they are unable to secure a fight with Canelo.

“I think he’s a super, super, super skilful fighter. Very talented fighter. I thought about this. If he wants to go to 168 and he wants to fight Canelo, and Benavidez wants to fight Canelo. They can’t get Canelo, they can fight each other – Benavidez and Crawford. Both you guys are chasing one fighter, y’all can’t get that fight then y’all should say we’ll fight each other,” Mayweather said.

While this match-up would be an intriguing prospect, it remains unlikely at present. Crawford has expressed his desire to secure a fight with Canelo for the sake of his legacy rather than simply facing a bigger opponent. Benavidez has also recently shifted his focus to campaigning at light-heavyweight after failing to lure Canelo into a bout.

Crawford’s upcoming fight against WBA 154 Champion Israil Madrimov could be a pivotal moment in his career. A victory would not only make him a four-division champion but might also set the stage for Riyadh Season’s Turki Alalshikh to formally extend an offer to Canelo.