Terence Crawford, the two-time undisputed champion, is set to enter a new chapter in his storied career by moving into a fourth weight division on August 3. Crawford, who solidified his position at the top of pound-for-pound lists last year with a resounding victory over Errol Spence Jr., is now setting his sights on an even bigger challenge: Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.

Canelo, a Mexican boxing legend and current holder of all four belts at super-middleweight, initially dismissed the prospect of a fight with Crawford. He argued that defeating a smaller opponent like Crawford, who would need to leap three weight divisions from welterweight to super-middleweight, would not earn him much credit. However, Crawford is undeterred and will make his first step towards this ambitious goal by moving up to 154 pounds to challenge WBA champion Israil Madrimov later this year.

In an interview with ES News, former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson expressed concern over Crawford’s weight jump. Tyson, who knows a thing or two about legacy and risk in the boxing world, advised against the move. “He can do what he wants, but I don’t think it’s a good idea. What would he have [at the weight]? I don’t know. I just don’t think it’s a good idea. People have done things crazy like that before, it’s just that he doesn’t have to do it.”

Crawford’s upcoming fight against Madrimov, an undefeated Uzbek, will serve as a critical test of his ability to compete at a higher weight class. This match will reveal whether Crawford can maintain his power and skill after previously winning world titles at lightweight.

While Crawford is preparing for this pivotal bout, Canelo is expected to return to the ring in September to defend his super-middleweight titles, with Edgar Berlanga emerging as a potential opponent.

Interestingly, Mike Tyson himself is gearing up for a return to the ring in November, where he will face Jake Paul in a professional contest with modified rules. This fight, initially postponed, mirrors Tyson’s own cautionary advice to Crawford—embarking on challenges that might not be necessary given his already cemented legacy.

As boxing fans eagerly anticipate Crawford’s performance at 154 pounds and the potential showdown with Canelo, the sport continues to offer unexpected and thrilling developments.