Dmitry Bivol believes Terence Crawford has what it takes to climb up three weight classes amid speculation over a future fight with Canelo Alvarez.
Crawford, who is ranked as the No.1 pound-for-pound fighter by Ring Magazine, has warmed to the idea of a showdown with Canelo after the Mexican signed a three-fight deal with PBC (Premier Boxing Champions).
Bivol was named 2022 Fighter of the Year after his victory over Alvarez in May 2022 and after spending much of 2023 chasing a rematch, it appears that a clash with Crawford appears more likely, for now.
That would require 147-pound Crawford to climb three weight classes to go head-to-head with Alvarez.
Whilst the jump seems to be a steep one, WBA light heavyweight champion Bivol believes Crawford is well equipped to take on the challenge.
“When I stepped into a boxing gym, the first rule was to respect weight classes but I don’t know what [Crawford is] going to eat,” Bivol told Boxing Scene.
“He’s the best fighter. Everything that he’s planning, shouldn’t look like it’s crazy. If he’s thinking about it, if he’s talking about it, it means it’s possible.”
Bivol has been unable to capitalise on the momentum shift following his win over Alvarez.
The 33-year-old fought just once in 2023 – a unanimous win over Lyndon Arthur in Saudi Arabia last month.
Bivol is aiming to become undisputed light heavyweight champion with a bout against WBC, WBO, and IBF champion Artur Beterbiev in the works following his destruction of Callum Smith earlier this month.
