Crawford vs Ortiz Jr and 154

So his long awaited coming out party and entry to 154 has happened in close but spectacular competitive fashion for interim title. In the immediate aftermath and even before they got there, the push is on for Ortiz vs Crawford as an almost certainty right now. But as Turki is finding out and many have known for some time now, you simply have to fight the fights and let the results open some doors while closing others. We seemingly went from Crawford v Canelo to Crawford v Ortiz in the span of a week or two and truth be told it's the most logical and highly attractive fight in an increasingly top notch division.

Crawford vs Ortiz Jr...who do you have? I like Crawford. Ortiz really needs another fight before Crawford. Just small things to hone and showing he can shine in a first half with a formidable opponent just as he showed late closing the championship rounds last weekend. Early on he was getting too far over himself with the head and there was a rigidness in his footwork. If he approaches Bud as he did Bohachuk in the first half I can see Crawford carving him up a bit. But it also has to be asked...what version of Bud do we see. He too was not absent of criticism after his last fight and debut at 154 vs Israil Madrimov 2 weeks ago. Madrimov had a loose but physically imposing style too and Crawford had just a little trouble reading it thru out. But Madrimov had nowhere near the arsenal and body work of Ortiz who may just go all out and roll the dice early.

Man that was wordy :-X;D. Love to see a card with both on it first...not ppv...main and co main maybe. Build it up and let both shine. Then make the mega fight and move onto sorting this awesome division out.

Crawford is the main man at the weight and he should stay there and unity the division. This is a huge challenge for Bud which I can see him overcome. It will be entertaining contest. Love for it to happen.

Teofimo Lopez has also thrown his hat in the ring.

“Now that we have Riyadh Season in the mix, why can't we make a Crawford and Teofimo fight happen?" he told Boxing Scene.

"We're in the house now. Make it happen. More money doesn't cause more problems. More money causes more boxing."

Lopez is the current WBO super-lightweight champion and previously held titles at lightweight.

Despite never competing as high as super-welterweight, Lopez is more than prepared to jump up two weight classes.

“Absolutely I can [move up to 154lbs]. And I will. Just send me the date," he added.

"I am walking at 155lbsright now. I can fight Crawford right now.

“I didn't expect for age to catch up with Crawford so quickly [against Madrimov]. I thought it would happen at 38 and not 36.

“Everyone had high expectations of Crawford – he even had high expectations against Madrimov.

"But this is boxing, and things happen like this. This is probably good learning for him.

"He couldn't figure out his moves and feints. Maybe he shouldn't have taken so long coming back [after the Errol Spence fight in 2023]. But to each his own.

"I wasn't Terence Crawford in that fight. I'm Teofimo and I look forward to facing him in the coming year.”

If he can't land the Crawford fight then Lopez is ready to jump in there with who many believe to be the best welterweight in the world, Jaron 'Boots' Ennis.

“To be honest, whatever plans they have. I have nothing but respect for Boots,” Lopez said of a potential fight with the IBF welterweight champion.

“We've known each other a long time. We won the National Golden Gloves together in 2015. We were both 17 years old.

"If people want to see it, then we'll do it. I don't say no to any fight. As long as it’s eye-catching and eye candy to everyone who’s watching, that's what really matters.”

https://talksport.com/sport/2007239/...anelo-alvarez/

Both Crawford & Ortiz Jr show rust. Madrimov & Bohachuk both show belong. If they box next I take Crawford. Spicoli correct another fight can benefit Ortiz Jr

Crawford is beginning to be a fans frustration again. One minute he's set to charge into 154 and come to his senses about the Canelo farce. Now apparently...according to his mouthpiece and hype man Turki...only wants the Canelo fight :p

Crazy idea...maybe Bud can stand up and speak for himself like an adult instead of jerking fans around.