“I’m too small for this guy. This guy is too strong. This guy punches too hard. I don’t have a chin. Or I am this or I am that,” lamented Terence Crawford, voicing the doubts he’s heard throughout his career. And that’s what propelled him to defy the odds and rise through four weight classes, undefeated. Now, as he eyes a potential victory over the bigger Canelo Alvarez on September 13th (moved from the original September 12th date due to a scheduling conflict at Allegiant Stadium), Terence Crawford stands on the cusp of etching his name alongside legends like Floyd Mayweather Jr. as he prepares to face Canelo either in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, or New York. That alone is a feat worth its weight in gold. Yet, remarkably, even with a résumé most fighters would dream of, the whispers of doubt still follow him like a shadow.

Enter Lester Martinez, a name few expected to hear this close to fight night. Just three months out from the bout, Martinez, the fearsome super middleweight who turned pro in 2019, is now being floated as a possible replacement for Bud, in case something unexpected happens. If he does land a spot on the September card, it would mark his first shot at a world title. Naturally, skeptics are raising eyebrows; after all, it’s not every day a relatively untested contender steps up to share the stage with Canelo Alvarez. But Martinez isn’t walking into the lion’s den blindly. As a stablemate of Crawford and a product of Brian “BoMac” McIntyre’s camp, he’s been forged in fire. So, how did this dark horse suddenly enter the race?

Replacement talk heating up. But is Terence Crawford really out?

“‼️🍨 Scoop Alert. Lester Martinez Tabbed As Replacement Opponent For Terence Crawford In September,” posted BrunchBoxing on X a few days ago. The post teased a massive opportunity for ‘The Legend Killer,’ hinting that the undefeated Guatemalan super middleweight may soon get his shot against Canelo Alvarez. So, why now? Well, as sources tell BrunchBoxing, Martinez has already agreed to a contingency deal to step in if Terence Crawford pulls out. And if that happens, he’ll be looking at a reported $2 million payday (his biggest to date).

Despite the hype surrounding the Crawford-Canelo showdown, it’s worth noting that nothing is set in stone just yet. While the fight was announced for Mexican Independence Day weekend in September, contracts remain unsigned, and both the date and venue are still in flux. A kickoff press conference is tentatively planned for June in Riyadh, but as is often the case in boxing, the entire event could shift without warning. That uncertainty has opened the door for Martinez, who is quietly positioning himself as the ultimate insurance policy.

In the meantime, the 19-0 boxer is staying sharp. He’s scheduled to face France’s Pierre Dibombe on July 12 in a 10-round regional title bout, streamed live on ProBox TV from the Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California. The fight is being viewed as both a tune-up and a showcase, keeping the 29-year-old active while potentially building buzz ahead of a September appearance. Moreover, sources of BrunchBoxing confirm that even if he doesn’t replace the 41-0 boxer for the main card, Martinez is still locked in to fight on the undercard.

So for now, Martinez remains just one phone call away from the biggest moment of his career. But it looks like Terence Crawford is also locked in for a September showdown.

Terence Crawford checks out of his camp

Come September, the two-division undisputed champion will jump to 168 pounds to face the fellow pound-for-pound titan Canelo Alvarez. And there’ll be no tune-up fights. But with nearly six months to prepare, he’s been given a full training camp to get things right. Moreover, his longtime trainer Brian “BoMac” McIntyre has confirmed to Boxing Scene that part of that prep includes sparring rounds with none other than Lester Martinez.

Martinez is coming off a 4th-round KO victory over Joeshon James this past weekend, adding to the momentum he gained by outpointing Carlos Gongora last year. His natural size, physicality, and aggressive style make him an ideal sparring partner for Terence Crawford, who’s preparing for a major leap in weight. Of course, Terence Crawford is no stranger to making history. But beating Canelo at 168? That would be something entirely different.

It would be unprecedented, not just for Bud Crawford, but in the modern era of boxing, especially given the odds and physical disadvantages he’ll face. With that said, what are your thoughts on Canelo Alvarez’s potential new opponent? And do you believe Terence Crawford’s sparring sessions with Lester Martinez will give him the edge he needs to become a five-division world champion this September?