Who wins here? Both fighters were of similar height and reach and were well rounded fighters. Bud possesses more power but Cervantes was also tricky stylist. Not an easy fight for either of them but an intriguing style match up nonetheless.
Hard to tell I think, Flo. The only time back in the 70s that Crawford would probably be able to make light welter would be very early in his career, equivalently speaking perhaps no later than the time he fought Burns, which would make him green and inexperienced to be going in against Cervantes. He hasn't fought anyone near Cervantes' level either, which is another gap in the equation, though he'd still be the naturally bigger man which would be a first for Cervantes to contend with. He was a monstrous light welter for the time and always the bigger man which wouldn't be the case here. It's probably going to hinge on how Cervantes handles Crawford's power if the latter is able to bridge the huge inexperience gap to impose his aggressive counters and land with semi-consistency. Cervantes isn't really at a style or speed disadvantage and was probably more skilled than the early version of Crawford (if less well rounded) but if Crawford is able to make the weight same day without being drained and not lose too much fizz..... If Crawford is allowed a day to rehydrate up to light middle, then it's the unknown of a 20th century same day fighter vs a modern weight cheat with the older fighter having to navigate the potential of half a dozen of his punches only equating to one or two good shots from a bigger man who isn't at a huge skill disadvantage.
I struggle to see Cervantes winning this one. I think Crawford would be too slick, too tight, and too spiteful for Cervantes. Crawford would control the fight from the outside and would befuddle Cervantes with different looks from both stances and different postures. Crawford is also the bigger man and I feel would win most of the exchanges. Cervantes was best as a counterpuncher and Crawford really doesn't give a lot of opportunities for counters and isn't afraid to fight negatively like he did against Postol.
