For the last few months, one question has been plaguing everyone’s mind. What is in the future for Terence Crawford? The WBA and Interim WBO light middleweight champion stands in the twilight of a legendary career. And he is looking at one possible ultimate showdown before bowing out of the sport.
With the chances of a potential Canelo Alvarez fight getting slimmer with each passing day, fans are now expecting a different opponent for the 36-year-old. But there is a chance that last month’s fight against Israil Madrimov might have been the last time Crawford stepped in the ring, as he potentially answered the question regarding his future.
Terence Crawford hits out at haters
Recently, the Omaha native started an online feud with a boxing commentator by the name of ShowBizz The Adult. It started when ShowBizz opined that instead of waiting around for a Canelo Alvarez fight next, the two-division undisputed champion should look for another match-up in the 168 lbs division (Canelo’s division) in order to prepare himself for when the fight eventually happens.
Boxing commentator based his opinion on Bud’s last fight against Madrimov where many felt the fight appeared closer than it should have. ShowBizz, thus, implied that with such a performance, Bud might not be ready for Canelo yet. This notion clearly incensed Terence Crawford, who took the opportunity to also make his future plans clear. Crawford, in a post, hitting out at his critics, stated that he has achieved too much to be fighting just any “bum”.
“Dam I did a lot to be fighting all bums!!! haters hate, but my name will for ever be stamped in the history books for ever.✌,” stated Crawford. Crawford clarified that he won’t fight any newcomer or someone with a bad win/loss record. He will only be stepping back into the ring if the price and the opponent are right.
In a separate post, Crawford recapped his incredible achievements over his 16-year career. As one of the few undefeated fighters, ‘Bud’ is regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world. He conquered three divisions, winning titles at lightweight, junior welterweight, and welterweight. In 2023, Crawford made history when he defeated Errol Spence Jr. and became the first male boxer to become the undisputed champion in two different weight divisions. All of this was to say that unless it was a Canelo fight, Crawford would rather just hang up his gloves.
It’s a career destined for the Hall of Fame, but is there still a chance we’ll see Crawford back in the ring? According to Crawford’s tweets, and as confirmed by Eddie Hearn, Bud remains adamant on who he would fight next.
Canelo or Nothing!
A few weeks ago, Hearn told talkSPORT’s Michael Benson that Crawford is no longer interested in fighting either Vergil Ortiz or Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. At this stage in his career, the 36-year-old champion has made enough money, and only one fight excites him: a clash with Canelo Alvarez. According to Crawford, other fighters simply aren’t big enough draws to justify a return to the ring.
Hearn firmly stated that Crawford is content to wait, even if it means sitting out for a while, in hopes of securing a blockbuster fight against Canelo. If that fight doesn’t materialize, Crawford may retire without ever stepping into the ring again. A fight with Canelo would not only provide Crawford with a fitting farewell but would also guarantee a massive payday for both fighters.
Terence Crawford’s legacy is already secure. But for fans, the prospect of a final showdown with Canelo Alvarez offers the chance for Crawford to put an exclamation point on an already legendary career.
