Pound for pound number one Terence Crawford has stated that he has “no interest” in a potential matchup with Canelo Alvarez.
Speaking in a recent interview with TMZ, Crawford distanced himself from any talk over a clash with fellow pound-for-pound fighter Canelo Alvarez. Crawford correctly pointed out that although Canelo has previously fought in the same weight class as Crawford (147lb), the current weight differential between the two would be too significant to make a bout between the two a realistic possibility.
Canelo fought his last bout in his home country of Mexico against British fighter John Ryder at super middleweight (168lb). A full twenty-one pounds heavier than Crawford.
What is Next for Canelo Alvarez?
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez is set to face the undisputed super welterweight (154lb) champion Jermell Charlo. The bout will see Canelo attempt to defend his undisputed status, with the fight taking place at 168lb. Charlo will attempt to step up in weight and become a two-weight undisputed champion.
Some fans were surprised to see this fight made. Jermall Charlo, who’s is the twin brother to Jermell is the WBC middleweight champion (160lb). It was Jermall who many thought would be next in line to face Canelo due to him being the bigger brother. Jermall Charlo has now been out of action since June 2021 due to personal struggles keeping him away from the ring. This has opened the door for brother Jermell to step in and take his chance at Canelo.
What is Next for Terence Crawford?
Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford was last seen in a dominant display against fellow pound for pound star Errol Spence Jr. The bout was touted to be an all time classic, Crawford however had other ideas and inflicted a one sided beatdown on Spence Jr.
He was spectacular from start to finish, dropping Spence Jr on multiple occasions before the bout was waved off in the ninth round. Crawford himself, with Spence Jr on the floor from a knockdown, jumped onto the ropes and began talking talking smack to Jermell Charlo. ‘Bud’ has previously talked about moving up to 154lb to challenge Charlo but it appears we will have to wait until 2024 to see the two face off, with Charlo scheduled to face Canelo.
Despite the dominance shown by Crawford in his bout with Spence Jr, the bout came with a rematch clause attached (as so many fights now do in boxing). In all likelihood, it appears we are going to see Spence Jr attempt to get his revenge against Crawford at 154lb.
Spence, who has teased a move to 154lb in the past has claimed that he is no longer able to make the 147lb limit but has refused to use that as an excuse for his defeat to Crawford. Crawford has welcomed the idea of a rematch at 154lb and this is likely to be Crawford’s next fight.
Retirement Talk.
In his interview with TMZ, Crawford stated that he only had a handful of fights left in him before he retired from the sport for good. At 36 years old, Crawford has already accomplished so much and if he were to become undisputed champion at 154lb, it would further solidify his legacy.
“I’ve been doing this sport for a long time now and already stated and said that I’m gonna retire from boxing before I let boxing retire me.”
Quote from TMZ interview with Terence Crawford.
Crawford has now established himself as the number one pound for pound boxer in the world. With a perfect record of 40 wins from 40 fights and 31 of those coming via knockout, Crawford is known as one of the greatest finishers of the modern era. Standout wins over Amir Khan, Kell Brook, Shaun Porter and now Errol Spence Jr have solidified his position within the sport and Crawford has never looked so good.
With Crawford getting better with each fight, boxing fans will be disappointed to hear that we are on borrowed time. However, boxing is a cruel, cruel sport and if Crawford can become undisputed champion at 154lb and retire with money in the bank and all his faculties in check, he will have absolutely cracked the game.
How many fights do you think Crawford has left? Do you see the Spence Jr rematch playing out differently at 154lb? Where does Crawford rank your list of all time greats? Let us know in the comments below
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
