WHAT is there left for Terence Crawford to achieve?
If doubters remained before last night, then they were surely turned into believers after ‘Bud’ produced the greatest performance of his career against Errol Spence Jr.
The pre-fight talk, of this being a 50-50 matchup was quickly quietened by Crawford who tore the tough Texan apart.
Crawford told us all this was his era and now he sits at the top of the sport and in many people’s eyes as the best boxer in the world. But with his 36th birthday a couple of months away retirement may be on the horizon.
Having become the best in three weight classes will Crawford attempt the same in a fourth or will he look to have one more giant payday before bowing out on top.
For a fighter who has never come close to losing time is now the biggest threat to him. Boxing News looks at the options left for the violent wizard Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford.
- Errol Spence Jr
The win may have been one sided, but the rematch clause remains. Both Crawford and Spence are willing to fight one another once again but the appeal may not be there. If it goes ahead at 154lbs then Spence’s shots may have more meat in them, and he may be in better shape to absorb what comes back at him but the public will take some convincing that all of it makes sense.
- Jermell Charlo
Crawford vs super-welterweight Charlo doesn’t need belts. Should ‘Mell lose to Canelo in September then he will return either with all four belts at 154lbs or not. That’s for the sanctioning bodies to decide. Crawford has had this Charlo in his sights for a couple of years. The build-up would not be civil, and the public would buy into a quickly formed rivalry. It’s all ifs, buts and maybes. The Canelo fight will provide some clues.
- Tim Tszyu
Should Crawford vacate his own titles and move up he will automatically earn a shot with the WBO route a definite option at super-welterweight. Tszyu could soon rip off his Interim status and be elevated to full champion with the sanctioning body. Charlo’s future is the key. If Tszyu lands the belt then Crawford would have no qualms about going after another big fish, this time of the Australian variety.
- Jaron Ennis
One more fight and perhaps a perfect one to bow out on for Crawford. And what would be better having dealt with someone deemed his equal to then follow up by tackling the new pretender to his throne. Jaron Ennis looks to be the future of the welterweight division and what would motivate him more than to knock off the best in the world. Either way Ennis is getting his shot soon.
- Canelo Alvarez
Sounds ridiculous but weight jumps and catch-weights and meeting somewhere in the middle to make millions of dollars exists in boxing. Canelo would welcome another smaller man moving up. They can agree to fight at super-middleweight, but Crawford might only end up at 163lbs or 164lbs. The size of the task seems enormous but there is a difference in mileage and it presents an opportunity to top what he achieved in Las Vegas on Saturday night.