Terence Crawford recently became a four-weight world champion at the first time of asking – what’s next?
The 37-year-old switch-hitter from Omaha, Nebraska moved up from welterweight last year after beating Errol Spence Jr to become undisputed. In his first fight at 154 pounds, he beat previously-undefeated champion Israil Madrimov to win the WBA belt.
He now has options as to his next move, which include unification bouts, tough defences against the likes of Vergil Ortiz Jr or a fan-friendly clash with Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. Above all else, Crawford wants to move up a further two divisions to face unified super-middleweight champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
Speaking to FightHype, Ortiz’ trainer Robert Garcia revealed that he had spoken to ‘Bud’ recently and left the exchange believing that if he doesn’t land the Canelo fight he will retire.
“Look, Crawford’s a smart man. He’s already accomplished. He already did a lot. He doesn’t need to challenge himself. He doesn’t need to prove nothing to nobody. I’ve talked to him personally and my feeling is he wants that big fight against Canelo, and if he doesn’t get that he might never fight again. He doesn’t need anybody to push him to take a challenge that he doesn’t need. He’s already accomplished it. I don’t see him pleasing the fans cause they’re telling him he needs to fight this guy, he needs to fight that guy.
He’s gonna go out there to look for the biggest fight, and if not, enjoy his life, man. He’s a very smart man. He’s invested his money right. He doesn’t need to fight one more single time at all. But he’s still looking for that big fight against Canelo and if he gets it he’ll take it. Besides that, he might never fight again.”
Although previously dismissive of the match-up, Canelo has made it clear that he will listen to any offer presented to him.
