There are a queue of fighters looking to test themselves against pound-for-pound superstar Terence Crawford.
The Omaha native is now a four division world champion having recently made his debut at super-welterweight to defeat Israil Madrimov and win the WBA belt.
Where he goes next is unclear, with Jaron Ennis willing to move up and face him, Tim Tszyu keen on another world title run and Vergil Ortiz making moves to earn the fight. The fight Crawford wanted – Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez – will not be happening.
Another man who fancies is it super-lightweight world champion Teofimo Lopez, who has said he would move up in weight to beat an ‘ageing’ Crawford. The two-division world champion said the match-up would be a mega fight, the modern-day reincarnation of Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Roberto Durán.
Speaking to Title Sports Network, trainer Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre was stark in his response when asked if he wanted the fight.
“He trash. F**k Teofimo. No, cause he talk too much s**t. He used to be a humble kid.”
It seems unlikely ‘Bud’ looks to make the fight even despite the offer on Lopez’ part to meet him at his weight. Instead, and with a match-up against Canelo off the table for now, the 36-year-old is likely to seek out more belts at 154.
His next fight is slated to be against Ortiz, who recently won the WBC Interim Title in a close-fought and controversial battle with Serhii Bohachuk. With Sebastian Fundora currently holding the WBC belt, a win over Ortiz could set up a unification in 2025.
Crawford has already targeted Fundora, who also holds the WBO, but he is expected instead to face Errol Spence Jr later this year. If that is made, the WBO may strip Fundora and have Crawford, who was ordered as mandatory, fight for the vacant belt.
As for Lopez, he doesn’t have an opponent lined up. He has hinted at a move to welterweight but may also choose to defend his super-lightweight belt or look to unify against one of the other champions in the division, namely Jose Valenzuela or Liam Paro.
