Terence Crawford is in the market for his 42nd opponent, though he is exercising his right to be picky.
The 37-year-old from Omaha recently become champion in a fourth division with a win over Israil Madrimov. Now holding the WBA Super-Welterweight World Title, ‘Bud’ has the choice between defences, unifications or another move up in weight – the final being his preferred option as he continues to chase a fight with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez at super-middle.
Should Canelo not entertain the fight, which is a real possibility, Crawford must look elsewhere if he is to keep competing. One man who has been extremely vocal is Teofimo Lopez, who himself would have to move up two divisions to make it happen.
The two-weight world champion has employed some strange, controversial and inappropriate tactics in an attempt entice Crawford into a fight. For his money, it has worked.
Speaking on an Instagram Live, Lopez expressed his confidence that the fight would happen next year.
“Yes. Next year I promise you guys that fight is gonna happen. Sometime in the summer next year or closer to the fall 2025. It’s an amazing year for The Takeover, you guys don’t want to miss it, man. We got a lot of great fights to come up. I’m hearing rumours of the negotiations between me and Devin Haney. Right now, sorry to say this is all false until further notice.”
Crawford likely won’t share that optimism on the match-up, at least he hasn’t up until this point. In fact, the furthest he has gone in the brewing rivalry is offer to fight Lopez outside of the ring.
Lopez has fought twice this year, defending his WBO 140 pound belt against Jamaine Ortiz and Steve Claggett, winning both on points.
