Top Rank promoter Bob Arum has revealed a four man shortlist for Terence Crawford (33-0-0, 24 KO’s) to make his maiden defence of his WBO World welterweight title – and even listed British star Amir Khan as a potential opponent.
Arum, who has guided Crawford to six World titles in three weight classes, stated that the Nebraskan would return before the end of 2018, following his recent tenth round stoppage win over then-champion Jeff Horn in Las Vegas, Nevada.
He would go on to state that the winner of next month’s WBA World welterweight title bout between Lucas Matthysse and long-time Arum stalwart Manny Pacquiao would present an “interesting” proposition for Crawford.
However, with that bout shrouded in doubt, the veteran promoter would make a case for either man to take on ‘Bud’ in their next outing.
“There would be Matthysse – that would be a possibility if the Pacquiao fight doesn’t happen.” Arum told TalkBox podcast.
“If the Pacquiao fight does happen next month and he beats Pacquiao, Matthysse would be a very good fight for Terence.”
“He’s a guy with a good punch and so forth, it would be an interesting fight.”
With promotional politics playing a pivotal role in any proposed match-making, Arum would go on to suggest two of his own unbeaten prospects as potential opponents for Crawford.
Jose Benavidez Jr. – who clashed with Crawford at a weigh-in back in February – has long-voiced his interest in a clash with the ‘pound-for-pound’ star, and has notched two comeback wins this year after being injured in a shooting back in 2016.
Dominican knockout-artist Carlos Adames was also listed as a possible opponent, although it is thought that would represent a less-likely option due to his lack of experience and marketability.
“Jose Benavidez Jr. would be a very good fight. There’s a lot of animosity there. We have a guy fighting next month in Orlando, Carlos Adames, the Dominican who’s a big knock out guy. He could be a possible opponent. So that’s the shortlist.” stated the 86-year-old.
Finally, Arum revealed that he would seek out returning former two-time World super lightweight champion Amir Khan as another potential Crawford foe.
Khan, who returned from a two-year lay-off with an opening round blitz of unheralded Canadian Phil Lo Greco in April, is the biggest draw (not named Manny Pacquiao) out of shortlist.
However, following a period of inactivity – as well as a proposed domestic showdown with Kell Brook on the horizon – it is unclear as to the likelihood of Khan stepping in to face the unbeaten American superstar.
“There may be others. Amir Khan could be a possibility. I have to talk to him.” said Arum.
“I think he has a fight scheduled. But he’s okay, he’s a free agent if he fights in the United States.”
With Crawford making a splash in an already-stacked welterweight division, boxing fans wait with bated breath for news of his next move.
Errol Spence Jr. – the consensus number one in the division – returns against Carlos Ocampo this weekend, with the two men already talking up a money-spinning future showdown between the pair.
