Terence Crawford became a four-belt world champion when he outpointed Israil Madrimov last month in a closely fought affair, furthering his claim to the pound-for-pound throne. However, despite the success of the undefeated Nebraskan, Eddie Hearn has shared his belief that this will be the last time we witness Crawford in the ring.
‘Bud’ made history by becoming the first fighter in the four-belt era to truly conquer multiple divisions and hold the undisputed title in two weight-classes, dominating at super-lightweight and welterweight in years gone by and famously knocking out long-term rival Errol Spence Jr. to sign off at 147lbs in style.
The 36-year-old then made the jump to 154lbs and faced Madrimov last month, edging out a unanimous-decision in the most arduous and tactically testing contest of his career, seemingly signalling the beginning of his undisputed run at a third weight-class.
Whilst a fight against unified champion Sebastian Fundora has been ordered, Eddie Hearn has reportedly declared that Crawford does not want to face the likes of Jaron Ennis and Vergil Ortiz Jr. in the future and as result he expects that Crawford’s time in the ring may have come to an end.
Speaking with Michael Benson, the Matchroom Promoter shared his opinion that a challenge against unified super-middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez is the only proposal that is truly of interest to the American.
Eddie Hearn has told me that he doesn't think Terence Crawford will ever fight again: “I don't think Crawford will fight again because I think he's made really solid money in his last couple of fights. I don't think he wants to fight Vergil Ortiz or Jaron 'Boots' Ennis. I think…
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) September 4, 2024
“I don’t think Crawford will fight again because I think he’s made really solid money in his last couple of fights. I don’t think he wants to fight Vergil Ortiz or Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. I think the only way Crawford will fight again is Canelo Alvarez because he’s got used to that pay. He probably thinks he’ll fight again, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t. So inactive as well. I think he’s happy to sit out until the end of next year. He’ll be just waiting [for] if the Canelo fight comes up.”
The 6’5” stature of Fundora could be a reason why Crawford, who fought as low as lightweight earlier in his career, may opt to swerve a possible unification clash, although a future fight with super-welterweight knockout-artist Vergil Ortiz Jr. could act as a further deterrent – given how he would be the mandatory challenger for the victor.
Meanwhile, despite claims that Ennis is hoping to unify and become the face of the welterweight division, Hearn’s recent failure to win the purse bids for a second defence of his IBF belt could prompt ‘Boots’ to vacate the strap and follow Crawford to 154lbs sooner than many anticipated.
Unfortunately, if Crawford is indeed pinning his hopes on the Canelo clash, he may find himself waiting a while. Turki Al-Alshikh’s refusal to bow down to the demands of the Mexican have rendered the fight as an unlikely one, with nobody else in the sport possessing the financial muscle to manufacture the battle of the two pound-for-pound contenders.
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