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This past Saturday, Terence Crawford's next fight became a topic of great interest after he edged out Israil Madrimov in a hard-fought war between two undefeated boxers. In doing so, 'Bud' captured Madrimov's WBA light middleweight title and the vacant WBO interim light middleweight belt, extending his record to 41-0.
Now, the question remains: how much further can he go? Additionally, how much further is Crawford willing to go? The pound-for-pound great has previously spoken about not overstaying his welcome in boxing, fearing that the sport could retire him before he retires from the sport.
However, at 36 years of age, and with Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s legendary 50-0 record there for the taking, 'Bud' will be tempted to continue fighting. So, who could be next in store for him?
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#5. Terence Crawford vs. Errol Spence Jr. - Sebastian Fundora winner
Errol Spence Jr., who last lost to Terence Crawford via stunning TKO, is expected to take on Sebastian Fundora for the latter's WBC and WBO light middleweight titles. The winner of the fight should go on to face 'Bud,' with both Spence and Fundora being reasonable opponents.
First, Spence had previously activated his rematch clause to fight Crawford again following his first-ever loss. Unfortunately, a cataract surgery delayed plans and ultimately ruined the timeline for the said rematch. However, Spence is eager to avenge his loss, especially given the weight-draining controversy of their first bout.
If Fundora emerges as the winner, he will be a fresh challenge for Crawford, with his height and length providing unique strategic and tactical problems for 'Bud.' Additionally, the winner will offer Crawford a chance to capture the WBC and WBO titles at middleweight, which will further his prestige in the division.
#4. Terence Crawford vs. Janibek Alimkhanuly
If Terence Crawford is chasing greatness, he will likely look to conquer a fifth weight class in boxing, especially if he is in pursuit of a Canelo Álvarez fight. Along the way, he can test himself by taking on the heavy-handed Janibek Alimkhanuly, who currently holds the WBO and IBF middleweight titles.
Not only would facing him come with the intrigue of 'Bud' taking on a fellow undefeated fighter, but it would grant him the opportunity to achieve a rare feat in boxing by becoming a five-division champion with the WBO and IBF middleweight belts up for grabs.
Furthermore, middleweight is just a weight class above the division 'Bud' just fought in during his latest conquest over Israil Madrimov, from whom he captured WBA light middleweight and vacant WBO light middleweight gold.
#3. Terence Crawford vs. Jaron Ennis
Terence Crawford has been linked to a bout with Jaron Ennis for some time now. Unfortunately, 'Bud' has seemed less than interested in a clash with 'Boots,' who recently defended his IBF welterweight strap in a fifth-round stoppage of David Avanesyan, who 'Bud' stopped in six rounds.
It is a matchup that the fans are eager for given the skillful nature of both men. While the bout isn't on Crawford's mind, especially as he looks to continue ascending divisions, it is a matchup he has been accused of ducking. At some point, he and Ennis will have to settle things in the ring.
There's enough interest in the fight, and if he has any intention of putting rest the allegations of him being a diva and deliberately avoiding certain matchups, a fight with 'Boots' is the way forward.
#2. Terence Crawford vs. Tim Tszyu-Bakhram Murtazaliev winner
If light middleweight is the new weight class that Terence Crawford will call home, he ought to continue his conquest of the division. Ultimately, he plans to face the great Canelo Álvarez, who is a few weight classes larger. If he is to do so, he should grow into a large frame and grow more accustomed to fighting larger men.
He can do so by acclimating to light middleweight first and gaining more experience by challenging the winner of the Tim Tszyu vs. Bakhram Murtazaliev bout set for Sept. 22, where they will lock horns for the undefeated Russian's IBF light middleweight title.
Crawford could plan to face whoever emerges with the belt, continuing his quest for pound-for-pound dominance. Ideally, the most optimal winner would be Tszyu, who is a more recognizable name and a better-regarded foe. It would be akin to a super-fight, but 'Bud' must commit to it.
#1. Terence Crawford vs. Canelo Álvarez
Turki Alalshikh, the genius behind Riyadh Season and the Saudi takeover of combat sports, recently poured cold water over the anticipated Terence Crawford vs. Canelo Álvarez boxing match. Whether the Mexican great proved a difficult negotiator or something else was amiss.
However, following his win over Israel Madrimov, 'Bud' still expressed an interest in taking on Álvarez, albeit with less enthusiasm than before. Regardless, it is his ultimate goal, and it would be a bonafide super-fight that would further elevate the legacy of its winner.
It is a bout that has captured the interest of the boxing world and is surely the next great accomplishment Crawford will pursue, even if it might take more time to realize than he expected.
