Terence Crawford, according to promoter Eddie Hearn, seems to be holding out for the opportunity to fight Canelo Alvarez. Hearn speculates that if the fight does not come to fruition, Crawford may decide to retire. This decision is based on the fact that Crawford has already made a considerable amount of money in his career, is getting older, and does not have the desire to continue facing younger opponents like Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis or the fighters in the 154-pound division.
Crawford’s eagerness to face Canelo Alvarez is driven by the potential financial reward that comes with such a high-profile bout. The money he could make from fighting Canelo would surpass what he could earn from facing multiple top contenders in the 154-pound division. However, Canelo has shown a lack of interest in the fight unless he is offered a significant sum, rumored to be over $100 million. This financial barrier may prevent the fight from happening unless a compromise can be reached.
The Shadow of 154
Eddie Hearn suggests that Crawford’s recent fight against WBA junior middleweight champion Israil Madrimov may have influenced his reluctance to move up and face other fighters in the 154-pound division. The challenges he would face in the stacked division to become undisputed are significantly tougher than what he encountered at 147 pounds. The realization of the difficulties ahead may have dampened Crawford’s enthusiasm for pursuing titles in the higher weight class.
According to Hearn, Crawford may not step into the ring again unless he secures a fight with Canelo Alvarez. The combination of financial security and advancing age make this potential matchup crucial for Crawford’s future in boxing. It appears that Crawford is pushing for this fight, leaving the decision in Canelo’s hands. To make this dream bout a reality, a lucrative offer may need to be presented to entice Canelo into agreeing to the match.
Terence Crawford finds himself at a crossroads in his career, with retirement looming if the Canelo Alvarez fight does not materialize. The desire to face Canelo stems from both the financial benefits and the opportunity to prove himself against one of the sport’s biggest stars. Crawford’s reluctance to face the challenges of the 154-pound division may further steer him towards the Canelo fight as his prime focus. Only time will tell if this much-anticipated matchup will come to fruition and determine the next chapter in Terence Crawford’s boxing journey.