Terence Crawford, the celebrated undefeated boxer, has recently revealed that he won’t be stepping back into the ring until at least mid-2025. This revelation came via Turki Alalshikh, sparking immediate concerns among boxing fans about the future of Crawford’s career and potential matchups. The 37-year-old fighter, with an impressive record of 41 wins and 31 knockouts, is sidelined due to a “little injury,” extending his hiatus beyond his anticipated return. With Canelo Alvarez traditionally taking center stage in May each year during the Cinco de Mayo weekend, any hopes for a showdown between these two boxing titans have all but vanished.
As Crawford’s comeback looms in the summer of 2025, boxing enthusiasts are left speculating about who he could face. The junior middleweight division is packed with formidable contenders who would represent both thrilling matchups and significant risks for Crawford. Fighters like Bakhram Murtazaliev, Vergil Ortiz Jr., and Sebastian Fundora are just a few of the young athletes who could provide serious challenges. The emergence of fresh talent, including serious contenders like Tim Tszyu and Israil Madrimov, only adds to the complexity of Crawford’s return.
While some may argue that Crawford’s experience could outshine these younger fighters, recent performances have suggested otherwise. His closely contested bout against Madrimov highlighted vulnerabilities that could be exploited. Opponents such as Murtazaliev, known for their aggressive styles, pose real threats that could mark a turning point in Crawford’s distinguished career.
A potential face-off between Crawford and Alvarez has been a topic of discussion for years, yet it remains elusive. Canelo has, in the past, repeatedly rejected the prospect of fighting Crawford, sensing a lack of mutual benefit and fearing the risk involved. Recently, discussions regarding financial terms have surfaced, with speculations about Alvarez demanding an extravagant $180 million for a fight. Whether this figure is legitimate or merely a negotiation tactic remains debatable, yet it signifies an ongoing desire for high-profile matches that attract substantial pay-per-view revenue.
Given Crawford’s recent struggles, including a less-than-stellar performance against Madrimov in his 154-pound debut, the pairing starts to seem more problematic than profitable. Alvarez, a formidable competitor at 168 pounds, is considered a heavy favorite against Crawford, whose age and size may significantly hinder his chances in the ring.
Terence Crawford stands at a pivotal moment in his boxing career. With injuries forcing a delay in his return and an uncertain future regarding potential opponents, he must navigate a complicated landscape filled with both opportunities and threats. His next fight, whether against a rising star or a long-awaited clash with Canelo, will define not only his future but potentially reshape the narratives surrounding his legacy. As fans, we eagerly await the decisions made in the coming months that could ultimately decide Crawford’s direction in the boxing world.