With just weeks remaining before he steps into the boxing ring with Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford is facing more than just a physical battle.
He is also confronting a question that has loomed over his undefeated career: Is this the end?
Crawford, now 37, is preparing to move up two weight classes for the most high-profile fight of his career. He will take on the naturally larger Alvarez on September 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
The bout will stream globally on Netflix and is being billed as one of the biggest boxing events in recent years.
While Alvarez has confirmed that he plans to retire at age 37 after completing his current fight agreement with Turki Alalshikh, Crawford‘s future remains far less certain.
In a recent sit-down interview with Piers Morgan, Crawford was asked whether he fears the dangers of a sport that has left lasting damage on some of its greatest legends.
Morgan referenced fighters who ended up severely injured and noted how Muhammad Ali’s declining health was tied to staying in the sport too long.
“Does that play on your mind, Terence?” Morgan asked.
Crawford responded honestly. “Of course, of course. I always say I was going to retire from boxing. I wasn’t going to let boxing retire me.”
He went on to describe the brutal realities of his profession. “We are in the hurt business. We know what to expect. We know what’s at risk. We know the things that could happen.”
A cautious view of life after boxing
Crawford has spoken about this before. Earlier this year, he offered nearly identical remarks about choosing the timing of his retirement carefully and making sure it happens on his terms.
“I’m going to retire from boxing before I let boxing retire me,” he said in February. “I’m going to retire on my own terms and I’m going to feel good because everything that I did, I did it my way.”
He explained that his motivation goes beyond personal achievement: “That’s why you got to set yourself up for it. If something happened to me, my family is good. I am good as long as they good because that’s what I am doing it for.”
Still, he refuses to look too far ahead. In a recent fan event in Sydney, Crawford was asked directly what he plans to do after the Alvarez fight.
His response was cautious: “Nah, I don’t know. Like I said, I don’t eat before my food on my table. So, right now, I’m at 168 to fight Canelo. And that’s the only thing I’m thinking about right now.”
Crawford‘s remarks come as boxing insiders continue to speculate about what might come next.
Trainer Jeff Mayweather believes that if Crawford defeats Alvarez, it could be the ideal exit point. “I think if he beats Canelo, I think that’ll be enough for him,” Mayweather said.
On the other hand, a loss might convince Crawford to extend his time in the ring, especially with his record and pride on the line.
When asked by Morgan if he ever feels fear before stepping into a fight, Crawford’s answer was simple and clear. “No.”
Crawford stays focused on the moment
While Crawford‘s next steps are unclear, Alvarez has made his intentions known.
Speaking at a golf event earlier this year, the Mexican champion said, “My body is fine, I can keep fighting for several more years. Thirty-seven is the age I want to retire, not for boxing to retire me.”
Alvarez also stressed that his future is not driven by financial need or the pursuit of legacy: “I don’t need to do it for the money or legacy. I said I was going to retire at 37, and I’m sure I will.”
Crawford, however, remains fully committed to the present moment. His legacy is already secure, with world titles across multiple weight classes and an unbeaten record.
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