Terence Crawford is approaching one of the most highly anticipated boxing matches in recent history, a clash with Canelo Alvarez that could redefine legacies.
Set to take place at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, the bout is expected to generate massive attention, not just for the action in the ring, but also for what comes next for the two pound-for-pound greats.
Crawford made his debut at 154 pounds more than a year ago, and whispers of a possible super-fight with Canelo began soon after. As the matchup now becomes reality, speculation about Crawford’s future continues to grow, especially considering he’ll be turning 38 just weeks after the fight.
While Canelo, five years younger, seems set to continue his career regardless of the result, Crawford’s intentions remain more ambiguous.
In a recent interview with Pro Boxing Fans, Crawford made it clear he isn’t in a hurry to decide anything beyond this fight.
“It’s one fight at a time,” he said, reinforcing the idea that his only focus right now is on Canelo. He repeated this sentiment during a fan Q&A in Australia, stating, “I don’t eat before my food’s on my table,” making it clear that he refuses to be distracted by future hypotheticals.
The road ahead: Options abound for Crawford post-Canelo
Still, should he emerge victorious, or even with a competitive performance, multiple doors could open. One realistic option is dropping back down to 154 pounds, where Crawford currently holds the WBA title.
The division is loaded with talent, including Sebastian Fundora, Bakhram Murtazaliev, Vergil Ortiz Jr., and rising star Xander Zayas. There is also unfinished business with Fundora, who briefly held both the WBC and WBO belts, and was previously linked to a potential fight with Crawford.
Another possibility is a rematch with Canelo. If the first bout is close or controversial, a second clash could generate even more attention – and money. The $200 million purse already on the table shows how lucrative this rivalry could become.
However, retirement is not off the table either. Crawford has previously said, “I wasn’t going to let boxing retire me.” Jeff Mayweather, former fighter and uncle of Floyd Mayweather Jr., believes that if Crawford defeats Canelo, it might be the perfect moment to walk away on top.
In the end, the only certainty is Crawford’s current mindset. He’s laser-focused on the task at hand. What comes after will depend on what unfolds under the lights of Allegiant Stadium, and how much more history Crawford wants to write.
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