Terence Crawford's future depends on the decision about the fight against Canelo

By Mohamed Bahaa

Terence Crawford, the four-weight world champion, has just won another major event, further enhancing the reputation of his remarkable career. However, the 36-year-old boxer from Omaha is currently thinking a lot about his next move. Crawford's ambitions remain undiminished with his clear victory over Israil Madrimov after giving up his undisputed status at welterweight. He wants to face Saul “Canelo” Alvarez to move up yet another weight class.

Crawford has been open about his desire for this fight as he believes it is the only fight that can strengthen his already great legacy. However, Canelo Alvarez has said he will not have any talks about Crawford until after his fight against Edgar Berlanga on September 14. Meanwhile, Turki Al Sheikh of Riyadh Season has made Crawford an offer to defend his super welterweight belt against Vergil Ortiz. However, Al Sheikh believes Crawford, sometimes known as 'Bud', will decline as his focus is entirely on Canelo.

Brian McIntyre, known as “BoMac,” Crawford's longtime trainer, spoke about the possibility of Crawford retiring if he doesn't win a fight against Alvarez. Although it's not clear, McIntyre admitted Crawford is considering retirement. “He's mentioned it a few times. Just let the dust settle a little and see where he is after a few months. But he told me the same thing he told the world – 'this is the fight I want, I want to make my mark on my legacy and I want to go out on top.'”

McIntyre was also asked if Crawford would be interested in other possible fights if the Canelo fight falls through. He replied firmly: “Not really. Bud has nothing left to prove. At 54 or 47 again, he has accomplished everything we set out to do. He wants that fight against Canelo and I want him to get it because it will not only strengthen him as a fighter but also us as trainers when we get the job done.”

Now, all focus will be on whether a suitably lucrative deal can be reached that puts the two champions in the ring together, as the boxing world eagerly awaits the outcome of Canelo's fight against Berlanga. The decision could determine not only Crawford's next opponent, but the direction of his entire career.