Terence Crawford, renowned for his prowess in the ring and an undefeated record of 41 wins (31 of them by knockout), is sidelined due to a “little injury” that has been reported by his promoter, Turki Alalshikh. This injury is significant enough to prevent Crawford from participating in any bouts until after May 2025. This timing is critical, as it coincides with the annual Cinco de Mayo showdown that Mexican boxing icon Canelo Alvarez is known to headline. With Canelo firmly entrenched in that event’s schedule, Crawford’s hopes of stepping into the ring against him any time soon appear even more remote.
While Crawford’s return is eagerly anticipated, fans and analysts alike are left pondering whom he might face upon his comeback. The list of potential opponents at the junior middleweight (154-pound) division is a mixed bag of seasoned fighters and emerging stars. Among these names are Bakhram Murtazaliev, Vergil Ortiz Jr., Sebastian Fundora, and Tim Tszyu, all of whom present their own unique set of challenges. Each of these fighters is poised and eager to establish their dominance, making Crawford’s comeback more precarious than it might seem at first glance.
The mention of these young contenders raises questions about Crawford’s ability to keep pace. His recent performance against Israil Madrimov already displayed vulnerabilities, revealing that Crawford is not the same fighter he once was. Although he secured a victory, the closely contested bout brought to light the potential of an upset should he encounter any of the aforementioned fighters.
Despite ongoing rumors of a potential matchup between Crawford and Canelo, the practicalities of such a fight remain precarious. Historically, Canelo has shown little interest in fighting Crawford, instead opting for other fighters who can guarantee higher pay-per-view sales. Turki Alalshikh’s remarks indicate that Crawford might not be ready for this level of competition, further complicating any negotiations. Even if Canelo were to consider Crawford in the future, it would likely come at a sky-high financial demand that might deter promoters from pursuing it fervently.
In addition, the boxing landscape is evolving, with a smaller pool of premier opponents for Canelo to choose from as well. This might create an opportunity for Crawford if Turki can appeal to Canelo’s financial expectations. Some reports suggest Canelo could be eyeing a staggering $180 million payday, which raises eyebrows in the boxing community. This figure seems more like posturing rather than a realistic demand, considering his historic positioning as the betting favorite against Crawford.
As Crawford contemplates his next moves in 2025, the weight of expectation and uncertainty looms large. The sport of boxing constantly evolves, and age is not a forgiving companion, particularly for athletes aiming to compete at the elite level. Should Crawford choose to face one of the rising talents, it will be a considerable gamble. The injury has stalled momentum, altering the trajectory of his career and potentially casting a shadow over his legacy. The anticipation for Crawford’s next fight remains, but how he navigates the challenges ahead will be pivotal in defining his standing in the competitive world of boxing.