Terence Crawford, an established name in the boxing realm, is set to delay his return to the ring due to a minor injury, as confirmed by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh. At 37 years old and boasting an impressive record of 41 wins (31 by knockout), Crawford’s announcement has left fans speculating about his future matchups. Originally expected to face Canelo Alvarez, a prominent figure in boxing known for his impressive performances, Crawford’s timeline now extends beyond May 2025 due to his injury issues. The annual Cinco de Mayo fight, a staple for Canelo, essentially eliminates Crawford from contention during that period.
While Alalshikh has not specified any fighters as potential opponents for Crawford upon his return in mid-2025, the junior middleweight division offers a plethora of formidable contenders. Notable names include Bakhram Murtazaliev, Vergil Ortiz Jr., and Sebastian Fundora, each presenting unique challenges. Crawford’s past performances reveal vulnerabilities, particularly in his recent battle with Israil Madrimov, where he struggled significantly. This raises concerns regarding his competitiveness against the promising young fighters in this weight class.
Crawford’s inclination to face riskier opponents may be questionable, especially considering the increasing pressure to secure noteworthy fights that generate pay-per-view interest. Among the emerging talent, fighters like Tim Tszyu and Errol Spence also lurk as viable contenders. These fighters not only have physical attributes that present tough challenges for Crawford, but they also have the potential to attract viewer interest.
The long-anticipated fight between Crawford and Canelo Alvarez hinges on several factors, chief among them being Canelo’s willingness to fight Crawford. Despite past rejections, the landscape of boxing could force Canelo into reconsideration as the pool of viable, high-return opponents continues to dwindle. However, negotiations could face hurdles, particularly regarding financial expectations. Rumors of Canelo seeking an astronomical $180 million to agree to a bout with Crawford seem inflated, especially given the latter’s recent performances and standing in the division.
Crawford’s age and recent stylistic adjustments from opponents like Madrimov could further complicate the dynamics of a potential matchup with Canelo. Observers have pointed out that Crawford appeared less dominant in his transition to 154 pounds, raising questions about his ability to compete effectively against the elite contenders in either the 168 or 154-pound divisions.
As Terence Crawford rests and recuperates from his injury, the boxing world watches with bated breath. His return in 2025 could redefine his legacy, either through high-stakes matches or by confronting rising stars in a risk-laden environment. Crawford will need to assess both his physical readiness and his strategic landscape, balancing ambition with prudence. The coming months will reveal whether Crawford can capitalize on his skills to remain a cherished figure in boxing or whether the challenges will overwhelm him, casting shadows over a once-towering career.
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