With Terence Crawford triumphing over Israil Madrimov to become a four-weight world champion, we’re looking at five potential opponents ‘Bud’ could take on next.
The 36-year-old has solidified his place as a pound-for-pound great, and would thus, only consider taking on opposition capable of pushing him to his limits.
Canelo Alvarez
While there’s undeniably a huge weight differential between the pair, Turki Al-Sheikh would love to make a match-up between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford.
Ultimately, as good as he is, the American may be a little too small to defeat the mighty Mexican. Regardless, there’s a host of people who would love to see him try.
The combination of two of the greatest boxers to have ever laced up the gloves would undeniably do huge numbers.
And with his record now at 41-0, Crawford has every right to believe he’s capable of upsetting the applecart.
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Vergil Ortiz
Despite putting his hopes on making a fight between Canelo and Crawford, Turki Al-Sheikh would have no problem in giving Vergil Ortiz a shot at ‘Bud’.
On the DAZN broadcast, he said: “I give [Canelo] the offer, if he is smart, he will accept it… If [Canelo] doesn’t [accept the offer], I want [Vergi] Ortiz. If they accept, we want to see this fight.”
Having knocked out every single opponent he’s faced in the ring, Ortiz is undeniably a wrecking machine, with the potential to give Crawford all he can handle
Jaron Ennis
Having tasted what it’s like to compete at 154 pounds, Crawford may believe that he’s better suited to the welterweight division.
Therefore, if he decides to step back down; Jaron Ennis will be waiting for him.
‘Boots’ is quickly solidifying his place as one of the most exciting fighters in the sport. Furthermore, he’s desperate to put his skills to the test against the boxing legend, calling him out after his previous bout, and even turning up last night on a scouting mission.
Israil Madrimov
While many agreed with the decision on Saturday evening, a large portion of the combat sports community believed Israil Madrimov ought to have got his hand raised.
Utilizing his erratic style to bamboozle the icon, the Uzbek successfully landed a considerable amount of shots on his rival, forcing the American to whip out every tool in his arsenal.
Regardless of whether he did enough to win or not, having given Crawford his toughest test, nobody would begrudge seeing the former world champion get another roll of the dice.
Sebastian Fundora
With Crawford loving nothing more than picking up belts, Sebastian Fundora would make for the perfect next opponent.
In his last bout, the unified champion produced a monumental upset, defeating Tim Tszyu to claim WBC and WBO championship gold.
Thus, with his career growing from strength to strength, Fundora believes with all his heart that he could be the man to end Bud’s reign of terror once and for all.
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