Pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford further cemented his greatness after defeating Israil Madrimov to become a four-division world champion at super welterweight last month.
And yet, while he secured the victory in spectacular fashion, many have suggested that the 36-year-old’s performance was a far cry from his best.
One of his best, in truth, came against Errol Spence Jr last year, when Terence Crawford put on a pulsating clinic to become a two-weight undisputed champion.
Since then, ‘Bud’ has not only added to his remarkable legacy by defeating Madrimov on points, but he has also left the door ajar for a potential mega-fight.
Eddie Hearn believes that Terence Crawford has his sights set on Canelo Alvarez
Despite Crawford’s incredible accomplishments in recent years, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has suggested that he could be eyeing up a retirement plan.
This, according to Hearn, will only happen if the American fails to get his hands on super middleweight world champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
“I don’t think Terence Crawford will fight again,” Hearn told talkSPORT. “Because I think he’s made really solid money in the last couple of fights.
“And I don’t think he wants to fight Vergil Ortiz, I don’t think he wants to fight Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis.
“I think the only way Crawford will fight again is against Canelo Alvarez. Because he’s got used to that pay bracket and I don’t think that pay bracket exists anymore outside of Canelo Alvarez.”
Will Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford happen?
The event for Crawford’s last outing was largely spearheaded by boxing power broker Turki Alalshikh, who is widely regarded as the most influential man in the sport.
Regardless, Canelo has expressed publicly that he will not do business with Alalshikh unless it is on his terms which, given their clear breakdown in communication, places a significant barrier in the way of a Crawford fight.
But, if the four-weight world champion and Saudi boxing chief are able to settle their differences, then perhaps Crawford would, rather astonishingly, move up to 168 lbs for the monumental showdown.