Terence Crawford has expressed a desire to face Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in a career-defining super middleweight clash to further cement his decorated legacy.
Since his unanimous decision victory over Israil Madrimov, the newly-crowned super welterweight world champion has maintained this stance, refusing to entertain any showdown that doesn’t involve Canelo Alvarez.
But now, unified 154 lb champion Sebastian Fundora has emerged as a potential option for Terence Crawford, with his promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, gearing up for an imminent purse bid.
And yet, it would seem that the pound-for-pound star has little interest in remaining at super welterweight, despite having the opportunity to become a three-division undisputed champion.
Paulie Malignaggi explains why Terence Crawford is likely to swerve Sebastian Fundora.
A negotiating deadline for the Fundora fight has been set for Monday, with Lewkowicz revealing to Boxing Scene that Crawford has remained elusive throughout their 90-day window to secure the WBO-ordered bout.
And while Fundora comes off a career-best win over Tim Tszyu, it would appear that he is by no means in a position to demand a clash with the four-weight world champion.
“Fundora would like to land the Crawford fight – it’s a big fight for 154 lbs; it’s probably the biggest fight that can be made in the weight class,” Malignaggi said on ProBox TV.
“But I don’t think he’s in that position to decide what he’s going to do. He’s not a world champion that has that kind of elevated pedestal.
“He’s in a very competitive weight class and, because his name’s not Canelo, mandatories will be enforced on him, so he will have to take on who he’s told to take on.”
Chris Algieri believes that Terence Crawford will only fight Canelo Alvarez
With very little left to prove, Crawford seemingly has his eyes firmly set on Canelo and, at 37-years-old, it could well be his last roll of the dice before heading into retirement.
“I don’t see Crawford deciding that he’s going to go and fight a 6’ 6’’ 154 pounder after struggling the way he did [against Israil Madrimov] and, really, he’s looking for Canelo,” Chris Algieri said on ProBox TV
“Getting up for a Fundora fight – I just don’t see Crawford doing that at this stage. I believe it’s Canelo or bust for Crawford.”
Canelo, meanwhile, comes off a dominant performance against Edgar Berlanga, and while the Mexican star is yet to call for a Crawford fight, he is likely to change his tune as soon as a lucrative sum of money is presented to him.