This weekend, Terence Crawford carved out a significant milestone in his boxing career, reigning supreme over Errol Spence at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Crawford not only expanded his undefeated record to 40-0 but also achieved undisputed status in his second weight class. However, in any fighting sport, the ever-present question remains: "What's up next?" Having attained newfound fame, Crawford is now the target for many who aim to challenge the champ. This article explores the most promising options for Crawford as he advances in his illustrious career.
1) The Possibility of a Rematch: Terence Crawford vs. Errol Spence 2
Life's certainties are often said to include death, taxes, and business meddling in boxing. Given the immense hype surrounding the Terence Crawford vs. Errol Spence fight, and the high profile of both boxers, a rematch clause was inserted into their agreement. Consequently, a Crawford and Spence rematch is a distinct possibility, despite the first fight's outcome. Although it's not my personal preference, the rematch could happen if Spence feels he didn't perform his best and opts to invoke the clause.
Intriguingly, Spence may take a leaf out of Ryan Garcia's book and forego the rematch clause. After being defeated by Davis, Garcia felt the weight cut was too burdensome and moved on to the 140 division.
Errol Spence has long aspired to transition to super welterweight, 153 pounds. It's understood that if the clause is triggered, the previous fight's victor (Crawford in this case) can set the weight for the rematch. Crawford could either choose to face Spence again at 153 or, if he wants to move on to more lucrative opportunities, he could insist on fighting and defending his titles at 147.
This rematch is unfortunately the most likely scenario, as Crawford clearly outperformed Spence. Another fight might either be a money-making scheme or a result of Spence's overconfidence.
2) Jaron "Boots" Ennis: The Powerhouse Contender
Jaron "Boots" Ennis is another excellent candidate for Crawford to consider. Holding an undefeated 31-0 record, with 28 knockouts, Boots is currently the IBF Interim World Welterweight champion and is primed for a shot at Crawford's belt.
However, Ennis' fight with Karen Chukhadzhian left much to be desired, leading many to question his ability. Yet his most recent fight against Villa, which ended with a knockout in the tenth round, was an impressive display of skill.
Choosing Ennis as Crawford's next opponent would be logical. Still, other matches could promise more excitement.
3) Jermell Charlo: Terence Crawford's Pick
After defeating Spence, Crawford confidently declared to Jermell Charlo, the undisputed Super Welterweight champion, that he's next. Though the callout was filled with machismo, Charlo would be a commendable adversary for Crawford. However, Charlo is moving up to the 168 division to fight Canelo Alvarez this September.
Charlo's record stands at 35-1-1, with 19 knockouts. He is a strong competitor but doesn't surpass Crawford's skills. If Crawford aims to further his glory, seizing his third undisputed weight class would be historic. Presently, Crawford is the only boxer to unify two divisions in the four-belt era, with Teofimo Lopez, Devin Haney, and Oleksandr Usyk hot on his heels.
Facing Charlo could provide Crawford with a unique opportunity to achieve this feat.
However, Canelo poses an issue. Even though his undisputed titles won't be up for grabs at 168, the fight schedule might conflict. Hence, Crawford may need to seek other fights sooner and aim for a fight at 154 in 2024.
4) The Thrilling Option: Tim Tszyu
Tim Tszyu represents an exhilarating option for Terence Crawford. As the WBO Interim Super Welterweight champion, a match against Tszyu would require Crawford to move up to the 154 class. Such a fight would also provide Crawford with the chance to challenge Charlo following his bout with Canelo.
Tszyu is known for his aggressive style, having knocked out former champ Tony Harrison in the ninth round. This achievement is particularly notable as Harrison is the only fighter to have defeated Charlo. Tszyu’s previous matches have always been explosive, a characteristic he certainly inherited from his Australian heritage.
A match against Tszyu could offer Crawford the chance to test the waters at 154. It also aligns well in terms of timing, given Tszyu's recent fight. This fight makes sense if the bout against Boots doesn't materialize, and it promises to be highly entertaining.
Beyond these options, Crawford could continue in the 147 division, inching closer to Floyd Mayweather's 50-0 record. Other contenders include Eimantas Stanionis, Kell Brook, and Roiman Villa. Furthermore, if Teofimo Lopez decides to move up for his third undisputed division, a super fight against Crawford could be the era's biggest match.
Who would you like to see Terence Crawford face next in the ring?
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