Eddie Hearn, a renowned boxing promoter, has voiced his concerns about Terence Crawford possibly retiring if he does not secure a fight with Canelo Alvarez. According to Hearn, Crawford, who has already amassed significant wealth, is reluctant to continue facing younger, upcoming fighters such as Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis or the formidable contenders in the 154-pound division. Hearn believes that time is not on Crawford’s side, and his window of opportunity is closing rapidly.
The Desire for the Canelo Fight
Terence Crawford’s eagerness to face Canelo Alvarez stems from the massive financial gain that would accompany such a high-profile matchup. The prospect of earning a substantial sum by fighting Canelo is enticing for Crawford, as it could potentially equate to the earnings from multiple fights against the tough competition in the 154-pound division. However, Canelo’s reluctance to engage in the bout without a lucrative payout has presented a significant obstacle. Speculations suggest that Canelo’s demands for over $100 million may hinder the fight from materializing unless a compromise is reached.
Eddie Hearn highlights Crawford’s recent narrow victory over WBA junior middleweight champion Israil Madrimov as a factor contributing to his hesitance in confronting other fighters in the 154-pound weight class. The rigorous competition and demanding challenges that await Crawford at 154 pounds pose a significant deterrent for him to pursue undisputed status in the division. Unlike his relatively straightforward path to success at 147 pounds, where he defeated an injury-plagued Errol Spence and Jeff Horn, the journey to dominance at 154 pounds appears far more daunting for Crawford.
Hearn’s skepticism about Crawford’s willingness to face Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis hints at a potential premature end to Crawford’s boxing career unless the much-desired fight with Canelo materializes. With Crawford’s advancing age and limited activity in the ring, the window of opportunity for him to secure significant matchups is rapidly closing. The onus now falls on influential figures like His Excellency Turki Alalshikh to broker a deal that entices Canelo Alvarez to accept the challenge offered by Crawford. It is evident that Crawford is the one seeking the showdown with Canelo, emphasizing the necessity for a compelling offer to persuade the Mexican superstar to agree to the highly anticipated matchup.
The future of Terence Crawford hangs in the balance, contingent upon his ability to secure the coveted fight with Canelo Alvarez. The looming threat of retirement and the challenges posed by the competitive landscape of the 154-pound division underscore the urgency for Crawford to solidify his legacy in the sport. Only time will tell whether Crawford’s aspirations align with the realities of the boxing world, ultimately shaping the narrative of his career moving forward.