Is Terence Crawford Eyeing An Exit If Crowned Undisputed At 147?
When WBO welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford (39-0, 30 KO’s) next goes to war, it will be for all the marbles. In that July 29 prizefight, Bud will face WBA Super, WBC and IBF 147-pound champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr (28-0, 22 KO’s), with the victor emerging the undisputed champion of the world. It’s an assignment that Crawford is eagerly anticipating. The question is though, will this be the three-division champion’s last duel?
His comments in the recent fight pressers could have been interpreted a number of ways.
“It’s going to be even better! That’s why we take the chances that we take, that’s why we fight the fights that we fight. This is a fight that the world has been craving for and what better way to win a fight and going out and becoming undisputed?”
“[…] My name is already up there [with the legends]. It’s just a matter of going out there this week and putting that cherry on top, furthering the legacy.”
SO WHAT’S IT GOING TO BE?
In the past, Crawford (35) has expressed a desire to go up and challenge undisputed super welterweight champion Jermall Charlo. The two have traded mutual words on numerous occasions. Without question, that would make for a fantastic cracker of a fight. Unfortunately, Charlo would first have to face undisputed super middleweight champion Saul Alvarez. Following that duel, Charlo would then have to defend his titles against interim WBO 154-pound champion Tim Tszyu.
Admittedly, that’d be a significant amount of waiting for a title fight. This is why it’s very plausible to see Crawford, if victorious, ride off into the sunset. He’d be a three-division, two-times undisputed champion with his signature win coming against a prime, undefeated Errol Spence Jr. As he said himself, what better way to exit the sport? When previously questioned about facing Spence (33), Bud made it overtly clear that he didn’t think the match was requisite to legitimize his resume.
In Crawford’s mind, he has made good money and already etched his name in Boxing’s Hall of Fame. Bearing this in mind, it’d require a short leap of logic to envision Crawford hanging up the gloves. At the same time, Bud is awfully competitive. Approaching from this angle, especially if Crawford dominates versus Spence, his inner drive may demand another mighty in-ring challenge. Guess we’ll have to wait and find out. Luckily, 3Kings Boxing will be here to report the news every step of the way!
