Terence Crawford Could Opt to Face Tim Tszyu at 154 Next
Speculation continues about what’s next for undisputed welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs). His next fight could be at 154 against reigning WBO junior middleweight champion Tim “The Soul Taker” Tszyu (24-0, 17 KOs). It’s a matchup that is a distinct possibility.
WHY IT COULD HAPPEN
Word has come down that the WBO has granted Crawford an opportunity to be Tszyu’s next opponent, should he decide to move up to junior middleweight. It’s no secret that Bud is keenly interested in winning a world title at 154.
The last time folks saw Crawford in the ring, he dismantled Errol Spence Jr. on July 29 to become the undisputed welterweight champion. While Spence has activated his rematch clause, many in the boxing community believe a second fight with the former unified welterweight champion will not occur anytime soon.
Crawford had entertained a fight with unified junior middleweight champion Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo. They are long-time rivals. But Charlo lost a lot of luster following his disappointing effort in a loss to undisputed super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez on September 30. Bud has now cooled on the idea of facing Iron Man. Tszyu is coming off a unanimous decision win over Brian Mendoza on October 14 in Broadbeach, Australia.
DOES IT MAKE SENSE
The Soul Taker is interested in testing his talents against the current welterweight king. Tszyu’s camp is looking to have his next fight in March 2024 in Las Vegas. With the ruling from the WBO, you’d have to think that Team Tszyu is looking at Crawford as the opponent of choice.
Some fans would claim that it would be an irrational decision by Tszyu. But from a legacy and financial perspective, it’s a gamble worth taking. For Crawford, it’s an opportunity to become a four-division world champion. At the very least, a battle between Tszyu and Crawford is on the table if both parties want it.
