Tim Bradley believes there’s a transitional period on the horizon for the sport of boxing.

The former two-weight world champion is now comfortably in the analyst chair after a 12-year long fighting campaign. He regularly offers unfiltered views on fighters and the wider goings on in the sport, and his attention has recently turned to the top dogs and what comes next.

Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez, 34, has long been the biggest star in the sport, and he is kept on his toes by the likes of 36-year-old Terence Crawford – who recently joined him in the four-division championship club – and, in Japan, Naoya Inoue, 31, who regularly fills out stadiums for adoring fans.

Speaking on Pro Box TV, Bradley predicted a bleak future when the current crop of superstars call it a day.

“Once Canelo’s gone, once Crawford decides to hang them up, once Inoue decide to hang them up, who do we have to hold on to, guys? Who is that next coming? Who is going to be the next Canelo? We’re missing that, man. So while Crawford is here, let’s continue to give him his flowers. While Canelo is here let’s continue to give him his flowers. Because once they’re gone boxing’s gonna be kinda dead, I’m not gonna lie.”

In the wider picture, the heavyweight division is set for major change as Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua all come to the final stages of their careers.

Of course there are plenty of reasons to be hopeful. On US shores Gervonta Davis is sure to be around for some years to come, as is David Benavidez to name two. The UK has heavyweight rising star Moses Itauma and showman Ben Whittaker in the light-heavyweight ranks. Japan’s fighting scene is thriving and Mexico will continue to produce fan-friendly fighters.

On the business side of things, promoters are now crossing the road more often due to the influence and mega-money of Riyadh Season’s Turki Alalshikh. Whilst there may be a transition period, plenty will be optimistic of the future of the sport despite Bradley’s warning.