Terence Crawford, one of boxing’s pound-for-pound greats, continues his reign of dominance in the sport. Six years after being honored with ESPN’s ‘Best Fighter’ award, Crawford remains undefeated, showcasing an unyielding determination and unparalleled skill set.
Crawford’s remarkable journey at 147lbs began in 2018, a year that would solidify his position as a force to be reckoned with. His move to the welterweight division saw him face Australian challenger Jeff Horn, who had famously defeated boxing legend Manny Pacquiao in a major upset in 2017. Crawford dismantled Horn, dominating the fight from the opening bell and eventually stopping him in the ninth round after a relentless barrage of punches.
Following his victory over Horn, Crawford defended his title against Jose Benavidez in a hostile bout in October 2018. The fight ended with Crawford halting Benavidez in the final round, a powerful performance that earned him the prestigious ESPN accolade, outshining other notable fighters like Vasyl Lomachenko, Rose Namajunas, and Georges St Pierre.
Since then, Crawford has maintained an unstoppable streak, winning every fight by stoppage. His 2019 victories over British contender Amir Khan and the feared Egidijus Kavaliauskas further cemented his dominance. Despite the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Crawford managed to secure a win against Kell Brook in 2020.
Crawford’s momentum continued with decisive victories over Shawn Porter and David Avanesyan, leading to an eagerly anticipated showdown with his rival, Errol Spence Jr. The long-debated bout saw Crawford come out aggressively, dropping Spence three times and ultimately stopping him in the ninth round to become the undisputed champion in a second weight category.
In recognition of his continued excellence, Crawford was awarded the 2024 ESPY for best boxer, an accolade he celebrated on social media, expressing his delight in winning over esteemed fighters like Oleksandr Usyk and Canelo Alvarez.
Looking ahead, Crawford is set to move up to 154lbs, taking on WBA super-welterweight champion Israil Madrimov on August 3. This fight presents an opportunity for Crawford to become a four-weight world champion, a testament to his relentless pursuit of greatness.
Crawford’s potential future bout with Canelo Alvarez could be a career-defining moment. His trainer, Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre, believes Crawford has the tools to overcome Canelo, suggesting that a victory over the pound-for-pound king might even prompt Crawford to consider retirement.
“Bud has got it in him [to defeat Canelo]. I can see him doing it. Is it a challenge for him? Of course. Is it a challenge for the whole team? Of course, but that’s what we’re in the business for, being great. I know that Bud has the tools to beat him. If Bud beats Canelo, we may damn near retire, if you beat the pound-for-pound king. But my mind is on Madrimov,” McIntyre told Fight Hub.
Crawford has also expressed openness to a potential rematch with Spence, highlighting the possibility if both fighters emerge victorious in their upcoming bouts.
“The possibility is there,” Crawford told Forbes. “He’s [Spence] fighting [Sebastian] Fundora for his titles [WBO and WBC]. I’m fighting for a title [Israil Madrimov’s WBA 154lbs title], and there is the possibility. He wins his fight, God willing, and I win my fight, God willing, and there’s the possibility.”
As Terence Crawford continues to carve his legacy in the boxing world, fans eagerly anticipate his next moves, knowing that every bout adds another chapter to an already illustrious career.
