By: Sean Crose
There are those who feel that perhaps Terence Crawford is not the best boxer in the world today. And while that may not be true (“maybe” being the operative word here), there is no doubt that the Nebraska native is one of the best of his generation. His thunderous performance against Errol Spence last year was the stuff of legend. Crawford-Spence was essentially a mind game going into the fight. Few expected Crawford to deliver a one-sided blow for nine rounds. But that’s exactly what the brilliant welterweight delivered.
Crawford hasn’t fought since his epic win over Spence. However, he returns to the ring this Saturday night to make his middleweight debut. Crawford’s opponent this weekend in Los Angeles is the undefeated Israil Madrimov, the WBA welterweight champion (when you’re as good as Crawford, you can instantly become a title contender when you move up a weight class and no one complains). The interim WBO middleweight title is also on the line. While Crawford would be the favorite, it’s worth noting that Madrimov beat Magomed Kurbanov in his last fight.
While Crawford-Madrimov will be a pay-per-view event, Saturday’s bout is not considered a big one for Crawford. Indeed, there has been talk of the fighter known as “Bud” eventually facing pound-for-pound great Canelo Alvarez. However, Crawford hasn’t fought in a year. Plus, at 36, the man isn’t getting any younger. Still, when someone possesses as much skill as Crawford, it’s hard to see him losing to anyone less than a top contender (like Canelo and Jaron “Boots” Ennis). Because Crawford is such a patient fighter, hits hard, is accurate, and defends so well that it’s hard to recall any opponent who has truly challenged him for any length of time.
In reality, Crawford will never have to fight again. He is a Hall of Fame contender after he retires, and his win over Spence showed that he can impress in a legitimate superfight. There is no doubt that there is still money to be made and glory to be won, provided he doesn’t start to fall off. However, no fighter lasts forever, so it’s only a matter of time before Crawford decides to call it a day. Enjoy him while you can. Fighters of Crawford’s caliber don’t come around very often.
