Crawford: 6 Epic Challenges for Boxing, Who Will Test Him?

Terence Crawford’s historic victory over Canelo Álvarez, witnessed by over 40 million viewers on Netflix, not only earned him the undisputed super middleweight championship, but also solidified his legacy among the all-time greats. In addition to becoming undisputed champion in a third weight division, he joined a select group of world champions in five divisions throughout boxing history.Now, attention is focused on the future of this boxer, considered the number one pound for pound by many.A rematch with Canelo could generate a large sum of money, but is it really necessary? Crawford dominated Canelo, and a rematch is likely to follow a similar pattern. This option could be seen as an easy win for Crawford.If there’s no rematch, who should Crawford fight to further enrich his legacy? Should he drop eight pounds to conquer the 160-pound division, where he has never competed? Or should he face bigger, more skilled, and pound-for-pound ranked opponents in fights that carry great risk but offer the possibility of unparalleled glory?Analyzing the landscape, five names stand out as possible rivals for Crawford, one of them offering a special fight with great economic reward and prestige. Any of these five names would undoubtedly boost his already illustrious career, but two of them present a high level of challenge and would test all of Crawford’s skills.Let’s analyze each of these possible matchups.

The Most Logical Opponents

Carlos Adames (24-1-1, 18 KOs)

WBC Middleweight Champion | Fighting Style: southpawIf Crawford decides to compete for a world title at 160 pounds, a victory would make him the second male boxer and third overall to win a title in six divisions (Manny Pacquiao has won titles in eight weight classes, Amanda Serrano in seven).

There are images of Crawford training with Adames at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn a few years ago, which offer an idea of how they would face each other in terms of style. Regardless of the weight or date of that training session, it was an intense battle, where both boxers demonstrated skill and determination. What caught my attention, even though Adames was naturally bigger, was that the middleweight did not seem to be the dominant figure.

Adames is not an easy rival. In terms of skill, he represents a true challenge for anyone in his weight category. He brings versatility, a great sense of timing, precise punches and a variety of attacks, both up and down, backed by legitimate punching power.That said, Adames doesn’t shift his stance with the fluidity and instinct of Crawford, who is one of the best ambidextrous boxers. Adames can fight well enough to make things difficult for even a technical boxer like Crawford, and he showed it in their sparring sessions. But if we’re talking about a focused, fully prepared Crawford, who has had a whole camp to adapt to 160 pounds and is focused on a single goal, it’s hard to bet against Crawford.Crawford’s experience, his composure under pressure, his knowledge and ability to make adjustments during combat are what distinguish him from the rest. In a scenario where everything else is equal, Crawford would probably wear down Adames, systematically attacking his body. I suspect that, if they fought, it would be another masterful performance that would end with Crawford stopping Adames in under 10 rounds.Probability of Crawford’s victory: 70%

Janibek Alimkhanuly (17-0, 12 KOs)

IBF and WBO Middleweight Champion | Fighting Style: SouthpawIt has been reported that negotiations are underway for a middleweight unification fight in December between Alimkhanuly and WBA champion Erislandy Lara. If this fight were to take place, the winner would undoubtedly be the king at 160 pounds, holding three of the four major titles. That could pique Crawford’s interest.A fight between Crawford and Alimkhanuly would be very interesting. Forget about a chess game; this would be a battle of swords. Every move would be precise, every moment calculated, as both men have the power to inflict damage with either hand. A southpaw clash, this bout would quickly turn into a dangerous game of discomfort, demanding not only intelligence but also inner strength and tactical ferocity.With 5 feet and 11½ inches, Alimkhanuly brings size and an imposing physical presence. His hand speed, punching power, and surgical precision make him a technical nightmare for any opponent. A master of counter-punching, he doesn’t waste punches; he punishes mistakes and forces his opponents to make them, leading to more punishment. While Alimkhanuly’s natural counter-punching is the basis of his offense, his jab often opens up clean scoring opportunities. Alimkhanuly’s quickness would test Crawford’s adaptability, forcing him to make split-second decisions under pressure. His sharp vision and timing would test Crawford’s famous defensive instincts.

This fight, ultimately, would come down to will: who is willing to grit their teeth when it matters most, endure the pain, and respond without hesitation. As dangerous as Alimkhanuly is, I still believe Crawford has what it takes to overcome his size and skills. Crawford has a clear advantage in professional experience, with twice as many professional fights as Alimkhanuly, and has faced opposition of a higher caliber.

My biggest concern for Alimkhanuly lies in his lack of experience over 12 rounds; he has only gone the distance once (a unanimous decision over Denzel Bentley in 2022) and hasn’t fought more than nine rounds in his four fights since then. That raises questions about how he would hold up in deep waters against a relentless, threatening, and intelligent boxer like Crawford. Alimkhanuly shows a willingness to absorb some punches to launch his own heavy artillery, but sometimes he tends to linger in the pocket a second too long. Those pauses could be costly against someone as energetic and astute as Crawford. I would lean towards Crawford by split decision. It wouldn’t be easy.

Probability of Crawford winning: 55%

Erislandy Lara (31-3-3, 19 KOs)

WBA Middleweight Champion | Fighting Style: SouthpawWhile Lara hasn’t fought since his technical knockout victory in the ninth round over Danny Garcia in September 2024, he remains the WBA middleweight champion. Lara, 42, continues to perform at an elite level and could face Crawford, provided he successfully overcomes Janibek Alimkhanuly in their rumored but unofficial December matchup.A showdown between Crawford and Lara would be considered a high-risk, low-reward fight for Crawford, except for the opportunity to add another world title to his treasure trove of accolades.It’s notoriously difficult to look good against Lara. Her punch output is low, but her defensive style, based on lateral movement and precise counter-punching, makes her a frustrating puzzle to solve. Lara uses excellent footwork to control range and pace, firing from the outside and rarely giving her opponents clear opportunities to launch their offense.

Interestingly, Lara matches Crawford in reach (75 inches), meaning both boxers would be forced to think critically about positioning. If Lara chooses to box and move, Crawford has the tools to become the hunter, cut off the ring, work the body, and eventually corner him. While Lara’s ability to dictate the pace is one of his greatest strengths, his offensive economy can also be a reflection of his age and the need to conserve energy.

Crawford, however, is a master of adaptation and identifying weaknesses. For him, game plans are just the starting point. Against Lara, he would probably have to experiment early, mixing aggression with calculated attacks until he found the right balance to trap Lara and mount a sustained offensive. Lara, for her part, would aim to survive and frustrate Crawford, buying time and luring him into chase mode, hoping to time it with a crisp, straight left, his bread and butter punch. But Crawford is too smart, disciplined, and detail-oriented to fall into such a trap.I see Crawford coming in the distance with Lara and getting a clear unanimous decision.Probability of Crawford winning: 75%

Two fights that could bring Crawford into the GOAT conversation

The following two possible fights, although unlikely, would represent the ultimate test of Crawford’s size, skill, determination, and sheer will. At the highest level of the sport, not only talent prevails, but also focus and concentration from the first bell to the last round. This is where legendary boxers face their true limits. All of them, at some point, believed they were invincible. But the ring reveals the truth. If Crawford dares to walk this path, facing giants and pursuing greatness beyond weight and logic, it will not be just another chapter in his career. It could redefine his legacy and force the boxing world to ask itself: Is Terence Crawford the best boxer of all time?

David Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs)

WBC Light Heavyweight Champion | Fighting Style: Orthodox

A showdown between Crawford and Benavidez may be unlikely, especially with Benavidez now competing at 175 pounds, but let’s imagine a scenario where Benavidez, a former super middleweight champion, decides to return to 168 pounds and face the great “Bud” Crawford. It would be nothing short of a global standstill.

Crawford against Benavidez wouldn’t just be a mental game of “you go, I go” skills; it would be a physically exhausting and very lucrative clash, a hell on earth. Benavidez brings a fierce energy and an intense mental belief to the ring, and we know that Crawford brings the same. Benavidez’s size (6 feet 2 inches), length (74½ inches reach), and relentless offensive pressure would force Crawford to draw on a deeper level of competitiveness than we’ve ever seen from him.Benavidez dismantled his opposition at 168, slowly disintegrating boxer Caleb Plant and overwhelming the highly skilled southpaw Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade, who had moved up from 160. Benavidez devours high guards with high-volume combinations and shrinks the ring with long stalking steps, wearing down his opponents by targeting their body, taking away their legs and willpower. He unbalances their technical rhythm and skills until nothing is left.Benavidez applies overwhelming pressure: a polite, determined, and punishing pressure. Boxers like him, with a mix of size, power, technique, and incessant determination, can overwhelm even special elite talents. But Crawford?Crawford is more skillful than Benavidez, who relies on his enormous will. That’s what would make this matchup so good. And although I have my doubts, given that the physical disadvantages would be real in this case, I could never bet against the great Crawford.

Crawford’s probability of winning: 50%

Dmitry Bivol (24-1, 12KOs)

IBF, WBO, and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion | Fighting Style: OrthodoxCrawford cemented his greatness by moving up two weight classes against Canelo Álvarez, seizing that moment as an underdog to prove he belonged among the greats of the sport. But there’s another level of challenge that Crawford is eyeing from afar, another opportunity to expand the limits of greatness and imagination. A fantasy matchup with Bivol, the man who handed Canelo his second professional defeat, would push Crawford to his absolute limits. Bivol was even willing to drop weight to 168 to face Canelo for undisputed supremacy. If there’s anyone capable of testing every ounce of Crawford’s skill, will, and adaptability, it’s Bivol.While a showdown with Benavidez would push Crawford to his physical limit, a matchup with Bivol would be a cerebral battle, a definitive test of skill, strategy, and adaptability at the highest level of boxing. Unlike Canelo or Benavidez, Bivol doesn’t rely on physicality; he outsmarts his opponents. Crawford’s power, which overwhelmed welterweights and even surprised bigger men, likely wouldn’t have the same effect against Bivol. And the same goes in reverse. Bivol isn’t a KO puncher, but he’s precise, quick, and accurate; he wears you down over time and angles rather than brute force. It’s worth noting that Bivol stood firm under the power and pressure of Artur Beterbiev, one of boxing’s most feared punchers, in their two fights in October 2024 and February 2025.Crawford’s physicality and high IQ wouldn’t shake a boxer as composed and disciplined as Bivol. Crawford would be punching uphill against the 6-foot Bivol, and although Crawford may have a slight reach advantage, Bivol’s superior footwork and distance control would neutralize that advantage. Bivol’s in-and-out movement would make him difficult to time, and his tight guard and precise jab would make closing the distance a difficult task for Crawford.Bivol wastes no movements, nor does Crawford, making each step, feint, and punch count. What would make this matchup especially difficult for Crawford is that Bivol wouldn’t chase him. He would force Crawford to lead, luring him in only to exploit the openings that follow. In his southpaw stance, Crawford would be particularly vulnerable to Bivol’s crisp right hand, which times well against southpaws. The battle for positioning, to find the range to land, would be mentally and physically exhausting for Crawford, who thrives on systematically breaking down opponents’ most likely approach. But against Bivol, there’s no rhythm to break. Only layers of discipline and control remain.In the final analysis, Bivol’s mastery of the fundamentals, his composure, reach, timing, size, ring IQ, and defense could very well neutralize everything that makes Crawford exceptional. In a high-speed chess match, Bivol has the size, style, determination, and ring intelligence to outmaneuver Crawford. Not because Crawford isn’t great, but because Bivol’s greatness and style are the wrong kind of matchup for Crawford.They say money makes the world go round, but in boxing it fuels ambition. For a true professional boxer, success only makes you want more. Crawford’s first three potential fights listed above would be about legacy, not so much serious money as becoming undisputed in four weight classes. But there’s also a secret chapter about time, opportunity, and how much the people around Crawford want this to happen.

The Additional Confrontation

Hamzah Sheeraz (22-0-1, 18 KOs)

Super middleweight contender | Fighting style: orthodoxWith Crawford being the new king of the 168-pound division, he is no longer the hunter; he is the hunted. Rising contenders like Diego Pacheco, Christian Mbilli, and Sheeraz are eyeing the opportunity to dethrone the pound-for-pound king. Among them, Sheeraz stands out not only for his undefeated record but also for his recent outstanding performance against Berlanga. The real question is: Is Crawford interested in Sheeraz? The answer probably comes down to one thing: money. If the price is right, the fight is right; nothing is off the table. Trained by former world champion Andy Lee, Sheeraz looked exceptional in that fight. He showed calm footwork, intelligent positioning, and, above all, the ability to control distance with composure and confidence. By slowing down his leg movement and staying planted more often, he was able to generate more punching power without sacrificing timing. He reacted effectively to Berlanga’s attacks by landing clean and painful blows.

A matchup between Crawford and Sheeraz would be fascinating, primarily due to the significant size difference. Sheeraz is 6 feet 3 inches, completely outmatching Crawford by 7 inches. However, the amazing thing is that Crawford’s reach of 75 inches is essentially the same as Sheeraz’s, neutralizing one of the usual advantages that come with height. Crawford is a complete boxer in every sense. He is an elite ambidextrous boxer, a locksmith with a key to open any door inside the ring. Against bigger and taller boxers, like former opponent Viktor Postol, Crawford has already shown that he can outbox them by boxing backward, using his superior timing and distance control to dismantle their offense without having to get inside, as most shorter boxers are traditionally taught.

What would make Crawford so dangerous in a matchup against Sheeraz isn’t just skill; it’s experience and his ability to take away what his opponent does best. Sheeraz is effective at shortening his punches, despite his size, and delivering fast, compact hooks and uppercuts in the pocket, a rare trait for a boxer of his height. However, Crawford is the type of boxer who anticipates those adjustments and capitalizes on them inside the ring. I see the fight being competitive early on, but I expect Crawford to pull away in the seventh round, as Sheeraz begins to run out of ideas on how to counter Crawford’s skills and abilities. I would take Crawford by late stoppage.

Crawford’s probability of winning: 60%