The historic victory of Terence Crawford over Canelo Álvarez, with a unanimous decision, witnessed by over 40 million viewers on Netflix, not only granted him the undisputed super middleweight championship, but also solidified his legacy among the greats of all time. In addition to becoming the undisputed champion in a third weight category, he joined a select group of five-division world champions in boxing history. Now, the question is: what’s next for the number 1 pound-for-pound fighter of Alofoke Deportes?
A rematch with Canelo would generate a large sum, but is it necessary? Crawford dominated Canelo, and a rematch is likely to follow the same course. I consider that option as easy money for Crawford.
If there’s no rematch, who should Crawford face to further strengthen his legacy? Should he lose weight to conquer the 160-pound division, a category he’s never fought in? Or should he measure himself against bigger, more skilled, and pound-for-pound ranked boxers, in high-risk fights but with the potential for unparalleled glory?
Analyzing the landscape, five names stand out as possible opponents for Crawford, one of them with a special bonus of great value and prestige. Any of these five names would boost his already illustrious career, but two of them represent a high level of challenge, testing all of Crawford’s skills.
Let’s analyze each of these possible matchups.
The Most Logical Opponents
Carlos Adames, left, defended his WBC middleweight title in a split draw against Hamzah Sheeraz in FebruaryCarlos Adames (24-1-1, 18 KOs)WBC Middleweight Champion | Southpaw
If Crawford decides to challenge for a 160-pound world title, a victory would make him the second male boxer in history and the third overall to win a title in six divisions.
There are images of Crawford training with Adames at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn a few years ago, showing how they stylistically match up. Regardless of the weight or date of that sparring session, it was a close battle, where both boxers exhibited skill and determination. What caught my attention, even though Adames was naturally bigger, was that the middleweight didn’t seem to be the dominant figure. Adames is not an easy opponent. In terms of skill, he is a real problem for anyone in his weight class. He brings versatility, good timing, precise punch placement, and a variety of attacks, both up and down, backed by legitimate punching power.
That said, Adames doesn’t change his stance with the fluidity and instinct of Crawford, who is one of the best ambidextrous boxers. Adames can fight well enough to trouble even a technical boxer like Crawford, and he proved it in his sparring sessions. But if we’re talking about a focused and 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 the ability to make adjustments in the middle of the fight are what set him apart 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 10 rounds.
Probability of Crawford winning: 70%Janibek Alimkhanuly is an undefeated southpaw and current IBF and WBO middleweight champion.Janibek Alimkhanuly (17-0, 12 KOs)IBF and WBO Middleweight Champion | Southpaw
It 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 materialize, the winner would undoubtedly be the leader at 160 pounds, holding three of the four major titles. That could spark Crawford’s interest.
A Crawford vs. Alimkhanuly fight would be very interesting. Forget about chess; this would be a sword fight. Every move would be precise, every moment calculated, as both men have the power to inflict damage with either hand. A southpaw clash, this fight would quickly become a dangerous game of discomfort, demanding not only intelligence, but also inner strength and tactical savagery.
With 5 feet and 11½ inches, Alimkhanuly brings size and a dominant 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 errors, leading to more punishment. While Alimkhanuly’s natural counter-punching is the foundation of his attack, his jab often opens up clear opportunities to score. Alimkhanuly’s speed would push Crawford’s adaptability to the limit, forcing 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 bite their tongue when it matters most, endure the pain, and return fire 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 12-round experience; 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, menacing, and intelligent fighter like Crawford. Alimkhanuly shows a willingness to absorb some punches to launch his own heavy artillery, but sometimes he tends to stay in the pocket a second too long. Those pauses could be costly against someone as enthusiastic and cunning as Crawford. I would favor Crawford by split decision. It wouldn’t be easy.
Probability of Crawford winning: 55%Erislandy Lara, on the right, went the distance of 12 rounds against Canelo Álvarez in a middleweight fight in 2014.Erislandy Lara (31-3-3, 19 KOs)WBA Middleweight Champion | Southpaw
While Lara hasn’t fought since a ninth-round technical knockout victory 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 showdown.
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 collection of accolades.
Lara is notoriously difficult to make look good. 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 distance and pace, firing from the outside and rarely giving her opponents clear openings to launch their attack.
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 offense. Lara, for her part, would aim to survive and frustrate Crawford, buying time and luring him into a chase mode, hoping to time him with a sharp straight left, her bread and butter punch. But Crawford is too smart, too disciplined, and too 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 put Crawford in 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 does talent prevail, but also concentration from the first bell to the last round. This is where legendary fighters 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: Is Terence Crawford the best boxer of all time?David Benavidez, on the left, is a former super middleweight champion and current WBC light heavyweight champion.David Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs)WBC Light Heavyweight Champion | Orthodox
A clash 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 showdown.
Crawford vs. Benavidez wouldn’t just be a mental game of you-go-I-go skill battle; it would be a physically exhausting and millionaire 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 resort to a deeper level of competitiveness than we’ve ever seen from him.
Benavidez dismantled his opposition at 168, slowly disintegrating the slick 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, breaking down his opponents by attacking their body, taking away their legs and willpower. He grinds down their pace and technical skills until nothing is left.
Benavidez applies a daunting pressure: a polite, intentional, and punishing pressure. Fighters like him, with a mix of size, power, technique, and relentless 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 distinctively good. And although I have my doubts, given that the physical disadvantages would be real in this one, I could never bet against the great Crawford.
Probability of Crawford winning: 50%Dmitry Bivol, on the left, is a very technical boxer who has all the tools to give Terence Crawford a very tough fight.Dmitry Bivol (24-1, 12KOs)IBF, WBO, and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion | Orthodox
Crawford solidified his greatness by moving up two weight classes against Canelo Álvarez, seizing that moment as the underdog to prove he belonged among the greats of the sport. But there’s another level of challenge looking at Crawford from afar, another opportunity to expand the limits of greatness and imagination. A fantasy matchup with Bivol, the man who inflicted Canelo’s 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 showdown 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 outmaneuvers his opponents. Crawford’s power, which overwhelmed welterweights and even stunned bigger men, likely wouldn’t have the same effect against Bivol. And the same goes in reverse. Bivol isn’t a knockout puncher, but he’s precise, fast, and sharp; 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 ring IQ wouldn’t faze a fighter as calm and disciplined as Bivol. Crawford would be punching uphill against the 6-foot Bivol, and while Crawford may possess a slight reach advantage, Bivol’s superior footwork and distance control would neutralize that edge. Bivol’s in-and-out movement would make him difficult to time, and his tight guard and precise jab would make getting close a challenging task for Crawford.
Bivol wastes no movements, nor does Crawford, making every 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.
Ultimately, 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, grit, 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 about serious money, but about 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 Bonus Showdown
Hamzah Sheeraz, on the left, defeated Edgar Berlanga in July, and his size could be a problem in a possible fight with Terence Crawford.Hamzah Sheeraz (22-0-1, 18 KOs)Super Middleweight Contender | Orthodox
With Crawford being the new king of the 168-pound division, he is no longer the hunter; he is the hunted. Aspirants like Diego Pacheco, Christian Mbilli, and Sheeraz are looking at 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 poise 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 stands at 6 feet 3 inches, surpassing Crawford by a full 7 inches. However, the surprising thing is that Crawford’s 75-inch reach is essentially the same as Sheeraz’s, which neutralizes one of the usual advantages that come with height. Crawford is a complete fighter in every sense. He is an elite ambidextrous boxer, a locksmith with the key to open any door inside the ring. Against bigger and taller fighters, 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 fighters 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, delivering fast and compact hooks and uppercuts in the pocket, a rare trait for a fighter of his height. However, Crawford is the type of fighter who anticipates those adjustments and capitalizes on them inside the ring. I see the fight as competitive at first, 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’d go with Crawford by late stoppage.
