BOXING
Terence Crawford wants Jermell Charlo next after dominating Errol Spence Jr.
‘Bud’ dismantled Spence Jr. and became the only fighter ever to be undisputed in two weight divisions, but he wants more.
At the beginning of 2023, boxing fans had several reasons to smile, as by then, there were quite a few top fights scheduled for this year that included the likes of Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia, Vasiliy Lomachenko, Devin Haney, David Benavidez, and Caleb Plant, among other top fighters.
However, there seemed to be a spark of frustration when not finding the names of Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. on that list of exciting bouts. It was one of the most anticipated fights in the last decade but everyone believed both men wouldn’t meet inside the ring if they hadn’t done it yet.
Things unexpectedly changed when it was announced in May that both undefeated boxers would be finally fighting each other on July 29, when nobody saw that coming.
In a battle for the welterweight supremacy and the pound-for-pound No. 1 spot, the Omaha-bred fighter wasthe better man, dominating Spence Jr. from the second round on to win via TKO in the ninth after The Truth went to the canvas repeatedly throughout the mega bout.
Crawford: undisputed for a third time?
Crawford is now the WBO, IBF, WBA, and WBC welterweight champion after a masterclass of boxing that saw him beat Spence Jr. quite quickly when it was considered one of the most intriguing, 50/50 fights in recent history.
Bud, the only fighter ever to be undisputed in two weight divisions (light welterweight, welterweight), said right after the fight that he wants to face Jermell Charlo next, the current undisputed light middleweight champion.
The 35-year-old fighter (40-0, 31 KOs) leaned over ropes and told Jermell, “You’re next”. Charlo might accept that fight, as it could be a big payday for both boxers, but he’s currently focused on his next bout against Canelo Álvarez at 168 lbs for all the marbles at super middleweight.
Spence has already said he’s interested in a second fight with Crawford and he could make it happen if he uses the rematch clause in the contract to force a second clash.
However, the fight wasn’t close and Spence’s promotion, PBC, could dissuade him from activating the rematch clause.
Crawford probably had an extra boost of confidence after the biggest win of his career and now wants to keep making history by facing and defeating Mell at 154, which would translate into becoming undisputed in three different weight divisions.
If the Charlo fight wouldn’t happen, Crawford could decide to stay at 147 and fight Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis next, which would also be an exciting showdown, as Ennis is regarded as one of the biggest rising stars in boxing.