As the noise beyond the squared circle fades away, what matters is the result once the bell rings. While a win turns boxers into heroes, an undefeated streak cements immortality. This sport has witnessed staggering streaks where defeat seemed a foreign concept for a time. However, it is a sport where loss always creeps in no matter how hard one tries. Only an elite handful – Floyd Mayweather (50 wins), Rocky Marciano (49 wins), Joe Calzaghe (46 wins), and Andre Ward (32 wins) slipped through its fingers, bowing out undefeated. This rarity makes Terence Crawford‘s 41-0 streak a marvel in modern boxing. It is a testament to his skills, determination, and a shining proof of his craft. It is safe to say that in the current scenario, he is closest to joining the unblemished retirement club.
However, as the Nebraskan gears up to take on his dream fight and his biggest challenge against Canelo Alvarez, that pristine streak teeters on the edge. Despite Crawford’s superior skills, the weight difference is an unavoidable hurdle. Furthermore, Canelo’s elite counter-punching, power, and experience at a higher weight class could be too much for Crawford. Still, if anyone can defy the odds and topple “Cinnamon” today, it’s Crawford—he’s built a career on doing just that.
If Crawford continues his career after Canelo, the road only gets tougher. He will face the best, and the best can conquer. Here’s a look at four other fighters, aside from Canelo, who could threaten to end Terence Crawford’s perfect run.
Terence Crawford vs. Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis
When Terence Crawford left 147, there was no one left for him to defeat. However, the landscape has shifted since then. The IBF welterweight champion, Jaron Ennis himself, is an undefeated star with an unblemished 33-0 record. While he is currently preparing for a clash against Eimantas Stanionis, Ennis has made it clear he’d relish a showdown with Crawford. On the other hand, fans have been clamoring to see Bud drop back to 147, a division that he dominated for the longest.
Ennis has yet to tangle with anyone as versatile and well-rounded as Crawford, making this matchup a potential Firestarter for the division. Furthermore, given that Ennis is 10 years younger, combined with his explosive, and rare combination of speed, power, and slick movements, he will pose a genuine threat to Terence Crawford’s reign. He’d be a tough challenge, but if the 37-year-old returns to 147, he won’t back down.
Terence Crawford vs. Errol Spence Jr.
Sure, Terence Crawford has already trumped Errol Spence Jr. And in their 2023 showdown, and it wasn’t even close. Crawford completely dominated The Truth to earn a ninth-round TKO victory, snagging the IBF, WBC, and WBO welterweight titles. Spence is yet to recover from the loss and with every passing day, the hope of his return is diminishing.
Still, Spence insists he’ll lace up again soon, dangling the prospect of some tantalizing bouts, including this rematch. A completely healthy Spence with a vengeance in his mind will be a force to reckon with for Crawford. If the Texan uses this hiatus to bulk up and makes some necessary adjustments to his game plan, he still has the power, skills, and body-punching ability to rattle Terence Crawford in the rematch. However, Spence will have to make his way back to the top again. However, should he pull it off, boxing fans could be in for an electrifying sequel.
Terence Crawford vs. Jermell Charlo
In 2023, Jermell Charlo made the same leap to 168 to face Canelo Alvarez—the same move Crawford is set to make in September. The Iron Man has been out of action ever since that loss. However, a recent workout video with the declaration “154 is mine until I’m finish,” has sparked a comeback rumor. Furthermore, the WBC’s decision to label him ‘Champion in Recess’ only fuels the fire, granting him a shot at the title whenever he’s ready.
Now, should Charlo reclaim the crown, it is a fight tailor-made for Terence Crawford, who recently jumped to 154. Charlo’s size, reach and counter-punching ability pose a genuine threat to Bud and can put a stop to his undefeated streak. Picture a driven Charlo, fighting with the aggression and precision he showed against Brian Castaño. Bud will have to dig deep to come out unblemished.
Terence Crawford vs. David Benavidez
Well, this is a fight that seems like a long shot at the moment. However, if Terence Crawford loves his time in 168 and makes the move to 168 permanent, this is the fight to chase. David Benavidez has been a boogeyman at 168 and even at 175, steamrolling everyone coming his way.
For “Bandera Roja,” who’s been hunting a legacy-defining bout against top-tier talent, Crawford fits the bill perfectly. While the prospect of this fight seems tantalizing, the fight against the Mexican giant seems like a sure loss for Crawford. Benavidez is a volume-punching monster with relentless pressure and a massive size advantage, posing an even bigger threat than Canelo Alvarez.
Terence Crawford’s 41-0 streak screams greatness, but the road ahead is troublesome. At this stage of his career, every fight will be a gamble, testing him in new ways. Whether he elevates himself to even greater heights or finally stumbles, only time will tell. However, Crawford’s pursuit of greatness will surely be box-office to the fans.
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The post 4 Fighters Who Can End Terence Crawford’s Undefeated Streak Other Than Canelo Alvarez appeared first on EssentiallySports.
