Terence Crawford is not about to try and cash in on his new-found position as boxing’s biggest star. Instead, the Ohama man will look for more legacy accolades.
Discussing the fallout of his victory over Errol Spence, the Pound for Pound King targeted Jermell Charlo’s unified belts at 154 while ruling out heading to 168 pounds.
Crawford had been urged to go for Charlo before Canelo by former WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto. Despite the weight difference, Bud’s compatriot was sure Crawford could give Canelo a hard time.
“I say Jermell Charlo for the 154lbs undisputed [titles]. After that, Canelo! Then [good] bye to boxing. That’s a 100 million-dollar play,” said Berto.
“People saying that Crawford is way too small for Canelo don’t know s*** about boxing. They said the same about Floyd vs Canelo.
“[You have to] Understand [that] Canelo isn’t a huge guy. He’s small for 168,” insisted Berto. “Crawford is taller, [has a] longer reach, and has room to fill out. Skills pay the bills, though,” he added.
In an interview with Hot 97, Crawford aired his views on both options.
Terence Crawford discusses next fight options
“I don’t know. I don’t know. Charlo has all the belts at 154. I have all the belts at 147,” he told the radio show. “Me and Spence were the two top welterweights in the division.
“That was the biggest fight of the decade, a fight that’s been marinating for five years. I don’t see anybody else on that level of Crawford vs Spence besides Canelo [Alvarez]. But he fights at 168 plus, so I don’t see me and him fighting.”
In addition, asked about facing his IBF mandatory Jaron Ennis, Crawford responded: “Now, that could happen cause we at the same weight class. But you know, at this point in time, I’m looking for bigger and better opportunities, like [Jermell] Charlo.
“I gave him a little piece of mind [during the Spence fight]. We’ve been going back for some time. I was in the moment. I just thought to tell him I’m coming for him too.”
Ennis plans to push the IBF for his opportunity after waiting longer than average to nail down his shot. By the time it comes about, Crawford may no longer be champion at 147.
“I can’t wait to take the cheese. I keep saying that. But keep doubting me. We love it all,” Ennis told YSM Sports Media.
“When we take your cheese, keep that same energy. Don’t try to switch sides, saying, ‘Ah, I always knew he could do it.’ No, I’m not trying to hear any of that.
“Stay where you are all at. I see everything.”
In conclusion, Ennis agreed to the Crawford fight: “Definitely, that’s the first option. I want that now.”
