Terence Crawford does not have to fight Jaron Ennis.

That is according to Tim Bradley. Crawford’s search for an opponent continues after his ninth-round knockout of Errol Spence Jr. The victory made Spence the first Undisputed Welterweight Champion of the four-belt era. The win solidified Bud’s status as the first person to become undisputed in a second weight class in the four-belt era.

There was an expectation for the rematch after Spence activated it. Talks broke down as Bud became frustrated at the excuses coming from Spence’s side. The Truth blamed vision problems for the reason why he was hit so many times in the fight as he underwent cataract surgery. Bud was targeting a bout with Canelo Alvarez in order to become undisputed in a third weight class. The Mexican ruled out a fight with Crawford, saying he would not get any credit for a win.

Canelo On Crawford

“No, [I am not fighting Crawford]. Yes, but they’re going to criticise me… and that’s it, they love it. They criticised me because I fought [Jermell] Charlo who gained weight, who is bigger than me, because I’m a small fighter for these weights, and because he gained weight, but they didn’t criticise him when I went up in weight," Canelo stated 

That has left Boots as an option. Ennis has been calling out Crawford ever since he was elevated from his status as an IBF Interim Welterweight Champion to a full one after Bud failed to defend his belt against him due to the Spence rematch. So if the Spence and Canelo bouts are off the table, it gives Bud a possible fight with Ennis to become undisputed again. But Bradley felt there was no need for Bud to take the risk. 

Bradley On Crawford

“Crawford is no longer one of those guys that is going to fight for $5 million. He’s that guy, $10-15 million. So, in order for him to do it, it’s got to be worth it. I don’t think Boots, although it would be a good fight, I got Terence winning that fight; will he get paid for it, and that’s the thing? 

"Terence has done what he’s needed to do to make them know he’s the worst man on the planet. He’s done what he’s needed to do. What more do we need? So, now he’s in the position where he’s well known, and people love to see him fight. He needs to take advantage of it, and he needs to get that bag,” Bradley said 

If Crawford does not take that fight, his next opponent is unclear. The 36-year-old will have to ask himself what the motivation is for fighting. If it is chasing history, there are only so many options unless he goes up to 154 pounds.

That would give him a realistic chance of becoming undisputed in another weight division, with possible fights against Tim Tszyu and Jermall Charlo since they hold belts. Outside of that, Crawford could call it a day and go down as a hall-of-famer. He would cap off his career as undefeated and a two-time undisputed champion, which Floyd Mayweather never managed to do.

Find all the latest boxing news and MMA breaking updates on boxingnews.com.