Crawford On Five Potential Fights If He Returns

Terence Crawford may be retired, but his competitive drive remains intact, Ring Magazine columnist Keith Idec writes. The undefeated five-division champion, who turns 39 on Monday, announced his retirement nine months ago yet continues debating his legacy on social media with fighters and fans alike.

Idec identified five potential opponents that could motivate Crawford to endure one more training camp. Topping the list is Jaron Ennis, the WBA-WBO junior middleweight champion who apparently got under Crawford's skin when they met face to face in Newark last September. "At 29, Ennis remains in his physical prime and has the speed, power and vast offensive repertoire to make this a fascinating fight," Idec wrote.

Canelo Rematch Remains Most Lucrative Option

A rematch with Canelo Alvarez would be the biggest payday available, assuming the Mexican star defeats Christian Mbilli for the WBC middleweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">super middleweight title in Riyadh on October 31. Crawford won their first meeting decisively a year ago at super middleweight, but the bout was competitive enough to justify enormous purses for a second fight. Idec also mentioned Vergil Ortiz as a potential middleweight title opportunity that would allow Crawford to become champion in a sixth weight class.

Sebastian Fundora presents an intriguing puzzle, especially if the 6-foot-6 titleholder were to beat Ennis in a unification clash. Ryan Garcia rounds out the list, though Idec notes beating the WBC welterweight champion would not produce the legacy-enhancing win that might seriously tempt Crawford back.

Crawford last fought at 167 pounds against Alvarez, making a return to welterweight for Garcia unlikely. The Omaha native holds a 42-0 record with 31 knockouts and is widely considered one of the best fighters of his generation.

Source: ringmagazine.com