Terence Crawford has a tough decision to make

Let’s not kid ourselves. It was always a pipe dream. The rumors got some folks excited, sure, but it looks like we can put that talk to bed. His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, the man rumored to be behind the fight, has apparently shot down the idea. Maybe it’s for the best. Terence Crawford going up against a 42-year-old Gennady Golovkin would’ve been a lose-lose situation for everyone involved. If Crawford wins, people say GGG was too old. If Crawford struggles or, heaven forbid, loses, the critics would come out of the woodwork to tear him apart.

Now, don’t get me wrong, a fight like that would’ve been intriguing in its own way. There’s something about seeing a guy like Crawford, who’s been carving up opponents left and right, go toe-to-toe with a heavy hitter like Golovkin. Even if GGG isn’t the fighter he once was, there’s no denying the man still packs a punch. And for Crawford, taking punches from someone like Golovkin would’ve been a real test. But, let’s face it, it’s a test he doesn’t really need. Especially not against a guy who’s been more absent than present in the ring lately.

Crawford’s last bout was against Israil Madrimov - nicknamed ‘Little GGG,’ as if that’s something to aspire to. Madrimov had his moments, landing a few punches that made Crawford look all too human. It was a close fight, closer than Crawford probably wanted. So you can imagine what a fully loaded GGG could’ve done. But then again, Crawford isn’t exactly built for those higher weight classes. He’s a master at 147 pounds, but anything above that, and you’re asking him to step out of his comfort zone. And we all know what happens when fighters start chasing weight divisions - things can get ugly.

Turki Alalshikh didn’t say much about it, but word on the street is that Crawford has his eyes set on a different prize: Canelo Alvarez. Now, that’s a fight that gets the blood pumping. It’s the kind of showdown that would have people talking for years. And if that’s the fight Crawford wants, it makes perfect sense that he wouldn’t risk it all on a dangerous bout with Golovkin. Why take the risk when you’ve got the possibility of a massive payday and a legacy-defining fight with Canelo on the horizon?

But here’s the thing - Canelo doesn’t seem interested in facing Crawford. The situation is the same for him as it is for Crawford against GGG. If he wins, then people dismiss it for the weight difference, and if he loses then he is finished. The Mexican does, however, hold all the cards, and time isn’t exactly on Crawford’s side. The man’s going to be 37 soon, and while he’s still at the top of his game, Father Time waits for no one. If Crawford’s serious about facing Canelo, he’s got to make it happen sooner rather than later. There’s only so much sitting around and waiting a fighter can do before the window of opportunity slams shut. And let’s not forget, Canelo has his own business to take care of with Edgar Berlanga in September. Crawford will need to stay patient and hope that Turki can work some magic to get this fight signed.

And if that Canelo fight doesn’t come through? Well, Crawford might find himself at a crossroads. Keep fighting at 154 pounds, where the comPetition is younger, hungrier, and hitting harder? Or hang up the gloves while he’s still on top, unbeaten, and with his legacy intact? It’s a tough call. Every fighter wants to go out on their own terms, but Boxing has a way of making that difficult. The sport has a nasty habit of chewing up its stars and spitting them out when they’ve got nothing left to give.

If we’re being honest, Crawford has already accomplished more than most fighters could ever dream of. But knowing him, he’s not content with what he’s done so far. He’s a comPetitor through and through, and the idea of walking away from the sport with unfinished Business probably doesn’t sit well with him. The Canelo fight is the kind of challenge that could cement his place in Boxing History. It’s the kind of fight that guys like Crawford live for.

So, while the GGG talk was fun while it lasted, let’s keep our eyes on the bigger picture. Crawford versus Canelo -that’s the fight that really matters. It’s the fight that could define the end of Crawford’s career and give fans something to remember for a long time. But for now, all we can do is wait and see if Turki Alalshikh can make it happen. And if he does, we’ll be in for one hell of a show.