Who will Terence Crawford fight next? Not Errol Spence Jr., as he took to the sidelines because of cataract surgery! The chatter among pundits suggests Jaron Ennis is worthy! But can he put an end to ‘Bud’ Crawford’s reign in the welterweight division? Bernard Hopkins thinks he has the answer to that question, something he revealed in an interview today!

Crawford currently holds three major titles in the division, except for the IBF title, which was taken from him by the sanctioning body. It’s also the title ‘Boots’ Ennis currently holds, so Ennis is eager to allow Crawford to get it back. However, Crawford wants legacy-defining fights, something Ennis cannot provide. Nevertheless, when Fight Hub TV probed Hopkins about his prediction, here’s what he said.

Bernard Hopkins claims everyone is a threat to Terence Crawford

Answering the question from the reporter, Hopkins stated, “I think all of them [are] a threat to each other if they don’t come right. [Everybody] has a chance in that division. That’s what makes it so exciting to talk about that division.” He went on to praise every fighter in the division, claiming they were all talented

“Because [there is] so much talent – everybody is beatable in that division. I don’t favor anybody in certain divisions, especially that one,” said Hopkins. As far as his prediction was concerned, he claimed, “Anything can happen because [the division is] so talented,” said Hopkins. Meanwhile, an Olympic medalist thinks Jaron Ennis can prove to be a challenge for Crawford!

Ennis needs to take “a real punch”

Roy Jones Jr. doesn’t just back anybody out of the blue, but he thinks ‘Boots’ Ennis might have what it takes. In a 16 January interview with YSM Sports Media, the former champion expressed his thoughts of wanting to check Ennis’ chin. “We haven’t seen Boots Ennis against a guy who’s tested his chin. That’s the only thing we don’t know about him yet. We don’t know if he can take a real punch yet,” said Jones.

However, Jones is confident that Ennis has the skills he needs to get the job done. “As far as the skills go, he got everything,” said Jones. He further added that Ennis would be a difficult fight for Crawford because he has everything. “When a guy is as talented and has the skill level that Boots has, anything can happen,” said Jones Jr.

While there’s no clarity on whether the Crawford vs. Ennis fight would happen, Hopkins and Jones Jr. think it will be 50-50 if it does. Who do you think will win if Crawford somehow agrees to it?

Terence Crawford TKO 9 Errol Spence Jr.

Terence Crawford has been universally recognized as one of boxing’s best pound-for-pound fighters for the better part of the last decade.

But the one major knock on “Bud” was that a win against a highly reputable opponent was missing from his resume.

That all came to an end on July 29, when Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) reeled in “The Big Fish,” Errol Spence Jr., and delivered a career-defining performance in a major showdown more than five years in the making.

The win resulted in Crawford collecting all of the welterweight belts and the prestigious Ring Magazine title. Being crowned the undisputed champion also resulted in Crawford’s elevation to No. 1 in The Ring’s pound-for-pound rankings.

The fight was considered somewhat of a 50-50 matchup going in, although Crawford was the slight betting favorite. But the Nebraska native delivered a one-sided beating that will be remembered for ages to come.

Crawford had a stunning, stone-cold showcase, knocking down the Texan once in the second, twice in the seventh, then mercifully forcing referee Harvey Dock to step in and stop the one-sided action in the ninth.

Crawford connected with 185 shots against Spence, who fired back 96 of his own but failed to evoke any concern from Crawford. Bud seemingly dominated every second of the contest from stern to stem.

The long-anticipated event was also a commercial success by all accounts, generating nearly 700,000 pay-per-view buys domestically and more than $21,000,000 in ticket sales at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

A sequel is in store for 2024. Spence exercised his contractual right to a rematch, but it remains to be seen at what weight a fight will be contested. Crawford and Spence have both stated that a move up to 154 pounds is imminent.

After years of pounding the table for high-profile fights, the 36-year-old Crawford is finally in an advantageous position to fight anyone at any weight he pleases.

Clashes against the likes of Ring Magazine 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo and undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez could follow.

The three-division champion could quickly add world titles in other weight classes, should he turn in more prolific performances like he did against Spence.

Naoya Inoue KO 8 Stephen Fulton — Naoya Inoue’s tentative title for Performance of the Year lasted a mere four days until Terence Crawford took it away, but the Japanese star’s destruction of unified titlist Stephen Fulton during his 122-pound debut was utterly impressive and further added to his mystique and moniker of “The Monster.”

Devin Haney UD 12 Regis Prograis — Former undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney made two-time 140-pound titlist Regis Prograis look like an outmatched novice, easily picking him apart to score the shoutout unanimous decision win in his junior welterweight debut. Haney outlanded Prograis 129 to 36 during the masterclass performance. Prograis, meanwhile, set a CompuBox record for the fewest total punches landed in a 12-round fight.

Teofimo Lopez Jr. UD 12 Josh Taylor — Teofimo Lopez Jr. was perceived to be a broken boxer heading into the fight against Josh Taylor, but he proved that he still has plenty left in the tank by beating the former undisputed junior welterweight champion. Lopez’s big win planted him back in Ring Magazine’s top 10 pound-for-pound list.

Jesse Rodriguez RTD 9 Sunny Edwards — If 2022 was considered Jesse Rodriguez’s coming-out party, 2023 was the year that proved the boxer billed as “Bam” will be hosting block parties across 112, 115 and 118 pounds for years to come. Rodriguez dominated Sunny Edwards to become a unified flyweight titlist, and for the first time, also cracked the top 10 of Ring Magazine’s pound-for-pound list.

Boxing is a fragmented sport. Arguments are the norm between fighters and fans and getting on the same page with anyone is a rarity. Yet, even with so many differing opinions, practically everyone expected Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford to be a competitive fight.

Two top-five pound-for-pound level stars with effective skills and undeniable wills? No matter which side of the fence you found yourself on, their showdown was about as 50/50 as you can get.

Boxing is a fragmented sport. Arguments are the norm between fighters and fans and getting on the same page with anyone is a rarity. Yet, even with so many differing opinions, practically everyone expected Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford to be a competitive fight.

Two top-five pound-for-pound level stars with effective skills and undeniable wills? No matter which side of the fence you found yourself on, their showdown was about as 50/50 as you can get.

Once the opening bell rang, their undisputed clash was tit-for-tat. But outside of that, Crawford dominated.

Both acrimonious and despondent over how things played out, Spence went the formulaic route, immediately activating his rematch clause. But, since announcing his decision, talks have seemingly gone nowhere. Additionally, Spence recently revealed that he underwent cataract surgery.

With a cloud of foggy haze surrounding their sequel, Jaron Ennis has offered to step in. Crawford though, hasn’t appeared interested. Still, Ennis continues to poke and bother Crawford every chance he gets.

Roy Jones Jr. has paid attention to everything that’s taken place. Although he doesn’t have any say so in terms of who Crawford should fight, he does have an opinion.

“There’s nothing for him, just sit back and wait,” said Jones to BoxingScene.com when asked what Crawford should do next. “Why would you take the chance fighting Jaron Ennis?”

Over the last few years, just about everyone, including Jones, has used superlatives when describing Ennis’ skill level. But, even with elite talent & a welterweight title, Ennis isn’t the most popular name around.

For Crawford, it’s all about the dollar signs. The 36-year-old believes his legacy is set and is looking for another gigantic payday before hanging up his gloves for good.

While fans may want to see them get it on, Jones is of the belief that the 26-year-old isn’t worth the headache.

“You the man now, you’re 36 years old. You done proved yourself over, and over, and over again. Fighting Jaron Ennis would be harder because you got everything to lose and nothing to win.”

Spence went the formulaic route, immediately activating his rematch clause. But, since announcing his decision, talks have seemingly gone nowhere. Additionally, Spence recently revealed that he underwent cataract surgery.

With a cloud of foggy haze surrounding their sequel, Jaron Ennis has offered to step in. Crawford though, hasn’t appeared interested. Still, Ennis continues to poke and bother Crawford every chance he gets.

Roy Jones Jr. has paid attention to everything that’s taken place. Although he doesn’t have any say so in terms of who Crawford should fight, he does have an opinion.

“There’s nothing for him, just sit back and wait,” said Jones to BoxingScene.com when asked what Crawford should do next. “Why would you take the chance fighting Jaron Ennis?”

Over the last few years, just about everyone, including Jones, has used superlatives when describing Ennis’ skill level. But, even with elite talent & a welterweight title, Ennis isn’t the most popular name around.

For Crawford, it’s all about the dollar signs. The 36-year-old believes his legacy is set and is looking for another gigantic payday before hanging up his gloves for good.

While fans may want to see them get it on, Jones is of the belief that the 26-year-old isn’t worth the headache.

“You the man now, you’re 36 years old. You done proved yourself over, and over, and over again. Fighting Jaron Ennis would be harder because you got everything to lose and nothing to win.”

In the high-stakes world of boxing, weight classes are more than just numbers—they’re battle lines. Dmitry Bivol, a light heavyweight champion, recently weighed in on Terence Crawford’s daring idea. Crawford, fresh from a historic win over Errol Spence Jr., eyes a leap into Canelo Alvarez’s domain.

Canelo who dominated Jermell has shown that jumping weight classes is not a good idea. But is Crawford’s plan a stroke of genius or a step too far? As Bivol shares his insights, he brings a twist to the tale of two fighters wanting to shape their legacies in the best possible way.

Bivol’s advice (or lack thereof) for Terence Crawford

The heart of the matter lies in Dmitry Bivol’s candid conversation with Fight Hub TV. Bivol’s thoughts came in response to a direct question about Crawford’s intention to move up three divisions. “I don’t remember sizes of Terence Crawford,” he initially admitted. The interviewer clarified, “Welterweight, well he’s probably my size maybe like 170.”

Here, Bivol recalled a fundamental boxing lesson, emphasizing respect for the sport’s weight divisions. “I think I remember when I came to the boxing gym one of the first lesson which I should learn it’s like you should respect weight classes,” he reflected. Yet, his admiration for Crawford’s prowess is evident. “But Terence Crawford now is my one of the favorite fighters, active fighters. I mean he has good skills very good skills, maybe he could show us something,” he added, acknowledging Crawford’s exceptional talent.

The interviewer, seeking insights from Bivol’s successful encounter with Canelo, asked for advice he might offer Crawford. Bivol’s humility and respect for his fellow boxer shone through. “It’s funny if I give him advice. He knows already what he needs to do and his coach knows they will find the solution to how to do it but it will happen or not, it will be success or not,” Bivol stated, expressing confidence in Crawford’s and his team’s strategic prowess.

But Bivol isn’t the only one who has spoken about this fight. Sugar Ray Leonard had some words of advice for Terence too.

Sugar Ray Leonard’s key advice to Crawford 

Sugar Ray Leonard’s perspective offers invaluable insight for Terence Crawford’s bold move to face Canelo Alvarez. During a discussion focusing on ‘everything Crawford,’ Leonard, a legend who himself navigated through various divisions, shared his wisdom on what Crawford must prioritize in the ring. “Well, as long as [it] doesn’t prevent him from moving or slipping punches and just stay on the outside – just fight his fight,” Leonard advised, emphasizing the importance of maintaining one’s unique fighting style amidst challenges.

This advice is particularly poignant, considering Amir Khan’s previous fight against Canelo in the supermiddleweight division, which ended in a dramatic knockout.

Former coach turned pundit Teddy Atlas has been talking about a potential fight between two pound-for-pound stars in Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez versus Terence Crawford.

Crawford is one of the best fighters of his generation and has been undisputed champion in two separate weight divisions – light welterweight and welterweight, the latter of which he picked up last July with a career-best performance against Errol Spence Jr.

‘Canelo’ meanwhile has won belts in multiple weight divisions and is currently fighting at super middleweight where he holds all four of the belts and is the first man to do so in that division.

With both men always on the lookout for the biggest challenges, rumours abound that Crawford might make an unlikely jump up three weight classes to make the fight happen and the man himself has not ruled it out.

Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Atlas was asked about that.

He then outlined another of Crawford’s unique skills.

The last time Canelo was asked about it was in September when he said the ‘time was not right’ for the fight, but boxing moves quickly so maybe that changes in 2024.

Brian McIntyre believes that leading Terence Crawford and Chris Eubank Jr. to big wins wasn’t his biggest headline in 2023.

The veteran trainer had a really, really good year in the ring, to put it mildly. In July, the coach nicknamed ‘Bo-Mac’ led Terence Crawford against Errol Spence Jr. For years, fans had hoped to see the two welterweight champions fight.

However, when they finally met in the ring, it was incredibly lopsided. Thanks to McIntyre’s preparation, Crawford bullied Spence Jr. for nine rounds, knocking him down multiple times to score a stoppage win.

Later in the year, McIntyre became the trainer for one Chris Eubank Jr. ‘Next Gen’ suffered a stoppage loss earlier in 2023 to Liam Smith. That led the former champion to replace Roy Jones Jr. with McIntyre.

In the end, that was the correct decision, as he avenged the defeat with a knockout win of his own. Sadly, the celebration for McIntyre was short-lived. Days following the victory, he was arrested for trying to board a plane in the U.K. with a firearm.

While McIntyre was named ‘Trainer of the Year’ by many media outlets, he’s not so sure that he got the honor thanks to his training. Speaking to FightHype in a recent interview, the coach speculated (via BoxingScene):

Terence Crawford has made no secret of the fact that he wants to jump up three divisions to challenge for Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez’ undisputed super-middleweight title.

Despite only having just secured all the belts at 147, ‘Bud’ has urged Canelo to welcome him to 168 for a mega-fight.

Speaking on Pro Box TV, Paulie Malignaggi said he believes it’s a step too far for the Omaha man.

Malignaggi then said he’d rather see Crawford in other match-ups – presumably at super-welterweight or even middle – and said any fan pushing for the fight was a ‘casual.’

Neither man has announced his next fight. Crawford, although contracted for a rematch, hinted recently that his rivalry with Errol Spence Jr was over. Canelo is heavily rumoured to be facing Jermall Charlo next after beating his brother Jermell in September of last year.

While Terence Crawford does not really have a substantial opponent to look forward to for a fight, he has decided to keep active regardless with the NFL star, Desmond Bryant. Though he was up for a rematch with Errol Spence Jr after their one-sided bout last year, in a cryptic X message, he expressed a certain disinterest in ever facing Spence again. Canelo Álvarez, meanwhile, is another opponent that he wants to go up against. In the meantime, Dez Bryant is giving the Omaha native some much-needed competition.

In a video that Bryant posted on his X account, the two could be seen engaging in a fun game. Can the former Dallas Cowboys Wide Receiver give the No.1 pound-for-pound boxer a juke? Well, that is exactly what he did.

Dez Bryant secures a win against the undefeated Terence Crawford

Bryant, who hasn’t officially retired from sports but took a hiatus due to a torn Achilles tendon in November 2018 that ended his season, engaged in a friendly 1v1 with Crawford in the video. Despite Crawford’s background in boxing, Bryant demonstrated superior skills, utilizing a ‘goosestep’ to maneuver past Crawford easily. “I went 1 on 1 with the champ! Had to show em it’s real @terencecrawford Made me wanted to get back out there!” Bryant captioned the clip.

Crawford then replied to the post, humorously suggesting that Bryant might still harbor feelings about the Cowboys vs. Packers game result. The Green Bay Packers played against Bryant’s former team Dallas Cowboys on January 15, 2024, at AT&T Stadium.