On Saturday, Terence Crawford added another significant win to his resume.
In the MGM Grand bubble, “Bud” defended his WBO welterweight title definitively with a 4th round TKO over former IBF welterweight champion, Kell Brook.
Crawford adjusted to the relentless jab of Brook and utilized his ability to switch stances to stun Brook and out time him for the perfect right hand.
After the fight the two shook hands and Brook touted Crawford’s timing as the defining factor. Brook also mentioned that he is considering retirement after the fight.
Now, after five welterweight appearances, a title, and five finishes, Crawford is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world yet again.
However, in boxing, there is always another challenge to prove yourself. Both Manny Pacquiao and Errol Spence, Jr. are the only ones currently left in the division’s title pool.
Like The Highlander, there can only be one.
Is Crawford The One?
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Top Rank Chairman, Bob Arum was close to a deal being finalized for Terence Crawford vs. Manny Pacquiao.
The rumored country was Qatar with the Ministry of Health reportedly securing the money but stalling after concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, we live in a world where the UFC successfully created an island to host fights in Abu Dhabi. The Middle East has conquered the challenges that coronavirus has brought to pugilism.
In the post-fight interview, Bob Arum said that the Middle East country has expressed an interest in resuming talks if Crawford was successful.
Step one accomplished.
However, the real show is Crawford vs. Spence.
When you look at the pantheon of hall of Fame welterweights like “Sugar” Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran and more, the glue that connected them was match ups in their prime.
It defined an entire era during a time of 15 rounders.
In this era, the term undefeated has taken on new heights since Floyd Mayweather made it the most lucrative term in the sport.
That is the problem, the threat of losing the aura of invincibility keeps the big fights elusive and the fans salivating.
But make no mistake, this is a blood sport and like The Highlander, one must cut off the head of another to receive his power and become the one greatest immortal.
In the quest for legacy, there are two names left for Crawford and one is more significant than the other due to age while the other for his experience.
There are no other fights that matter and now the only question is does Crawford stay with Top Rank to make it happen, or defect to Premier Boxing Champions where the last two names reside.
