Terence Crawford is demonstrating sportsmanship by acknowledging Errol Spence Jr.’s right to request a rematch. This gesture negates suspicions that Crawford might sidestep a re-encounter, regardless of the rematch’s potential success or failure on Pay-Per-View. Spence’s intent is clear, forcing a second bout, and Crawford will likely acquiesce.
However, the landscape of the boxing world raises several compelling questions: With Showtime no longer in the boxing broadcast game, which network will telecast the Crawford-Spence sequel? When will the fight transpire? Given no buzz about ongoing negotiations, projections hint at an early next year timeline. The location of the match, the weight class, and Spence’s potential enhanced power at 154 also remain variables.
Moreover, the milieu is intriguing, given the limited options available to Crawford for high-stake matchups. Crawford’s primary preference, the super middleweight titan, Canelo Alvarez, has dismissed a face-off. Yet, a persistent campaign on social media might swing Alvarez’s decision. The other potential contender, Jermell Charlo, suffered a defeat at Canelo’s hands, making a Charlo-Crawford clash less enticing, unless Charlo stages a remarkable comeback.
Several other potential match-ups are suggested, with Tim Tszyu and fighters from the 160 class like Chris Eubank Jr. and Janibek Alimkhanuly among them. Nonetheless, none present the allure or challenge Spence does. And for Crawford, a tantalizing prospect lingers – a face-off with the undisputed super middleweight champion, Canelo Alvarez.
While the boxing world buzzes with speculation, Showtime broadcaster Brian Custer’s observation sums up the anticipation: “I think at that bigger weight, [154], ‘I’ll be more powerful and more myself more.’ We’ll find out, but I think Bud Crawford will show that he’ll be the same guy at 147 and 154.”
Image Credit: Showtime