Crawford’s next fight: Al-Sheikh orders ‘Stand by’ – but against whom?

Turki Al-Sheikh told Terence Crawford that “be ready” for his next fight. He is not saying who or when the Nebraska native will fight for his “next fight.” Crawford said, “Call me.”

Ideally, that would mean Turki would force Crawford to cash in his pensions against Canelo Alvarez by insisting he fight the winner of the David Benavidez vs. David Morell match.

Next move

That’s the way it should be because in order for a Canelo matchup to look more believable, Crawford has to fight at 168 first against one of the top guys. If this was war, Crawford would have to do something brave earn these battle stripes to be a decorated soldier:

– Medal of Honor
– Cross of Merit

You don’t get it military medals because he did the bare minimum, as Crawford does, he went from a narrow, lackluster victory over Israel Madrimov at 154, straight into a golden parachute retirement payout against Kanel. No, it shouldn’t be like that. If Terence wants his military medals, he must fight these battles to prove he deserves to wear them on his chest during parades in Omaha, Nebraska:

– David Benavidez
– David Morrell
– Christian Mbili
– Dmitry Bivol
– Artur Beterbiev
– Diego Pacheco

What Terence wants are medals without earning them in war. You can’t respect that. It’s weak and not right. If he wants to be next Audie Murphyhe has to earn his war stripes.

Crawford must earn the fight against Canelo Alvarez by walking through real battlefield conditions, taking bullets and shrapnel, and facing the horrors of combat to earn the honor of being in the ring with the king of the sport.

Turki Al-Sheikh needs to call Crawford and tell him he needs to do something bold to have a chance to realistically shape his legacy, not just get a big payday so he can go back to Omaha with his money after he loses.

The soon-to-be 38-year-old Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) only fights once a year. So if he sticks to his minimalist schedule, his next fight will be in September against Canelo Alvarez. That’s assuming Turki doesn’t insist that the Canelo-Crawford fight take place over the Cinco de Mayo holiday this May.

Call me be ready. https://t.co/lSvJ19LgMs

— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) January 15, 2025