Roy Jones Jr has inspired Terence Crawford to safe one final profitable showdown, even when it occurs to be towards a considerably unconventional opponent.
Like many, the pound-for-pound legend believes that Crawford merely has nothing left to show, and is maybe only one combat away from calling time on his scintillating profession.
Certainly, the three-division undisputed champion has already cemented his legacy, particularly after leaping up two weight courses to dethrone Canelo Alvarez this previous September.
Regardless of giving up a transparent measurement benefit, and being broadly pegged because the underdog, Crawford produced a masterful show to assert all 4 main titles at 168lbs.
A ninth-round end over Errol Spence Jr, too, has solely added to Crawford’s greatness, together with his dominant victory again in 2023 seeing him reign supreme at 147lbs.
However now, it seems that the 38-year-old, who has not too long ago expressed his curiosity in concentrating on a sixth weight division, might quickly go one step additional.
Just some weeks in the past, Crawford known as out unified middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly, who will look to assert a 3rd title towards WBA belt-holder Erislandy Lara on December 6.
However whereas this appears to be a severe possibility for Crawford, Roy Jones Jr has steered that the Nebraskan ought to as an alternative flip his consideration in direction of UFC light-weight champion Ilia Topuria.
Whether or not this potential crossover matchup has any legs stays to be seen, however Jones has nonetheless highlighted Topuria as a attainable opponent for Crawford.
In an interview with Titanplay, the multi-weight world champion mentioned that ‘Bud’ ought to face the MMA star earlier than crusing off into the sundown.
“If he retires subsequent, it’d be the very best factor. Had I retired after I beat Antonio Tarver the primary time, we wouldn’t be having conversations in regards to the biggest of all time. And we nonetheless shouldn’t, as a result of info are info.
“But when Crawford does something extra, that’s what he ought to do [fight Ilia Topuria]. He deserves the reward at the moment.
“Look how lengthy he waited earlier than he acquired the eye he has now. He deserves yet one more of these. If something, that’s what he ought to do.”
A combat between Crawford and Topuria does appear unlikely, and nowhere close to the money-spinner that was Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor, with the potential conflict towards Janibek nonetheless seemingly the frontrunner.
