Terence Crawford refuses to look beyond his upcoming clash with Canelo Alvarez, maintaining a laser-focused approach to what many consider the most significant boxing match of recent years. The 37-year-old will step into the ring at Allegiant Stadium on September 13 for a bout that carries a reported $200 million purse and could potentially redefine both fighters' legacies.
"It's one fight at a time," Crawford stated in a recent interview with Pro Boxing Fans, making it clear that Canelo occupies his entire focus at present.
Crawford doubled down on this mentality during a fan Q&A in Australia, where he colorfully remarked, "I don't eat before my food's on my table" – a vivid way of expressing his refusal to be distracted by hypothetical future scenarios.
The matchup comes more than a year after Crawford made his debut at 154 pounds, where he currently holds the WBA title. Interestingly, whispers of this potential super-fight began circulating shortly after that weight class transition.
What happens after September 13 remains an open question. Several options appear viable for Crawford, who will turn 38 shortly after the fight. He could return to the talent-rich 154-pound division, where potential opponents include Sebastian Fundora, Bakhram Murtazaliev, Vergil Ortiz Jr., and rising star Xander Zayas.
A rematch with Canelo isn't off the table either, particularly if their first encounter proves competitive or controversial. With such a massive purse already in place, the financial incentive for a second bout would be substantial.
Then there's the retirement option. Crawford has previously indicated his intention to leave boxing on his own terms, stating, "I wasn't going to let boxing retire me." Jeff Mayweather, former fighter and uncle of Floyd Mayweather Jr., suggests that defeating Canelo might provide the perfect moment for Crawford to walk away at the pinnacle of his career.
For now, all speculation remains secondary to the immediate challenge. Will Crawford achieve what many consider impossible by defeating the younger Canelo? Or will this ambitious leap across weight classes prove a step too far?
