Terence Crawford appears to be edging closer to a return, and it could be happening sooner than many expected.
Crawford has been keeping a low profile since picking up the undisputed super middleweight crown back in September. He hasn’t committed to anything publicly, but recently made it clear he still hasn’t made any final decisions about what’s next.
While there had been talk of another bout with former world champion Canelo Alvarez, Crawford recently shifted attention toward a current middleweight titleholder, which seems to have cooled speculation about an immediate rematch with the Mexican star.
Crawford appears ready to chase more history when he returns and signs are pointing toward that comeback taking shape sooner rather than later.
Crawford eyeing March return to the ring
Crawford had been linked with a rematch against Canelo for his return, but also briefly found himself connected to a short-notice bout with Jake Paul, following the collapse of Paul’s fight against Gervonta Davis.
However, according to an update from Chris Mannix, Crawford is now looking at a March date for his next fight, which would likely rule out the Canelo rematch.
“Terence Crawford is not in the mix to face Jake Paul, sources say. Crawford is targeting his own event in March,” Mannix posted on X.
With plans already forming around an ambitious fourth undisputed title bid that would put him into truly historic territory, Crawford appears to be closing in on a matchup with another world champion.
Terence Crawford looks to set up fight with Janibek Alimkhanuly
Keeping a close watch on next month’s action, Crawford has stated his interest in a matchup against the unbeaten Janibek Alimkhanuly, who currently holds a 17-0 record.
Alimkhanuly, the WBO and IBF middleweight champion, is preparing for a bout against Erislandy Lara this December, where he’ll aim to add the WBA title to his collection.
READ MORE: Jake Paul says Nate Diaz agreed to short-notice rematch after Gervonta Davis fight fell through
Crawford has made it clear he’s open to facing ‘Qazaq Style’ down the line, sending a direct message to the middleweight titleholder.
“Keep running through them. We will meet soon I promise you,” Crawford said in response to DAZN Boxing’s post about Alimkhanuly.
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