Terence Crawford backed to end retirement for ‘biggest fight in boxing’: “I think it happens”

Terence Crawford could be lured out of retirement for the chance to further cement his greatness and become a four-division undisputed champion.

The American announced his exit from the sport last December, just a few months after dethroning Canelo Alvarez for all four major titles at 168lbs.

In doing so, ‘Bud’ became a five-weight world champion and three-division undisputed king, before calling time on his illustrious career.

Ultimately, it seemed as though he left himself with nothing to prove, other than perhaps his superiority against a rising pound-for-pound star such as Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis.

The Philadelphian became the IBF mandatory challenger at 147lbs in 2023, only to be elevated to full world champion following Crawford’s undisputed triumph against Errol Spence Jr.

At the time, Ennis was particularly vocal about wanting a fight with Crawford but, since then, has become a two-division unified champion and is in the process of crafting his own legacy.

Even now, though, the 29-year-old has admitted to About Boxing that many of his fans remain desperate to see him in the ring with Bud.

“That’s a big fight that a lot of people want to see. And who knows: maybe he comes out of retirement.”

According to promoter Eddie Hearn, Ennis’ next outing is likely to be a three-belt unification match with IBF super-welterweight champion Josh Kelly.

If he emerges victorious against WBC champion Sebastian Fundora, too, then the Matchroom chief has told Ring Magazine that he could end up making an offer to Crawford.

“I’ve wanted this fight for so long and I rate Crawford so highly, but I’m just such a huge believer in Jaron Ennis.

“I think this is gonna be the biggest fight in boxing. Boots is probably going to fight Josh Kelly. If he beats him, he’ll fight Fundora. And if he becomes undisputed, I think the Crawford fight will happen.”

It remains to be seen whether Ennis will even become the undisputed king at 154lbs, let alone tempt Crawford out of retirement.