To have come so near, where an epoch-making fight awaited him, it’s hard to explain the sheer feeling of dejection Terence Crawford might be going through. Ever since he knocked out fellow welterweight Errol Spence Jr. into a potential retirement, Crawford has had only one fight in his sights – the one against Canelo Alvarez. Though eventually it knocked on the doors of a possible deal, the callout journeyed through ups and downs – mostly downs that saw the two exchanging barbs, claims, and counterclaims.

However, that dream run is now over. Several accounts reported that the Canelo-Crawford fight might as well be a thing of the past now. However, going by ‘Bud’ Crawford’s latest message, it appears the former undisputed champion hasn’t given up on the prospect. To bridge the weight gap between him and Alvarez, he even abandoned his welterweight belts and moved up a division last year. The Madrimov fight may have attracted its share of praises and qualms. However, one thing became clear: Terence Crawford isn’t going to back out from chasing greatness. The faith remains resolute.

Terence Crawford: I’m still in the game

“I’m waiting on Canelo in September and going to shock the world in Riyadh Season!” said Crawford while responding to HE Turki Alalshikh‘s poignant message. The Riyadh Season head, who brought the two pound-for-pound greats together for the mega fight, highlighted how the strong remain unfazed by criticisms. They are the real force to be reckoned with.

Perhaps Crawford’s confidence stems from the last-minute changes that seem to have developed following the Canelo-Jake Paul matchup reports. Multiple outlets suggested that the Mexican icon and the world’s biggest influencer boxer were in talks for a cruiserweight Netflix showdown.

However, as Mike Coppinger stated, ‘with the Jake Paul fight at the 1-yard line,’ news emerged that Canelo Alvarez has agreed to a fight deal with HE Turki Alalshikh. Beginning with Cinco de Mayo, the details as shared by the Ring magazine mentioned a Las Vegas square-up with Crawford as well.

Where do we go from here? 

For a moment, the developments shook the boxing world. However much the latest revelation helped fans heave a sigh of big relief, concerns surrounding the weight difference between the two former undisputed champions remain a nagging issue for many.

Given the fight could be capped at 168 pounds, Terence Crawford has to climb up two weight divisions for the meetup. Whether he can prepare himself during the next six months is something several fans would like to see. The Israil Madrimov fight seemingly exposed a few chinks in his armor.

However, as he messaged, Terence Crawford sounds supremely confident of securing a shocking upset in September. In the meantime, as part of the deal, Canelo Alvarez will proceed with the first fight in May. Jermall Charlo and Ring Magazine’s ‘Upset of the Year’ award recipient Bruno Surace appear to be frontrunners.

Terence Crawford will join the fans to watch the fight. It might help him and ‘BoMac’ McIntyre prepare strategies for the next schedule that falls in September.

What about you? Do you think Terence Crawford will dethrone Canelo Alvarez?