News of a probable showdown between Terence Crawford and Bakhram Murtazaliev took the boxing world by storm. The sheer thought of the P4P best boxer going against a newly crowned champion presents an exciting prospect. However, it seems there’s more to the story than meets the eye.

Opening a new chapter in his career, Crawford announced his arrival in the light middleweight division early this year. Many deem it a move that can take him a bit closer to the proclaimed aim of a showdown against Canelo Alvarez. However, with WBO notifying a title defense against Sebastian Fundora, Crawford has been a part of other matchup calls as well. Perhaps no one expected an impromptu news report, with Murtazaliev playing a lead role. The Russian champion shared his side of the story. Many fans nevertheless feel the Nebraskan southpaw may not enjoy a walkover, even if the fight were to materialize.

A fight out of nowhere

Several reports suggested that a ‘rumored’ face-off between Terence Crawford and Bakhram Murtazaliev in April 2025 was on the horizon. It was in April that Crawford joined the 154-pound league. The spoils of the war against Israil Madrimov included the WBA belt and the vacant interim WBO title.

The much-discussed fight with Canelo Alvarez remains at the top of everyone’s mind. With the year drawing to a close, talks about a 2025 showdown reemerged. However, there remains a high chance the Nebraskan champion may opt for alternate glory. The route to the historic undisputed championship in a third division stipulates title unification.

Meaning a clash against other defending title holders—the reigning unified champion, Sebastian Fundora, and IBF title holder Bakhram Murtazaliev. So the thought of a Crawford-Murtazaliev matchup may not be so outlandish. Only that the Russian champion eventually spilled the beans. Laughing out loudly, he asked, “They say I might have a fight with Crawford in April. Is that true? Does anyone know about this?”

It barely took any time before the fans stretched their imaginations and shared their viewpoints. Let’s review a few of those.

Terence Crawford has the fans to contend with first, however

The gaps in Terence Crawford’s fights come across as a sore point for this fan. They said, “He waits too long to fight; nah, all talk and no show 😏.” Then quite a few potential matchups never saw the light of day. Perhaps that’s why they felt a fight against Bakhram Murtazaliev will remain suspended in air.

The next one was quite sure about one thing. “Crawford is only after Canelo “Paaayy Daaay,” they said. Given his declared interest in pursuing the big fight against Canelo Alvarez, many often doubt whether the Nebraskan southpaw will consider other fights.

It didn’t take much before the conversation segued into the outcomes. “I can see him beating Crawford; he is strong as f*ck, and Crawford is too small for 154,” said this fan. Many believe Crawford lacks the power to fight in the light middleweight division. Hence, a fight against Murtazaliev will only have one result—his defeat, the fan felt.

Crawford’s lack of consistency bothered this user. They said., “Of course Bud, my guy, but he is getting older & constantly fighting once a year… this does not look good.” The former undisputed champion is already 37 years old. Before the Madrimov showdown, his last face-off against Errol Spence Jr. took place nearly a year ago.

However, the following fan trusted Crawford to deliver a beatdown to Murtazaliev: “Tbud picks him apart; he likes to load up and leave his hands low. Nevertheless, great fight.” Crawford, who rarely misses an opportunity, might exploit the Russian champion’s flawed technique, it seems.

“Not a bad fight,” said this fan, adding, “Would have preferred Bakhram to have one more fight so we can really see what he’s about.” A tune-up before the Crawford fight could help a better assessment of Murtazaliev.

The question remains: Bakhram Murtazaliev may have destroyed a heavy hitter like Tim Tszyu. But is he good enough for someone of Terence Crawford’s caliber?

It may be mere rumors. But the idea of Crawford and Murtazaliev going head-to-head in the ring is an exciting one. The Russian champion has elevated his status; hence, defeating a living legend like ‘Bud’ Crawford will witness his legacy climbing new heights. It could also be the most lucrative fight of his career. For Crawford, beating a KO artist like Murtazaliev could strengthen his claim for the much-coveted bout against Canelo Alvarez.

What are your thoughts? Do you think the Terence Crawford-Bakhram Murtazaliev fight should take shape?