According to Devin Haney, Terence Crawford should consider retirement following his significant triumph against Canelo Alvarez last month, specifically on September 13th. Haney suggests that the 38-year-old Crawford (sporting a record of 42-0 with 31 KOs) has “achieved all there is to achieve” within his 17-year career as a professional boxer.
The Mount Rushmore Conversation
Haney expresses his admiration for Crawford, the three-division undisputed champion, labeling him an “all-time great.” However, he refrains from specifying whether he ranks Crawford as #1 or among the top four figures on boxing’s Mount Rushmore. This particular topic holds significance for Crawford, who believes that his victory over Alvarez solidifies his position as one of the four greatest fighters ever.
Given Crawford’s infrequent, once-a-year fight schedule, it becomes challenging to place him among the top four, or even the top ten, of boxing’s all-time greats. His level of activity is perceived as insufficient.
All-Time Great Status Confirmed
“He is undeniably an all-time great. Absolutely,” Devin Haney commented to the media regarding Terence Crawford. “No, I don’t believe so,” Haney responded when questioned about whether Crawford should continue his boxing career after defeating Canelo Alvarez on September 13th.
It is easy to see why following Haney’s guidance could be beneficial for Crawford. Prolonging his career increases the likelihood of defeat, particularly if he chooses to take another year-long break following his victory over Canelo.
If Crawford were to move down to 160 pounds to challenge one of the middleweight champions, he would face a significant risk, especially against someone like Janibek Alimkhnuly. Alimkhnuly possesses considerable power and would likely employ a more aggressive fighting style than Canelo did. It is not anticipated that Crawford will defend his undisputed super middleweight championship against any of the contenders at 168 pounds, including the WBC interim champion, Christian Mbilli. The potential financial rewards would not be substantial, and these fights would present considerable challenges for Crawford.
“He’s Achieved Everything”
“In my opinion, he has already accomplished everything in the realm of boxing. I understand his perspective. He feels he is at the peak of his abilities, and indeed, he is. So, why would he stop? Personally, I don’t think he should continue. But it’s easy for me to say that,” Haney stated.
Crawford’s performance against Canelo did not represent him at the “top of his game.” He did not appear as sharp as he did in his previous bout against Israil Madrimov on August 3, 2024, and certainly not at the level he exhibited when he defeated Errol Spence on July 29, 2023.
