Terence Crawford is reportedly considering a strategic move by facing Chris Eubank Jr. in a bid to strengthen his position for a lucrative retirement fight against Canelo Alvarez, the undisputed super-middleweight champion. This potential matchup has stirred discussions, especially considering Eubank Jr.’s popularity in the UK despite a lack of significant wins on his record.
The challenge for Crawford lies in marketing this fight, particularly to the U.S. audience, where Eubank Jr.’s box office draw might not be as strong. However, a victory over Eubank Jr., who holds a respectable ranking within the middleweight division, could theoretically bolster Crawford’s claims for a match against Canelo, especially if the fight takes place at 160 pounds. This could potentially mitigate some of the backlash Canelo might face for choosing Crawford from a different weight class.
Financial considerations will also play a critical role, given Crawford's expectations for high guaranteed purses, reflective of his recent payouts. The feasibility of securing a substantial purse for the Eubank Jr. fight within the UK market remains uncertain, raising questions about the financial viability of such a bout.
Critics argue that for Crawford to truly earn a fight with Canelo, he needs to face more formidable challenges within the super-middleweight division, such as David Morrell Jr. or David Benavidez.
Image Credit: DAZN