Turki Al-Sheikh told Terence Crawford “get ready” For his next fight. He wouldn't say who or when the Nebraska native will fight for his “next fight.” “Call me,” Crawford said.

Ideally, this would mean that the Turk would force Crawford to earn his retirement payday against Canelo Alvarez by insisting he fight the winner of the David Benavidez vs. David Morrell match.

Next step

It should be that way because to make the matchup against Canelo seem more credible, Crawford will have to fight one of the top guys for the first 168 rounds. If this is war, Crawford will have to do something bold Earn this battle ribbon To be a decorated soldier:

– Medal of Honor
– Distinguished Service Cross

You won't get them military medal To minimize, as Crawford is doing, a golden parachute retirement against Canelo straight from a narrow, weak victory over Israel Madrimov. No, it shouldn't be. If Terence wants his military medals, he'll have to fight these battles to prove they're worthy of being worn on his chest during a parade in Omaha, Nebraska:

– David Benavidez
– David Morrell
– Christian Mbili
– Dmitry Bivol
– Arthur Beterbiev
– Diego Pacheco

What Terence wants is medals not earned in battle. You can't respect it. It is weak and not correct. If he wants to be next Audie MurphyHe must earn his battle ribbon.

Crawford must fight against Canelo Alvarez, walking through true battlefield conditions, taking bullets and shrapnel, and facing the horrors of battle to earn the honor of being in the ring with the king of the sport.

Turki Al-Sheikh needs to call Crawford and tell him he needs to do something bold to have a chance to realistically shape his legacy, not just for a big payday so he can take his money back to Omaha after a loss.

The soon-to-be 38-year-old Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) only fights once a year. So, if he maintains his minimal schedule, his next fight will be against Canelo Alvarez in September. That's assuming the Turk isn't pushing for a Canelo-Crawford fight over the Cinco de Mayo holiday weekend in May this year.

Be ready to call me. https://t.co/lSwJ19LgMs

— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) January 15, 2025