Terence Crawford’s manager drops retirement hint as Canelo Alvarez struggles against target set

Terence Crawford’s manager Brian ‘Bomac’ Mcintyre has insisted his protégé could retire if he beats Canelo Alvarez.

Crawford is interested in a huge mega-fight with current undisputed 168-pound champion Alvarez, and Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh is keen for the showdown to happen.

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“Bud” previously held all four belts at 147 pounds, but will next move up to 154 pounds to face Israil Madrimov, as he looks to gradually move up in weight.

His coach McIntyre insisted that Crawford is currently focused on Madrimov, but it would be a perfect end to his career if he faced and beat the Mexican.

He told Fight Hub: “Bud has what it takes (to beat Canelo). I can see him doing it.

“Is it a challenge for him? Of course. Is it a challenge for the whole team?

“Of course, but that’s what we’re here for, to be great.

“I know Bud has the tools to beat him. If Bud beats Canelo, we might be on the verge of retirement, if you beat the pound-for-pound king. But my mind is on Madrimov.”

Crawford is now 36 years old and considered one of the best pound-for-pound boxers today.

A showdown with Alvarez would be his biggest challenge yet, given their notable size difference.

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His rival is also considered a pound-for-pound star, and there would be huge commercial interest if the two men touched gloves.

Alvarez has yet to think about his next fight, but he is considered a target for WBC mandatory challenger David Benavidez at 168 pounds.

Despite being three divisions below him, the current undisputed king would be eager to take on Crawford provided the financial incentive was huge.

“Crawford is obviously a great fighter, three divisions below,” Canelo said during a “No Golf, No Life” presentation.

“Like I said before, I’ve fought bigger guys, guys in my class, smaller guys, older guys, younger guys.

“At the end of the day, I was born to fight, and I will fight anyone, obviously under the conditions that suit me best.

“At this stage of my career I will always make the best fights, but they have to benefit me. It depends on the money, why not?”

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