Writer Keith Idec put together five Terence Crawford comeback matchups that look purely like fantasy matchmaking instead of sound business. Jaron Ennis, Canelo Alvarez, Vergil Ortiz, Sebastian Fundora, plus Ryan provide plenty of social media talk. None of them justifies burning fifty million dollars on an aging fighter who treats entertainment like a crime.
Crawford turned 39 years old today. Loyalists point to his perfect record alongside his decision over Canelo. Smart money looks at the reality inside the ropes. Israil Madrimov exposed Crawford by forcing him into a grueling struggle many ringside observers scored for the Uzbek.
Against Canelo, Crawford went into survival mode. He flicked a safety jab, grabbed constantly, running out the clock to grab a dull points verdict. Fans watching that sleep-inducing clinic realized Crawford has zero interest in taking risks. Expecting a promoter to shell out colossal guarantees for twelve rounds of clutching represents pure delusion.
Turki Alalshikh wants destructive knockouts. Crawford delivers safety-first track meets. If Canelo steps into the ring for an elite event, David Benavidez brings genuine violence. Ennis brings explosive youth, savage offensive combinations, and electric finishing ability. Matching either puncher against Canelo delivers actual value for paying customers. Crawford simply drains energy out of the building.
The names on Idec’s roster crumble under financial inspection. Ennis, along with Ortiz, possesses the firepower to batter a 39-year-old coming off the sofa. Neither young champion commands pay-per-view revenue. Ryan generates massive public attention, yet Crawford campaigned at 168 pounds while Ryan operates at welterweight.
Making that weight match makes zero sense. Fundora brings awkward height without moving the needle at the box office.
Crawford can stay retired in Omaha counting his career earnings. Demanding king-size ransoms for spoiling tactics will not fly anymore. Promoters saw the Madrimov scare, watched the lifeless Canelo match, then realized Crawford offers terrible returns.
Fantasy lists are cheap to type up. Getting an investor to bankroll another dull Crawford clinic is an impossible sell.