Terence Crawford is one of boxing’s newest highly-rated and ranked stars. He has been able to show that he is a draw in his native Omaha, Nebraska, but outside of there he is still known only to the boxing hardcore. Crawford may be chosen next to be Manny Pacquiao’s next opponent in what could be the Hall of Famers final bout. Crawford if chosen will undoubtedly take the fight and likely be favored by most in the contest. Crawford however has options if Pacquiao goes in a different direction.
With new HBO Sports President, Peter Nelson, there could be a chance for Crawford to face some of his rivals that are across the promotional side. Match ups with Adrien Broner and Omar Figueroa could prove to be exciting. A match with Adrien Broner would be a unification bout and bring both men a lot of publicity for the bout. It could be a huge event if put in the right venue. Broner has a date upcoming with Ashley Theophane, but what lies afterwards is up to him. The feeling here is that Broner may be apprehensive to take a bout with Crawford, while Crawford would jump at the occasion to unify the titles in a potential big event.
On the HBO side of the network divide there are bouts with Lucas Matthysse, Mauricio Herrera, Jose Benavidez and Viktor Postol. Postol this past October stopped Matthysse in the tenth round and would represent stylistically the toughest match up for Crawford in the division. Matthysse, Herrera and Benavidez would all represent stay busy bouts for Crawford, however each match up is with a quality opponent who each represent different skill sets that could give Crawford trouble. If, Pacquiao becomes unavailable for Crawford unifying the 140-pound division would still be a viable option for Crawford.
Another option for Crawford could come in the form of Russian Ruslan Provodnikov. Provodnikov has recently switched trainers to Joel Diaz and has been unable to secure opponents for future dates. Provodnikov may not always win, but those who have stepped in the ring with him have been left with a lasting impression. Provodnikov always comes in shape and ready to fight. He isn’t someone to be taken lightly. This option for Crawford may not be the most lucrative, but with the temperament of both men it would be action packed for however long it lasted.
– Hector Franco / @MrHector_Franco
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