Terence Crawford’s Historic Possibility
World Boxing News has reported an exciting possibility for Terence Crawford, who might make history by clinching undisputed titles in four distinct weight classes by the year 2026. Following his impressive win over Canelo Alvarez at super middleweight, Crawford is taking a well-deserved break to relish his status as the reigning pound-for-pound champion. However, the conversation around his future direction has already started, fueled by Crawford’s own comments about potentially moving up to middleweight.
“I’m going to sit down with my team, and we are going to discuss what’s next in the future for Terence Crawford, and who knows, I might go down to 160,”
Crawford hinted after his remarkable victory.
This suggestion has piqued the interest of fighters within the middleweight realm, particularly unified champion Janibek Alimkhanuly, who currently holds two titles and has made no secret of his own aspirations.
“Everyone knows who I am. I’m a middleweight nightmare. Next week, a long-anticipated announcement will shake up the boxing world.”
Although his upcoming news does not directly involve Crawford, the Kazakh fighter may first need to unify more belts, potentially facing off against Erislandy Lara or Carlos Adames.
Potential Showdown in 2026
If Janibek manages to snatch three titles—or possibly even all four—by early 2026, he could entice Crawford into a blockbuster middleweight bout. Such a fight for all the belts would be monumental and could go down as one of the most significant matchups in boxing history. Given that Crawford is already a three-weight champion at 140, 147, and 168 pounds, he might be inclined to avoid a lengthy middleweight campaign at the age of 37 and instead hold out for the most pivotal opportunity.
This scenario places the onus on Janibek, Lara, and Adames to set the scene for a potential showdown. If Janibek achieves his title ambitions, a challenge from Crawford in late 2026 could prove irresistible, with the victor walking away with all the belts and Crawford potentially etching his name in the annals of boxing by becoming the first to hold undisputed titles in four different classes.
Road Ahead for Crawford
The road ahead for Crawford isn’t without hurdles, but the momentum is building for what could be a historic moment in boxing.
Crawford’s journey includes:
- Undisputed super lightweight champion in 2017
- Undisputed welterweight champion in 2023
- Undisputed super middleweight champion in 2025
- Prospective undisputed middleweight champion in 2026?
About the Author
Phil Jay brings over 15 years of experience in boxing journalism as the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, covering crucial events and interviewing numerous world champions.
