By Harry Hogg – @HazHogg
Terence Crawford took his record to 30-0 on Saturday night after an impressive demolition of John Molina Jr to retain his WBO and WBC junior welterweight titles.
However since being named Fighter of the Year back in 2014. the 29-year-old has not fought the type of calibre fighter that could force him into the argument of being the pound-for-pound best in the world.
Let’s look at the potential opponents Crawford could face next.
Manny Pacquiao (59-6-2 38KO)
Without doubt Pacquiao is the obvious choice, the Filipino legend is the superstar name Crawford needs to face to put himself at the forefront of the sport.
Pacquiao has looked excellent this year since returning from his short retirement. Victories over Timothy Bradley and Jessie Vargas have rekindled talk of a rematch against Floyd Mayweather. But with this looking increasingly unlikely, Pacquiao could well turn to Crawford in what would be a true super fight, also one in which many believe Crawford would be the slight favourite.
Ricky Burns (41-5-1 14KO)
If Crawford wants to stay at 140 and unify the division then a rematch with Ricky Burns could well be his next fight. The American made light work of Burns at Lightweight back in 2014 and Crawford would likely breeze past the Brit again. Crawford has clearly proven he is the outstanding light welterweight in the world. Surely his time at 140 has come to an end.
Vasyl Lomachenko (7-1 5KO)
At the age of 28, the WBO junior lightweight champion is widely regarded as one of the best fighters in the world despite only having eight professional fights. Lomachenko looked spectacular against Nicolas Walters last time out and does not appear to have any obvious weaknesses. A step up in weight to face Crawford may well be too much too soon for the Ukrainian though.
Errol Spence Jr. (21-0 18KO)
Arguably the most dangerous potential opponent for Crawford, Errol Spence Jr is incredibly talented and possess immense power. Spence is knocking on the door for a world title opportunity at welterweight and has expressed his desire to face Kell Brook in 2017. From Crawford’s point of view it would represent a huge risk and one which his promoter Bob Arum would be unlikely to take.
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