Following Terence Crawford’s recent third-round victory over Tim Tszyu, fans are now questioning whether Crawford will step up to face IBF junior middleweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev in a unification bout. Despite holding the WBA 154-lb title, Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) currently finds himself without a clear opponent. Murtazaliev (23-0, 17 KOs) could be a logical next challenger, but Crawford has yet to express interest in the fight.
Murtazaliev: A Dangerous Opponent
Crawford’s reluctance to fight Murtazaliev may stem from the Russian boxer’s power and aggression. Murtazaliev is known for his hard-hitting punches and relentless attack, which makes him a far more dangerous opponent than Crawford’s previous challenger, Israil Madrimov. Critics argue that Crawford, now 37, may fear the risk of being knocked out by the younger, more aggressive fighter. Even with a defensive approach, Crawford would struggle to go 12 rounds without sustaining significant damage.
A Fight Fans Want to See
Many boxing fans are eager to see Crawford test his mettle against Murtazaliev, believing it would be a true test of his skill and resilience at 154 lbs. While some casual fans think Crawford could easily defeat Murtazaliev, others, including experts like Keith Thurman, are less certain. Thurman has publicly questioned whether Crawford would be brave enough to take on the challenge, given the high risk of injury or defeat.
Crawford’s Future in the 154-lb Division
For now, Crawford still dreams of fighting Canelo Alvarez, though many believe that bout will never materialize. If Crawford wants to solidify his legacy at junior middleweight, taking on Murtazaliev could be the path to becoming the undisputed champion.
