Terence Crawford’s next step in the ring remains unconfirmed.
‘Bud’ achieved a historic feat in September, cementing himself as an all-time great in the sport of boxing by becoming the first male fighter in the four-belt era to win the undisputed championship in three weight divisions.
Headlining a Netflix event promoted collaboratively by UFC president Dana White and Turki Alalshikh, Crawford beat the legendary Canelo Alvarez in their super middleweight title fight. Following that win, the 38-year-old remained coy about his future and whether he could retire.
A number of other options emerged for the Nebraska native should he return to the ring, including a long-discussed showdown with the brother of a fighter he has already beaten.
But while ‘Bud’ got the better of Jose Benavidez, he has been warned to steer clear of the Californian’s ‘Mexican Monster’ sibling…
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Jorge Masvidal insists Terence Crawford should not fight David Benavidez
David Benavidez is the reigning WBA and WBC light heavyweight champion, having moved up following two stints as WBC super middleweight titleholder.
With his history at 168 pounds, some have pointed to Benavidez as the most intriguing opponent option for Terence Crawford following the Alvarez superfight. One person who has absolutely no interest in seeing that fight, however, is UFC star Jorge Masvidal.
During the first episode of his new Death Row MMA podcast, ‘Gamebred’ spoke about his experience in the gym with Benavidez and insisted that the 30-0 light heavyweight champ would completely outgun Crawford.
“What happens with him now at 168? Is he gonna fight a (David) Benavidez or are people gonna keep not fighting this one f—- amazing guy?
“I think he’s one of the best. … He’s in Miami now. He’s my boy…love ‘The Mexican Monster’. He works hard, outworks everybody. I’ve been to the gym with him a couple times. The guy is just a nightmare.
“That’s why nobody wants to fight this motherf—-, bro,” he continued, before saying “hell no” when discussing if Crawford would stand a chance against him.
“It’s no diss to Terence. … I don’t want to see that fight for Terence because I really think he’s completely outgunned and way (too) small.”
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Terence Crawford and David Benavidez have both dismissed the fight
Fortunately for Masvidal, it looks like his wish will be granted.
Both ‘Bud’ and ‘El Bandera Roja’ have publicly downplayed talk of their potential fight, which was teased when Turki Alalshikh posted, “Can David Benavidez still make 168 pounds?” on X after Crawford defeated Alvarez.
Benavidez eventually responded to the speculation, congratulating the newly crowned undisputed super middleweight champion but insisting his time in the division is over.
Even before the September 13 event in Las Vegas, Crawford had dismissed the Benavidez fight earlier this year.
“My thing is, Benavidez is a big dude,” Crawford said regarding the fight on the Pound 4 Pound podcast.
“Not to say I won’t fight him, I fought his brother. His brother was big when I fought him. The only reason why I entertain Canelo is because he’s not a big dude. He might be thick but he’s not a big dude.
“Benavidez is like six foot something, then he’s gonna come in 190, 200 maybe, you know what I mean? You never know, that’s a big dude,” he continued. “I might as well go to heavyweight if I fight Benavidez.”