The boxing world is abuzz with the news of Terence Crawford's retirement, leaving a power vacuum in the sport. Crawford's reign as a three-weight undisputed champion came to an end, sparking a debate about who now holds the title of the best boxer on the planet. While some may argue that the retirement of a legendary fighter like Crawford marks the end of an era, others see it as an opportunity for new stars to rise. The question on everyone's mind is: Who steps up to fill the void left by Crawford's departure?
One name that immediately comes to mind is Canelo Alvarez, who had been eyeing a rematch with Crawford for September 2025. However, with Crawford's retirement, Alvarez's plans have been put on hold. The super-middleweight division, once a stronghold of Crawford's dominance, is now in a state of flux. The WBA has acted swiftly, promoting interim titleholder Jose Armando Resendiz to full champion status, but the remaining three belts are up for grabs, with a host of contenders eager to take their shot at glory.
The pound-for-pound debate, always a touchy subject, has intensified in the wake of Crawford's retirement. For years, Crawford was a fixture in the top three alongside the heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk and the multi-weight phenom Naoya Inoue. Now, with Crawford out of the picture, the question of who deserves the top spot is more complex than ever. Usyk and Inoue, both with impeccable records, are the leading contenders, but the debate rages on. Dmitry Bivol and Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez are also in the mix, adding fuel to the fire.
Naoya Inoue, the Japanese star, had a remarkable 2025, successfully defending his undisputed super-bantamweight title four times. His year culminated in a dominant points victory over David Picasso in Riyadh, further solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with. When asked by Fight Hub TV if Crawford's retirement made him the best fighter in the world, Inoue's response was succinct and confident: "Hai (yes)."
While Usyk may not publicly agree with Inoue's assessment, the fact remains that both fighters are exceptional in their own right. The retirement of Crawford has not diminished the greatness of these champions but rather highlighted the depth and talent within the sport. As the boxing world adjusts to a post-Crawford era, one thing is certain: the search for the next undisputed champion has begun, and the excitement is only just beginning.
