Terence Crawford reveals why Canelo rematch was off the table

Terence Crawford confirmed he would have fought Canelo Alvarez again-if their original contract had included a rematch clause. The undisputed super-middleweight champion dethroned Canelo in September 2023, but a second bout never materialized.

What happened in the original fight?

Crawford shocked the boxing world by defeating Canelo in a unanimous decision last September. The Omaha native moved up two weight classes to challenge the Mexican star, who had been unbeaten since 2022. Crawford’s victory made him a three-division undisputed champion.

Why was a rematch impossible?

Crawford told The Breakfast Club that the lack of a rematch clause in their contract ruled out a second fight. 'Canelo [rematch] was off the table. There was no rematch clause,' he said. 'If the rematch clause was in the contract, then I would have honoured that.'

What could have changed Crawford’s mind?

The 38-year-old admitted he was tempted by a move to middleweight-but only for an undisputed showdown. However, Janibek Alimkhanuly’s failed doping test derailed those plans. Crawford also considered facing the winner of Alimkhanuly vs. Erislandy Lara, but the fight never came together.

What’s next for Terence Crawford?

After retiring earlier this year, Crawford remains one of boxing’s most decorated fighters. His legacy includes victories over elite opponents and a rare three-division undisputed reign. Though retired, fans still speculate about potential comebacks-especially if the right fight emerges.