Terence Crawford's 3 Blockbuster Fights Fans Want in 2026

The retired five-division champion shares his wishlist for the future of boxing

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:43am

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the action and energy of a boxing match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.A cubist interpretation of the potential future matchups that could shape the future of boxing in the post-Terence Crawford era.Kansas City Today

Terence Crawford, the recently retired five-division world champion, has expressed his desire for three specific blockbuster fights to take place in 2026. These potential matchups could have a significant impact on the pound-for-pound rankings and the future of the sport.

Why it matters

Crawford's retirement has left a void in boxing that needs to be filled. These three fights he desires could be the perfect way to keep the sport alive and well, introducing new talent and shaping the future of the pound-for-pound rankings.

The details

The first fight Crawford wants to see is between rising star Keyshawn Davis and champion Devin Haney. This would be a true test of Davis' skills against a formidable opponent. The second fight is between Jesse Rodriguez and Naoya Inoue, which could be a turning point for Inoue's career. The third fight is between Shakur Stevenson and Gervonta Davis, a matchup that could be a true test of both fighters' characters and the sport's ability to produce new talent.

  • Crawford retired from boxing in 2026.

The players

Terence Crawford

A recently retired five-division world champion who has left a void in the sport of boxing.

Keyshawn Davis

A rising star in the sport who could be tested against champion Devin Haney.

Devin Haney

A formidable champion who could face off against rising star Keyshawn Davis.

Jesse Rodriguez

A rising star in the sport who could face off against champion Naoya Inoue.

Naoya Inoue

A champion who could be tested against rising star Jesse Rodriguez.

Shakur Stevenson

A rising star in the sport who could face off against Gervonta Davis.

Gervonta Davis

A tough opponent who could face off against rising star Shakur Stevenson.

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What they’re saying

“Terence Crawford's retirement is a significant loss for boxing. He was a true champion, a fighter who could adapt to any style and a true representative of the sport.”

— Dani Pirello, Interviewer

What’s next

The boxing world will be eagerly awaiting to see if any of these three fights come to fruition in 2026, as they could have a significant impact on the future of the sport.

The takeaway

Crawford's retirement has left a void in boxing that needs to be filled. These three fights he desires could be the perfect way to keep the sport alive and well, introducing new talent and shaping the future of the pound-for-pound rankings.