Who’s next for Terence “Bud” Crawford?

IBF and WBO middleweight champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly (17-0, 12 KOs) is one of the 160-year-old beltholders who Terence Crawford is believed to be eyeing in search of his sixth-division world title.

Crawford options

• Carlos Adams: WBC world middleweight champion Adams (24-1-1, 18 KOs). He’s a strong prospect for Crawford, as they’ve competed in the past and he’s viewed as beatable.
• Hamza Shiraz: Undefeated super middleweight contender Shiraz (22-0-1, 18 KOs) is coming off a fifth-round knockout win over Edgar Berlanga last summer on July 12. It was easily his best career win. Hamza, 26, is hugely popular in the UK, so money could be made for Budd if he chooses him.
• Erislandy Lara: Cuban Lara, 43, holds the WBA middleweight title. There would be less upside for Terrence if he picked him, because it would give the appearance like he’s choosing carefully.
• Janbek Alikhakhanuli: Regarded as the king of the 160-pound division, Janibek has previous wins over Denzel Bentley, Danny Dignum, Vincenzo Gualtieri, Andrei Mikhailovich, and Anauel Njamesinc. His punching power, southpaw attitude, and skills will make him a difficult task for Crawford. It will be a real fight, because Alimagnoli will not hesitate to attack Budd, nor will he fade away after six rounds like Canelo did.
• Jaron “Shoes” Ennis: Aside from an unlikely rematch against Canelo, “Boots” Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs) would be the best option for Crawford to get a big payday in a fairly winnable fight. Of course, Crawford could take home a massive $1 million purse in his fight with David Benavidez, but his chances of emerging victorious in one piece would be slim to none.

There is little interest from fans in the rematch between Crawford and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Their fight on September 13 was less exciting to watch, and the second fight will likely be similarly boring. No one wants to see them fight again.

Crawford’s native Omaha, Nebraska, is clearly holding on to his four super middleweight titles for a reason, hoping Mexican star Alvarez (63-3-2, 39 KO) will exercise his rematch clause. This is Crawford’s best and only chance at another giant $50 million payday.