Terence Crawford, the undisputed champion in three weight classes, has revealed one fighter he would have deliberately avoided throughout his illustrious career: Timothy Bradley. The revelation, made during an appearance on the “Ring Champs with Ak & Barak” podcast, highlights a rare instance where personal respect outweighed competitive ambition for the boxing superstar. Crawford, known for his dominance over opponents like Errol Spence Jr. And Canelo Alvarez, emphasized that his relationship with Bradley was fundamentally different, mirroring the current dynamic between rising stars Shakur Stevenson and Keyshawn Davis.
Crawford’s career has been defined by a relentless pursuit of championships and a willingness to face all comers. He became the first male boxer to win undisputed championships in two weight classes in the four-belt era with his ninth-round TKO victory over Errol Spence Jr. In 2023, a performance described as “impeccable” and “one of the best performances of the modern era.” Spence Jr. Himself acknowledged Crawford’s potential to overcome Canelo Alvarez even before that fight materialized.
The respect between Crawford and Bradley stemmed from a shared history as sparring partners and a genuine friendship that transcended the competitive world of boxing. “I think Tim Bradley [and I] would’ve been like that. I wouldn’t have fought Tim,” Crawford stated. This sentiment underscores a level of camaraderie rarely seen at the highest levels of the sport, where rivalries are often fueled by animosity and promotion. The comparison to Stevenson and Davis, who have publicly stated their reluctance to fight each other despite operating in similar weight divisions, further illustrates this point.
Crawford’s recent victory over Canelo Alvarez in September 2025, a unanimous decision win that earned him the undisputed super middleweight title, cemented his legacy as a modern-day great. Some analysts are now debating whether this win surpasses his dominant performance against Errol Spence Jr. as his defining moment.
The dynamic between Stevenson and Davis, as highlighted by Crawford, suggests a shift in priorities for some contemporary boxers. Both fighters appear focused on building their own legacies by dominating separate opponents, rather than engaging in potentially damaging and financially less rewarding clashes with each other. Davis is aiming to turn into a two-weight world champion at either 140lbs or 147lbs, while Stevenson is considering a return to the 135lbs division.
A Friendship Forged in the Ring
Crawford and Bradley’s paths crossed frequently during their careers, but a competitive bout never materialized. Bradley concluded his professional career with a loss to Manny Pacquiao in 2016, while Crawford continued his ascent to becoming an undisputed champion, first at welterweight and then at super-middleweight. The potential for a fight in 2015, when both held world titles at super-lightweight and welterweight respectively, was always present, but ultimately never came to fruition.
The decision to avoid a fight with Bradley speaks volumes about Crawford’s character and his prioritization of personal relationships. While he has faced and defeated numerous elite opponents, including Shawn Porter – a fighter he considered a friend – the connection with Bradley was different. Their shared experiences as sparring partners and a mutual respect created a bond that Crawford was unwilling to jeopardize for the sake of a championship.
Errol Spence Jr., who suffered a decisive defeat to Crawford in 2023, has since lauded Crawford’s accomplishments, including his victory over Canelo Alvarez. Spence acknowledged Crawford’s skill and dominance, further solidifying his position as one of the sport’s top pound-for-pound fighters.
What’s Next for “Bud”?
With his victory over Canelo Alvarez, Crawford has reached another pinnacle in his career. Looking ahead, there is speculation about a potential move down to face Janibek Alimkhanuly, the current unified middleweight champion. This would represent another significant challenge for Crawford, as he continues to push the boundaries of his abilities and cement his place among the all-time greats. The boxing world will be watching closely to see what chapter Crawford writes next in his remarkable career.
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