Terence Crawford’s return delayed until May 2025 due to severe injury

Terence Crawford, one of boxing’s most dominant and skilled fighters, will be sidelined until May 2025 due to a minor injury. This update came from Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, during an appearance on the Ariel x Ade Show. The delay means fans will have to wait longer to see one of the sport’s pound-for-pound kings back in the ring.

Crawford’s Health Setback and Postponed Fight with Vergil Ortiz Jr.

During his interview on DAZN, Alalshikh explained his efforts to arrange a much-anticipated fight between Terence Crawford and rising star Vergil Ortiz Jr. Unfortunately, Crawford is unable to train or properly prepare for a fight due to a small injury. Despite his efforts to make the fight happen soon, the 37-year-old fighter from Nebraska has decided to prioritize his recovery, pushing his return to May 2025. This news leaves boxing fans eagerly awaiting the potential showdown between Crawford and Ortiz.

“I tried and I pushed to do this fight [against Ortiz],” Alalshikh shared. “But Crawford now is not ready and not training. He has a small, little health issue, a little injury, but he prefers to fight with us in May and after May. These are the options.”

Although the injury is not serious, Crawford’s decision to take his time to heal and train properly shows his commitment to his career and ensures that he returns at his best.

Vergil Ortiz Jr. in Saudi Arabia: February 2025 Focus

With Crawford’s return delayed, attention now shifts to Vergil Ortiz Jr., who is set to face Israil Madrimov on February 22, 2025, in Saudi Arabia. This fight will be part of a major boxing event headlined by the rematch between light heavyweight champions Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. Ortiz, a rising star in the welterweight division, will look to make a statement against Madrimov, potentially positioning himself for a future showdown with Crawford when the time is right.

Impact of Crawford’s Injury on His Boxing Career

Terence Crawford, who boasts a perfect record of 41-0 with 31 knockouts, has long been a dominant force in boxing. His most recent fight was a unanimous decision victory over Israil Madrimov in August 2024, where he claimed the WBA junior middleweight title. Recently, Crawford has expressed interest in a high-profile showdown with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, the reigning super middleweight champion.

While this injury delays his plans, Crawford remains one of the sport’s most respected figures. His longevity and dedication are clear, and his next steps are carefully planned. The eventual matchups with Ortiz or Canelo will undoubtedly be major events in the boxing world. Fans can expect these high-stakes bouts to be among the most anticipated in recent memory.

Conclusion: A Delayed but Promising Return for Crawford

Although Terence Crawford’s return to the ring is delayed until May 2025 due to a minor injury, fans can be confident that the fighter is focused on making a full recovery. While the much-anticipated fight with Vergil Ortiz Jr. may be postponed, Crawford’s return to top form will be worth the wait. As he heals and prepares for his next big fight, his future in boxing remains bright. The planned matchups with Ortiz and Canelo will surely be some of the most talked-about events in the sport, cementing Crawford’s legacy as one of the best in the game.