Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Terence Crawford both have plenty at stake as they prepare to square off at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas this Saturday. Alvarez will put his undisputed super middleweight crown on the line against the undefeated Crawford in a fight of epic proportions between two pound-for-pound stars. For either man, a loss won’t just sting; it could dent their legacy. Alvarez’s path forward seems clearer, with at least two more bouts guaranteed under his four-fight deal with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and his Riyadh Season. But for the 37-year-old Crawford, the future, in case of a loss, could be damning.

This week, even Jon Anik is weighing in. The longtime UFC play-by-play voice, who will call Saturday’s “Fight of the Century” broadcast live on Netflix, believes Terence Crawford could walk away no matter the outcome. After a career that’s already secured generational wealth and cemented his Hall of Fame status, Anik suggests the Nebraska native might decide this is the perfect moment to hang up the gloves.

Terence Crawford has nothing left to chase

Yesterday, lead UFC commentator Jon Anik spoke with MMA Junkie Radio about his boxing debut on the call for Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford and how he’s preparing for the moment. During the discussion, he also addressed the ongoing speculation about Terence Crawford’s retirement plans after the fight. When asked, “The magnitude of this card, the fighters involved, their records and all that, does this have the feeling of a one and done between these two or do you feel like we might actually see the fight again?” Anik replied, “I don’t know what the future holds for either athlete.”

He then pointed to Canelo Alvarez’s potential path forward, saying, “Neither man really loses too much, you know, in terms of matchmaking and progressing things forward. So, I do think it stands to reason that you would see it again, but I would put the percentage maybe 10% because I think for Canelo Alvarez, you know, going back to light heavyweight might be of appeal to him.” Turning to Crawford, Anik added, “I think it stands to reason that Bud Crawford might retire, win or lose after this weekend. I mean what else is there exactly to prove, right?”

Anik elaborated further, noting the 37-year-old’s secured legacy and financial success: “I mean, you have funded generations in terms of generational wealth. You’re true first ballot Hall of Famer. Like if you’re Bud Crawford and you beat Canelo Alvarez, yeah maybe another hundred million dollars in a rematch sounds nice. But what else is there to do? I mean, why not ride off into the sunset at 42-0? So, yeah, I would say about 10% on a rematch.”

He concluded his point by addressing Canelo’s position: “I do think for Canelo, if he wins, he’s not going to want to run this thing back. So who knows? That’s why they play the games. And if we get an absolute masterpiece and the fan base wants to see a second fight, Turki Alalshikh and Dana White will probably put it together. But yeah, I think we need to enjoy this and really enjoy history in the making because it very well in my mind could be the last walk for Bud Crawford.” But will the Omaha native truly walk away after this?

Terence Crawford’s last dance coming in Vegas?

A few months ago, Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez sat down with Piers Morgan ahead of their blockbuster clash. Morgan brought up the dangers of boxing, reminding ‘Bud’ Crawford that the sport has left many fighters paralyzed, in wheelchairs, or suffering long-term health issues like Muhammad Ali. He urged Crawford not to follow the path of Muhammad Ali, who many feel fought too long. Asked if that weighed on his mind, Crawford admitted it did, saying, “I always say I was going to retire from boxing. I wasn’t going to let boxing retire me.”

The two-weight undisputed champion explained that he has always been mindful of boxing’s risks. “This is the sport we are in. We are in the hurt business. We know what’s at risk. We know the things that could happen,” he said. Back in February, he made a similar point, promising to step away on his own terms. For him, the goal is to leave the sport healthy, proud of his career, and able to guide the next generation.

He has already prepared for life after boxing. Crawford spoke about setting himself up financially and emotionally so that if anything happened, his family would be secure. “If something happened to me, my family is good. I am good as long as they good because that’s what I am doing it for,” he said. His plan includes staying connected to the sport through mentoring and his non-profit work.

Still, Terence Crawford made it clear that he doesn’t fear the fight itself. When asked if he ever feels scared in the ring, he replied firmly, “No.” Even as he moves up two weight classes to face a naturally bigger opponent in Canelo Alvarez, he remains confident. He understands his age and the risks, but he believes he’s ready for one more historic night. With that in mind, do you agree with Jon Anik’s belief that Crawford might retire after this fight?