Terence Crawford says ‘I’m done’ as he backs Ennis to stop Kelly

Terence Crawford has insisted “I’m done” when asked about a comeback, despite turning up at Jaron Ennis’s press conference in California.

The unbeaten American, 42-0 with 31 knockouts, was in the crowd at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson for the launch of Ennis against Josh Kelly. He watched the face-off and then spoke to reporters, Boxing News 24 reported.

Asked directly whether he would come out of retirement, Crawford replied: “I’m done.” Then he said it again.

Terence Crawford retirement: no U-turn yet

Crawford, 39, announced his retirement on 16 December last year. That came three months after he moved up two weight classes to outpoint Canelo Alvarez and become a three-division undisputed champion.

He has kept fans guessing since. Earlier this month he posted “Maybe one more!” on X and called out Ryan Garcia, before mocking him over his planned fight with Floyd Mayweather. That sparked fresh talk of a return.

Not everyone is convinced he is finished. Keith Thurman said recently that ‘Bud’ does not look like a retired man, as we covered in our story on the Terence Crawford comeback talk.

Crawford picks Ennis to stop Kelly

For British fans, the more painful part of his visit was his prediction. Crawford picked Ennis to stop Kelly within seven rounds when they meet at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on 27 February 2027. He also said Ennis can become undisputed at 154lbs.

That is a bold call against a skilful champion. Kelly holds the IBF title and has a record of 17-1-1, while Ennis, the WBA and WBO champion, is 36-0.

Crawford was also unimpressed by WBC champion Sebastian Fundora’s last performance, which may tell you who he sees as the real force in the division.

The fight details are in our report on Josh Kelly vs Jaron Ennis in Atlanta.

Usyk or Benavidez? Crawford will not choose

Crawford was much less keen to pick a winner in another fight everyone is talking about. Oleksandr Usyk wants to drop back to cruiserweight to face David Benavidez, and both men have said they are willing to fight.

“Listen, I’m good friends with both of them, I support both of them,” Crawford told Seconds Out, as reported by Boxing News. “It’s going to be a hell of a fight. I wish both of them a great training camp if they do fight. Both of them win at the end of the day.”

There are hurdles first. Benavidez faces Michal Cieslak next month for the WBC title and has verbally agreed to face Jai Opetaia next May. Usyk wants their fight to be for the undisputed championship, which would bring the vacant IBF belt into play.