Terence Crawford maintains his boxing career is over, but trainer Greg Hackett believes the 38-year-old fighter will eventually return to the ring. Hackett insists potential opponents like Jaron Ennis should not treat the retirement decision as definitive just yet.
Crawford recently announced the end of his professional career, leaving the welterweight and light middleweight divisions without one of their top pound-for-pound names. However, history in combat sports suggests that former champions rarely stay away permanently.
Speaking to MillCity Boxing, Hackett made it clear he remains skeptical about Crawford’s declaration. He stated: “I’m not believing that Bud is retired. I don’t believe Bud is retired,” before explaining why active fighters should remain cautious.
Hackett believes a comeback remains likely once time passes.
The trainer argued that fighters frequently return after brief sabbaticals rather than stepping away completely. Addressing how rival fighters like Jaron “Boots” Ennis should approach the situation, Hackett said: “People don’t retire in a year and be like, ‘I’m done for real.’ They come back. I’m not going to give you the respect you looking for and then you try to come back. No, when you come back, I’ll be ready for you.”
While a multi-year absence might eventually convince the division of Crawford’s permanent exit, Hackett feels the current timeline is far too short to close the door. He noted: “But right now, it’s too early. It’s too early to do that because Bud could say, ‘You know what? I could wake up one day, you know what? I’m bored. Let’s go get some boxing money. Who want to fight?’”
A potential return would immediately yield high-profile, lucrative bouts across multiple weight divisions. Should Crawford decide to step back into the ring, contenders like Ennis would offer immediate headline opportunities.
Hackett concluded with a firm warning to the rest of the boxing world, stating: “So, right now, all I’m saying is it’s too early to take Bud serious on the retirement talk. It’s too early. Bud is a nasty individual. You think he really retired? I don’t think so.”
For now, Ennis and other potential challengers must focus on their immediate division schedules while keeping one eye on Crawford’s next move.
