Terence Crawford claims veteran promoter held his career back

Terence Crawford believes his promotional contract with Bob Arum's Top Rank had a detrimental effect on his career. 

Since becoming a free agent at the end of his deal with the promotion in November 2021, the American's career has gone from strength to strength. 

An undisputed welterweight showdown with Errol Spence Jr and four-weight world champion status secured against WBA super welterweight title holder Israil Madrimov last August has seen 'Bud' cement himself as a pound-for-pound great.

Crawford will attempt to go one better in September 13 when he takes on undisputed super middleweight champion Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in a legacy defining fight.

Speaking to Ring Magazine's Mike Coppinger, the star explained why his promotional deal with Top Rank stopped him from pursuing the big fights he craved. 

"When I left Top Rank, you saw how my career blossomed," Crawford said.

"I appreciate everything that Top Rank did for me, but at the same time, I was in a situation where they weren’t trying to put the money behind me like I felt they should of.

"If they would have, then it could have been a case where I would have got the Manny Pacquiao fight, got all those big fights I was asking for years ago."

Crawford has already had a chance to scout his Mexican foe ahead of their bout when he sat ringside in Riyadh for Alvarez's win over William Scull to become a two-time undisputed super middleweight champion.

Jake Paul vs Julio Cesar Chavez Jr will be streamed exclusively on DAZN PPV, Saturday, June 28. Buy the PPV now here