Terence Crawford Isn’t Really Retired, Believes Greg Hackett

“I’m not believing that Bud is retired. I don’t believe Bud is retired,” Hackett said to MillCity Boxing.

Hackett pointed to the long history of fighters returning after lengthy absences. His argument is that Crawford hasn’t been away long enough for Ennis to treat him solely as a retired fighter rather than a potential future opponent.

“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.”

Hackett believes the situation would look different if Crawford remained on the sidelines for several years, allowing Ennis to freely praise his accomplishments without considering a potential match.

“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 Crawford return would immediately create lucrative options, and Hackett believes plenty of fighters would jump at the chance for that payday.

“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.”

Crawford’s retirement leaves Ennis with no reason to chase him, but Hackett isn’t treating the announcement as permanent. If Bud changes his mind, Boots would still be there as a potential opponent.