The criticism may have touched a sensitive part of Crawford’s legacy. The 42-0 former undisputed champion retired after defeating Canelo Alvarez, yet he still felt motivated to answer criticism from a fighter he considers far beneath him. Crawford left boxing on top, but Ennis and Ortiz remain useful names for anyone trying to question his departure.
That dismissal reveals the calculation behind Crawford’s retirement. Ryan can generate enormous attention and a lucrative purse, but beating him would earn Crawford little credit from hard-core fans. Losing, or merely struggling with him, would damage the perfect
