Terence Crawford Aims for ESPY Best Fighter Win as 2026 Finalist

Terence Crawford entered the 2026 ESPY Best Fighter race on 15 Jul 2026, listed among four finalists after his dominant win over Canelo Alvarez. The former undisputed champion now vies for a second ESPY trophy, a chance to cap a career already studded with accolades.

Who qualified for the ESPY Best Fighter award?

The ESPY committee considered bouts from 1 Jul 2025 to 31 Jun 2026. Crawford earned his spot by beating Alvarez in a bout that drew record‑breaking pay‑per‑view numbers. Joining him are women’s flyweight champion Gabriela Fundora, heavyweight champion Claressa Shields, and UFC lightweight star Justin Gaethje, who shocked the MMA world with an upset over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250.

Why Crawford’s nomination matters

Crawford’s 2025‑2026 campaign includes the historic Alvarez victory, where he moved up two divisions and out‑boxed the champion over 12 rounds, winning on all three judges’ cards. That performance made him the first male boxer to claim undisputed titles in three weight classes during the four‑belt era. Adding a second ESPY would place him alongside Floyd Mayweather, the record holder with six awards, and tie him with Evander Holyfield and Manny Pacquiao, each with two.

What does the ESPY win mean for Crawford’s legacy?

If Crawford secures the ESPY on 20 Aug 2026, he becomes the fourth boxer ever to collect multiple Best Fighter honors. The award would reinforce his status as the sport’s most versatile champion, especially as he has announced retirement after the ceremony. Even without the trophy, his presence among active fighters like Gaethje highlights the growing crossover between boxing and mixed‑martial‑arts in award considerations.

What’s next for the other finalists?

Fundora, riding a four‑fight knockout streak, will defend her flyweight title against a top contender later this year. Shields continues her pound‑for‑pound dominance with another heavyweight defense slated for early 2027. Gaethje, fresh off his White House‑yard upset, is expected to headline a UFC pay‑per‑view in September. All four athletes will attend the ESPY gala in Los Angeles, where the winner will be announced.

**Crawford’s ESPY bid adds a final chapter to a career defined by bold moves and relentless skill.**