Terence Crawford eases into star role ahead of overdue return to the ring

SANTA MONICA — Terence Crawford returns to the ring Saturday for the first time since the all-time great beating he inflicted on his long-time rival Errol Spence Jr., last year.

Crawford unified all of the major welterweight world championships with his ninth-round knockout win over Spence, and appeared on top of the world.

After one brilliant night in Las Vegas, he punched his way into the pantheon of modern day 147-pound greats which includes prizefighting luminaries Oscar de la Hoya, Floyd Mayweather, and Sugar ‘Ray’ Leonard.

Arguably the No.1-ranked fighter in the entire sport regardless of weight class, Crawford then found himself linked to a fantasy match-up against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.

Though two weight classes separate the pound-for-pound mainstays, it would no doubt become a monster at the box office.

But that was then.

Spence had a contractual right to a rematch but never invoked the clause, and Crawford has since sat on the sidelines — until now.

Yes, the three-weight world champion is unbeaten but one thing he has lost is momentum.

And so we will see this weekend, at the 22,000 capacity BMO Stadium against Israil Madrimov, whether he can pick up where he left off — both in terms of performance, as well as star power.

On Wednesday, at least, it looked like he belonged on the red carpet as he made his way past pyrotechnics and Riyadh Season-sponsored billboards to work out in front of media and fans in a ring on top of the wooden boardwalk on Santa Monica pier.

Drones buzzed above to capture footage for those watching at home, and thrill seekers on board Inkie’s Wave Jumper may have had one of the best views of the entire show, if it weren’t for the constant screams from riders as the rollercoaster whipped them tight corners.

Crawford then shadowboxed around the ring in a hoodie in half-hearted fashion, before leaning on the ropes to pose for photographers.

Comfortable under the spotlight, Crawford appears to be getting accustomed to media obligations, but it remains to be seen whether final ticket sales and pay-per-view numbers will reflect the big-fight feel that Matchroom, and Riyadh Season, are hoping to see.