Tag Archives: Terence Crawford

Posted on 05/09/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Admittedly, Terence Crawford knew he had plenty of competition.

The Omaha, Nebraska, native and current WBO welterweight champion has always been proud of his pugilistic achievements. Having won world titles at 135, 140, and now – 147 pounds, Crawford not only considers himself the best welterweight in the world but the best overall fighter on the planet.

But, despite his bravado and unwavering self-belief, Crawford was somewhat accepting of his position amongst his fellow fighters.

In the mind of many, Canelo Alvarez was viewed as not only boxing’s premier attraction but also, its best fighter. While Crawford tipped his cap in acknowledgment of Alvarez and his overall achievements, the 34-year-old welterweight belt holder still adamantly backed himself as the best fighter in the world.

Regardless of his position, Crawford reluctantly accepted his placement behind the Mexican native. Nevertheless, following Alvarez’s lackluster defeat this past weekend at the hands of Dmitry Bivol, Crawford now believes he has officially usurped Alvarez on virtually every pound-for-pound list.

“We know who #1 is now,” said Crawford on his social media account.

Bivol, the current WBA light heavyweight belt holder, marched through a sea of dubious voices at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, this past Saturday night. As Alvarez’s supporters continued to scream and shout in his direction, the Russian native remained stone-faced and focused on the task at hand.

Although Alvarez has openly admitted in the past that fighting at 175 pounds places him at a significant disadvantage, after aggregating every world title at 168 pounds, the Mexican product craved a new challenge.

During the early portions of his light heavyweight bout, Alvarez appeared to dictate the action. However, as the rounds slowly ticked by, an increasingly elusive Bivol began finding his rhythm. Alvarez, 31, while known for his defensive acumen, languished against the ropes for long durations, resulting in Bivol piling up the points en route to a unanimous decision victory.

Considering Alvarez’s recent defeat, coupled with Crawford’s continued run of dominance, the switch-hitting star believes he should rise unopposed to the top of the pound-for-pound charts.

In Crawford’s most recent trip to the ring, the 34-year-old successfully defended his WBO crown against former two-time world titlist, Shawn Porter. In doing so, Crawford became the first man to stop Porter in his tracks, accomplishing the feat in the 10th round.

Posted on 05/04/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Long before Terence Crawford sauntered his way to the welterweight division in 2018, the Omaha, Nebraska, native made his feelings known that he wanted to face the best 147-pounders in the world.

By and large, Errol Spence Jr., the division’s only unified champion, has held that distinction. So, after identifying who was the man to beat, Crawford immediately set his sights on the powerful southpaw. Nevertheless, despite his attempts to lure Spence Jr. into the ring, Crawford was forced to wait.

While Spence Jr. has always viewed their showdown as inevitable, with Crawford being associated with promotional company Top Rank, and Spence Jr. being closely aligned with Premier Boxing Champions, several issues behind the scenes prevented the two from facing off. In an effort to avoid the back and forth theatrics, Spence Jr. temporarily pushed a possible showdown against Crawford aside as he focused his efforts on aggregating every other world title at 147 pounds.

Just a few short weeks ago, Spence Jr. successfully achieved his goals. On April 16th, in front of nearly 40,000 fans, Spence Jr. would hand Yordenis Ugas the first knockout loss of his career. In the process, the Dallas native violently ripped away his WBA welterweight title.

Presently, with Crawford operating as a promotional free agent, the switch-hitting pound-for-pound star believes that now more than ever, nothing is standing between himself and his fellow welterweight champion, from swapping fists.

“I’m free to do whatever I want,” said Crawford to ESPN during a recent interview. “There’s nothing standing in the way from us fighting. There’s no promotion company that’s blocking it, there’s no wrong side of the street, there’s no nothing. Let’s see who the best welterweight in the world is.”

For the 34-year-old Crawford, in the midst of waiting for Spence Jr. to make his way to the negotiating table, the Omaha, Nebraska, native has wreaked havoc on the division. With six consecutive stoppage victories since making the move up in weight, Crawford snagged the most impressive victory of his career in his most recent outing.

In November of 2021, Crawford first boxed and then brawled his way to a stoppage victory over former two-time 147-pound titlist, Shawn Porter. Since then, Crawford has remained sequestered on the sidelines, patiently waiting for Spence Jr.

Although a showdown between them has yet to be discussed, considering that Spence Jr. is only a few weeks removed from facing Yordenis Ugas in a physically taxing bout, both welterweight stars could be heading toward a collision course near the end of the year. If that is in fact the case, Crawford would have plenty of time to sneak in a bout of his own before facing Spence Jr. However, following years of pent-up frustration, Crawford has zero intentions of facing anyone but Spence Jr. next.

“I’m going straight into it. I don’t want no tuneup fights.”

At one point, a showdown against Spence Jr. became worrisome for Crawford. Although Spence Jr. has been lauded for his in ring work, concerns surronding his health mounted.

In October of 2019, one month after successfully unifying titles against Porter, Spence Jr. was involved in a horrific car wreck. Considering the seriousness of his near-fatal accident, inquiries encircling Spence Jr. arose. But, despite it all, the former Olympian bounced back nicely, winning a lopsided unanimous decision over Danny Garcia in December of 2020.

The injury woes for Spence Jr., nonetheless, continued. In August of 2021, the unified champion was scheduled to face off against Manny Pacquiao. However, due to a retinal detachment/break in his right eye, Spence Jr. was forced to withdraw as he was ushered into immediate surgery.

As even more haze clouded Spence Jr.’s career, he turned in a superb performance against Ugas. Known for his durability and toughness, Ugas succumbed to the pernicious blows of Spence Jr. via 10th-round stoppage.

A sly smirk was spread across the face of Crawford after watching Spence Jr.’s performance. His aforementioned smirk turned into a full-blown grin as Spence Jr. officially called him out. With the Dallas product seemingly back to his dominant self, Crawford is anxious to face the best version of his longtime rival.

“Now everybody’s saying that Errol’s back and he’s 100% ready. So now is the perfect time for me and him to fight. He called me out, so it ain’t no backing up.”

Posted on 04/28/2022

By: Hans Themistode

A sly and confident smile was immediately plastered onto the face of Brian “Bomac” McIntyre following the recent performance of Errol Spence Jr.

The Dallas native fought through a bit of unforeseen adversity during his welterweight unification bout against Yordenis Ugas on April 16th, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. While he appeared to be initially stunned during the halfway mark, the powerful southpaw bounced back nicely in the second half, punishing the brave Cuban for the remainder of their bout.

Although Spence Jr. was triumphant on the night, McIntyre shook his head in approval as the Dallas product expressed a desire to face Terence Crawford next. McIntyre, Crawford’s longtime trainer, has always stood firmly in the pound-for-pound star’s corner. And while he respects Spence Jr. and everything he brings to the table, he becomes incredulous whenever media pundits and fans claim that a showdown between them will be a 50/50 bout. In McIntyre’s mind, Crawford vs. Spence Jr. will be one-way traffic.

“Bud is gonna dominate him,” said McIntyre to FightHype.com. “Bud gonna beat the shit out of him, mark my words.”

So far, the partnership between both Crawford and McIntyre has yielded stellar results. In addition to the newly turned 34-year-old sauntering through his career and producing an undefeated record through 38 fights, the pair most recently nabbed arguably their most impressive scalp.

On November 20th, 2021, Crawford first boxed then brawled his way to a 10th-round stoppage victory over Shawn Porter, ushering the former two-time 147-pound champion into retirement.

Prior to Crawford’s showdown against Porter, McIntyre was boisterous and adamant that Crawford would become the first fighter to stop Porter. But, despite Crawford’s recent showing against Porter, and regardless of his lofty standing on virtually every pound-for-pound list, McIntyre’s confidence isn’t simply derived from nearly two decades of working Crawford’s corner.

Admittedly, McIntyre reveals that he has an extensive notebook on the tendencies and habits of the current unified champion. Ultimately, in his view, Spence Jr. has improved throughout the course of his career. However, the renowned trainer has noticed several flaws in the game of Spence Jr. over the years. And, regardless of how well he’s done up until this point, McIntyre believes that he hasn’t them.

“I been watching Spence a long time and to me, he’s still doing the same thing. He may have gotten stronger, he may have improved on some of the things he does in camp but as a trainer, he’s still doing the same things. If he ain’t change then, he ain’t gonna change by the time he get in there with Terence.”

Posted on 04/22/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Errol Spence Jr. looked sensational, splendid, superb, excellent, flawless, and every other superlative word you can think of as he went on to stop the normally durable Yordenis Ugas this past weekend on April 16th.

A crowd of nearly 40,000 stood on its feet and roared in approval as their hometown kid forced a ringside physician to call a halt to their welterweight unification bout. But, despite Spence Jr. capturing his third world title and regardless of how breathtaking his performance was, with a seemingly looming showdown against Terence Crawford on the horizon, the division’s WBO titleholder, Tim Bradley believes Spence Jr. doesn’t have enough tricks up his sleeve to deal with the pound-for-pound star.

“I’m going Terence Crawford by knockout, 11th round,” said Bradley to Fight Hub TV. “I just think that he has more to him. Switch southpaw, right-handed, can punch, supreme accuracy and timing. I’m a go with Crawford.”

Throughout Spence Jr.’s dominant reign as a unified 147-pound champion, Bradley has summarily dismissed his chances at defeating Crawford time and time again. Yet, even Bradley admits that the powerful southpaw was impressive in his ninth round dismantling of Ugas.

Initially, the Cuban born former titlist fought Spence Jr. on mostly even terms. With both men spending the majority of their bout in the middle of the ring throwing hellacious shot after hellacious shot, it was Ugas who buckled first.

A short left uppercut from Spence Jr. began Ugas’s demise in the seventh. The force of the blow immediately caused swelling around the right eye of the Cuban native. Though he bravely continued to battle, he eventually succumbed to the power of his man in the 9th.

In totality, it was Spence Jr.’s overwhelming volume punching that allowed him to wrap his third world title around his waist. With 784 punches thrown from the Dallas product, compared to only 541 from Ugas, Bradley readily admits that Spence Jr.’s workman-like approach could prove to be an issue for Crawford.

Still, regardless of the dangers that are associated with facing the unified champion, Bradley maintains immensely confident in Crawford’s chances to hand Spence Jr. the first loss of his career.

“I know Spence he’s a machine, he comes forward, he has high volume. He can isolate a lot of the stuff with his volume but Crawford, that’s my guy.”

Posted on 04/21/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Following nearly two years sequestered on the sidelines, Errol Spence Jr. provided a reminder of sorts to the boxing world, that he is in fact, the best fighter that the welterweight division has to offer.

This Past Saturday night, on April 16th, at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Spence Jr. dismantled durable former champion, Yordenis Ugas. Despite being rocked in both the fourth and sixth rounds, Spence Jr. regained his composure in the second half of their contest.

Ugas’s world championship reign began slipping away from him in the seventh as Spence Jr. landed a short uppercut on the inside. The force of the blow immediately closed the left eye of the Cuban product. Round after round, Spence Jr. pounded Ugas with shots to the body before targeting his injured eye, forcing a ringside physician to step onto the apron and call a halt to their contest.

But, despite Spence Jr. now holding firm to three of the four major world titles at 147 pounds, former two-time champion Shawn Porter, is unwilling to give Spence Jr. top dog status in the welterweight division. That distinction, in his opinion, is reserved for a certain fighter that he shared the ring with from Omaha, Nebraska.

“The best welterweight fighting right now has to be Terence Crawford,” said Porter during an interview with Brian Custer on the Last Stand Podcast. “There was just a number of things that I saw, felt, sensed, the whole nine. He was just a little better than just about anybody I been in the ring with.”

Known for his willingness to step into the ring with any and everyone when he was an active fighter, Porter pushed both Spence Jr. and Crawford to their physical limits in both 2019 and 2021.

At times, the rough and rugged style of Porter forced Spence Jr. into a firefight before ultimately losing via split decision. Against Crawford, Porter’s roughhouse tactics were less effective. While he did experience moments of success, the former two-time 147-pound champion crumbled underneath the power of his man, losing via 10th-round stoppage.

It was the small intricacies in their approach to fighting him that Porter remembers more than anything.

“Coming into the ring, Errol was prepared to beat me at my game. Terence was prepared to beat me at his game.”

With the boxing world clamoring for the two to square off in the ring, Spence Jr. has repeatedly called out Crawford following his victory over Ugas, something the Omaha, Nebraska, product has openly welcomed.

Although stylistically, a showdown between Crawford and Spence Jr. has the makings of a fan-pleasing bout, throughout the history of the pugilistic sport, there have been many mouthwatering matchups that have turned into mundane chess matches. During this particular matchup, however, Porter believes we’ll witness one of the more memorable showdowns in recent memory.

“Terence Crawford vs. Errol Spence will be an explosion. I can guarantee it. Errol likes to be a commander and chief. He likes to control the ring, likes to do what he likes to do. Against me, he choose to try and beat me at my own game. Terence, ‘I’m coming to the ring, this is what I’m gonna do, stop me.’ You got two guys saying stop me, you can’t beat that.”

Posted on 04/20/2022

By: Hans Themistode

No matter who is placed in front of him, Terence Crawford has systematically broken down his opponents. With the Omaha, Nebraska, native racing out to a spotless record through 38 career fights, many are under the assumption that only unified welterweight champion, Errol Spence Jr., will truly challenge him.

Following years of persistent and nonstop call-outs, the WBO welterweight titlist appears to be on his way to landing the one showdown he’s craved above all others.

This past Saturday night, at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Spence Jr. wrapped his already gold laced waist with another world title. On the night, the Dallas product stopped a brave and incredibly durable Yordenis Ugas via doctor’s stoppage. With three of the four major world titles now in the powerful southpaw’s possession, Spence Jr. stated that Crawford is the only fighter he has any interest in fighting.

Unsurprisingly, Crawford smiled from ear to ear as he welcomed their highly-anticipated showdown next. Derrick James, Spence Jr.’s head trainer, openly admitted that he has yet to devise a specific game plan for Crawford. However, he did reveal that he has watched Crawford closely over the years.

If forced to list the one attribute that makes Crawford a great fighter, chances are, you’re likely to get countless answers from numerous sources. Nevertheless, the pound-for-pound star’s ability to fight as both an orthodox and southpaw fighter, his deleterious knockout power, and his otherworldly ring IQ – protrude to the top of most lists. That said, none of those previously mentioned attributes best describes what makes Crawford so deadly in James’ opinion.

“Terence Crawford is a phenomenal athlete,” said James during an interview with BoxingInsider.com. “Phenomenal athleticism. That’s what it is, his athleticism.”

While James is convinced that Crawford’s athleticism has brought him to the summit of boxing’s mountain top, he believes that simply using those God gifted athletic traits could become a fighter’s downfall.

“Athleticism is always fleeting, remember that.”

Despite James’ warning, Crawford appears to still be at the top of his game. After having his resume publicly chastised for the lack of big-name opponents, the multiple division titlist registered the most significant win of his career.

On November 20th, 2021, Crawford faced off against former two-time welterweight champion Shawn Porter. Although they fought on even terms early on, Crawford took over down the stretch. In the 10th, Crawford stalked his man, dropping him twice during the round before Porter’s father officially waved off their contest.

As Spence Jr. vs. Crawford draws closer, James isn’t expecting the now 35-year-old Crawford to get old overnight. In fact, the renowned trainer confesses that in terms of pure speed and ability to get off first, Crawford may have the edge over Spence Jr. Nonetheless, that doesn’t mean James doesn’t have a trick or two up his sleeves in order to counter Crawford’s advantage.

“He’s very quick like a cat, his movement, very quick. Honestly, I think he’s been looking great, he’s looking phenomenal. Speed is phenomenal but it’s all about timing.”

Posted on 04/19/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Although Jermell Charlo currently holds three of the four major world titles at 154 pounds, the Houston native is far from satisfied.

On May 14th, Charlo will attempt to put an end to his rivalry with fellow current champion, Brian Castano. The two originally participated in a back and forth war of attrition on July 17th, 2021. At times, it appeared as though the pressure and volume punching of the rough and rugged Argentinian would get the better of Charlo. But, despite his attempts to drag the unified titlist into the deep end, Charlo proved that he could swim just fine.

While Charlo was more calculated in his attack, he landed the more eye-catching shots, wobbling Castano on several occasions. As the sound of the final bell echoed throughout Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, both men raised their hands in triumph. Neither were entirely wrong in their assessment, as their bout was ruled a split decision draw.

Currently, Charlo is fully entrenched in an arduous training camp as the prepares to face Castano once more on May 14th. Should Charlo emerge victoriously, he could find his next challenger one weight class below him. With Errol Spence Jr., his close friend and stablemate, becoming a three-belt world champion at 147 pounds, he’ll look to face Terence Crawford before the year comes to a close to become an undisputed titlist.

Although both Crawford and Spence Jr. have entertained the idea of facing Charlo, the Houston native isn’t interested in facing his good friend. However, if a showdown against Crawford can be made, Charlo is more than willing to take on the pound-for-pound star.

“I have no intentions to fight my stablemate,” said Charlo to a group of reporters. “Now Crawford can get that work. I don’t give a f*ck about him. I don’t know that n*gga, the n*gga don’t know me. We can make anything happen.”

Several months ago, following years of calling out Spence Jr., Crawford revealed that if he were unable to secure a long-awaited showdown against the powerful southpaw, he would be willing to move up in weight to face the winner of Castano vs. Charlo.

News of their possible mouthwatering matchup has been puzzling to Charlo. With Crawford claiming world titles at 135, 140, and 147 pounds, the Omaha, Nebraska native has yet to compete at 154 pounds. Until he does, Charlo believes Crawford is an irrelevant subject.

“Crawford ain’t did shit at 154. How y’all want him to fight me? I’m telling you I’m trying to become undisputed right now. How are we talking about somebody that ain’t even fought in the division.”

Posted on 04/17/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Errol Spence Jr. was continually bombarded with questions surrounding the greatest rival of his professional career, Terence Crawford. But, much like he’s done in the ring, Spence Jr. evaded those perpetual Crawford questions as if they were a deleterious right hand coming from an opponent.

All along, while many grew impatient with the Dallas product’s passive attitude, he was simply attempting to be respectful of the man standing before him.

As a crowd of nearly 40,000 stood on their feet to cheer him on at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, both Spence Jr. and Yordenis Ugas waged an all-out war. The bigger and at times, more physically dominating Cuban, enjoyed plenty of moments of success. In the fourth, in particular, Ugas landed a short right hand while in the clench, knocking loose the mouthpiece of the unified champion. In a then awkward sequence of events, Spence Jr. immediately turned his attention toward his unhinged guard and would subsequently pay for his lapse in judgment. Ugas blasted the 32-year-old with a three-punch combination, the final blow resulted in him being launched into the ropes.

Despite taking his eyes off the prize momentarily, Spence Jr. would eventually refocus and batter Ugas during the second half of their bout. While he was resilient, Ugas was ultimately told by a ringside physician that he would be unable to continue.

As whats become normal protocol following all boxing matches, there was one prevailing question for Spence Jr., what’s next? Without a moment’s notice, with three welterweight titles now proudly draped over his shoulder, Spence Jr. gave the one and only name everyone in the arena wanted to hear.

“Everybody knows who I want next,” Spence said. “I want Terence Crawford. That’s the fight that I want. That’s the fight everybody else wants.”

Crawford, of course, holds the final piece of the 147-pound puzzle. The Omaha, Nebraska, native is often viewed as the leading man on virtually every pound-for-pound list. In November of 2021, Crawford proved his ranking correct, as he went on to register a 10th round stoppage over former two-time welterweight champion, Shawn Porter. Following the victory, Crawford chastised his rival, as he continually called him out. Spence Jr., however, paid Crawford no mind.

Several years ago, Spence Jr. revealed his initial game plan. With three of the four welterweight titles being held by fighters associated with Premier Boxing Champions, Spence Jr. believed that it only made sense to target them first before turning his attention to Crawford.

Now that the unusually strong southpaw has made it a clean sweep, he’s now placed a bullseye on the back of Crawford.

“Like I said, I’m going to get these straps then go over there and take his sh*t too. Terence, I’m coming for that mother f*cking belt!”

Posted on 04/17/2022

By: Hans Themistode

There was a sense of contrition coming from Errol Spence Jr. With the unified welterweight champion spending the past few years on the mend as opposed to inside the ring, the Dallas native vowed to make up for lost time.

While many were attempting to look past Yordenis Ugas, his opponent earlier tonight, and toward an undisputed title clash between the Dallas product and Terence Crawford, the Cuban star nearly ruined their mouthwatering storyline.

As the opening bell rang to signify their welterweight unification at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, both men employed a similar game plan, meeting in the center of the ring and letting their hands fly.

Although both men fought on mostly even terms, it was Spence Jr. who elected to move away from the firefight that was ensuing and instead, opted to box. The Dallas product ultimately experienced success. He tagged Ugas from the outside with a consistent jab while also connecting with devastating hooks downstairs.

In the following round, Spence Jr. continued to thrill the crowd while flustering Ugas as he boxed and moved. With the momentum squarely in the corner of Spence Jr., Ugas upped his aggression in the third. The 35-year-old Cuban bullied his man across the ring, forcing him into the ropes where he would ultimately land crushing blows upstairs.

In the fourth, the confidence in Ugas only grew as he attacked the midsection of the unified star. While Spence Jr. attempted to get his offense going, he was nullified as Ugas butchered away at his body.

As the following bell rang to begin the fifth, Spence Jr. pumped his jab into the face of his opponent. They continued to fight on mostly even ground during the period, however, it was Ugas who dominated the sixth.

Following several well-timed hooks downstairs, Ugas connected on a picture-perfect right hook. The force of the blow knocked the unified star’s mouthpiece halfway across the ring. In what appeared to be an awkward moment, Spence Jr. seemingly forgot that he was in the middle of a heated clash and attempted to retrieve his mouthpiece. Once he did, Ugas took full advantage, landing a flush two punch combination that staggered him into the ropes.

As the Dallas crowd moaned in fear, Spence Jr. spent the duration of the round holding and avoiding many of the looping hooks Ugas threw in his direction. As the powerful southpaw regained his focus, he immediately went on the attack.

A flush right uppercut left Ugas on wobbly legs. From there, Spence Jr. continued to pummel his man. It was much of the same in the ninth. Spence Jr. was relentless in his assault, forcing referee Laurence Cole to take a close look at the grotesquely swelling right eye of the brave Cuban.

Although he was initially allowed to continue, Spence Jr. poured it on in the tenth. A smiling Ugas threw his hands in the air and egged his man on, something the Dallas product welcomed with open arms. Once again, referee Laurence Cole called upon the ringside physician to take a close look. Upon doing so, he was given no choice but to wave off their bout, officially handing Spence Jr. the victory.

With the powerful southpaw now in possession of three of the four world titles at 147 pounds, he immediately turned his attention toward the lone remaining belt holder.

“Terence [Crawford], I’m coming for that mother f*cking belt.”

Posted on 04/13/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Terence Crawford shook his head in disbelief as he took in the sights from this past weekend’s junior middleweight Fight of the Year candidate.

At the Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, Nevada, both Sebastian Fundora and Erickson Lubin waged an all-out war. Although Lubin experienced success early on, Fundora wore down the highly ranked contender, en route to a ninth-round stoppage victory.

Fundora, who stands at an unprecedented 6’6”, pummeled Lubin for much of the night. With each passing round, Fundora grew more and more demonstrative in his assault as Lubin crumbled underneath his unrelenting power.

As the freakishly tall 154-pound contender continued to brutalize his man, Crawford was shellshocked by both Fundora’s engine and his massive frame. According to the current WBO welterweight titlist, watching Fundora fight is almost like watching an unfair video game.

“Fundora a cheat code,” said Crawford on his social media account. “He the type of character you make on Fight Night and boost the sliders up and his height and a smaller weight class.”

Crawford, 34, has recently stated that if he were unable to land a marquee showdown against unified welterweight champion, Errol Spence Jr., he would be more than willing to make the move seven pounds north in order to face the winner of the upcoming showdown between Jermell Charlo and Brain Castano.

Should Crawford officially make the move, he could find himself facing the mammoth Fundora. With the 6’6” 154 pounder securing the WBC interim title following his win over Lubin, the 24-year-old will be looking to nab his own world title opportunity.

Posted on 04/06/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Errol Spence Jr. has heard the conversations loud and clear for the past few years now.

Although many believe that the unified welterweight star is the best fighter in the division, there are an equal number of fans who are under the assumption that Terence Crawford, actually holds that distinction.

With both 147 pounders jockeying for the top position, Spence Jr. remains optimistic that they will finally share the ring in the near future to settle the debate.

“I think so,” said Spence Jr. during an interview with Ray Flores. “I’m hopeful that it can happen.”

After becoming the first man to stop Shawn Porter in November of 2021, Crawford has made his feelings well known that he would love nothing more than to face Spence Jr. next.

All along, regardless of Crawford’s public callouts, Spence Jr. remained mostly mum. But, despite being reticent, Spence Jr. has remained true to his original words. Several years ago, the Dallas native stated that he would first place his attention on adding the WBC and WBA championships to his IBF trinket, before focusing on Crawford’s WBO belt.

Presently, with Crawford becoming an official free agent, Spence Jr. is of the belief that a showdown between them can finally come to fruition. Nevertheless, Yordenis Ugas, the current WBA 147 pound titlist, serves as the biggest impediment to said matchup.

On April 16th, at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, both Ugas and Spence Jr. will face off in a three-belt unification. Yet, in spite of his impending matchup against Ugas, Spence Jr. has been bombarded with nonstop questions regarding Crawford.

While Spence Jr. is frothing over the possibility of adding the black and gold belt of Ugas to his ever-growing collection, their showdown represents more than just an opportunity to add another world title to his trophy case. More than anything, a victory over Ugas, Spence Jr. believes, will open the doors to some of the biggest fights in the sport of boxing.

“Not looking past Ugas at all. That’s my main priority. That’s the guy I have to look at because I gotta beat him to get Terence Crawford or anybody else. I wanna get the third belt and become undisputed so that’s my ultimate goal. I gotta get past this test so I’m not looking past Ugas at all.”

Posted on 03/25/2022

By: Hans Themistode

The boxing world continues to cross its fingers and hold its collective breath.

For years on end, even the most observant of fans have struggled with naming the best 147 pounder in the world. Terence Crawford, the division’s WBO titlist, and Errol Spence Jr., currently in possession of the IBF and WBC trinkets, both men have separated themselves from the pack.

Although initially, it appeared as though a collision course between the pair seemed inevitable, fans have grown more and more apoplectic as time continues to pass by. Still, even with several fans holding out hope, Spence Jr. is only a few weeks away from fighting for his third world title.

On April 16th, in front of his hometown fans in AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Spence Jr. will take on WBA champion, Yordenis Ugas. If the Dallas product does what many are expecting, he’ll simply need Crawford’s lone title to reach undisputed status. That said, Spence Jr. doesn’t seem too gung ho about it.

“If we can get that fight made, then it’ll get made,” said Spence Jr. during an interview with FightHype.com. “If not, it is what it is.”

Crawford, fresh off his 34th birthday, accentuated his need to fight Spence Jr. following his knockout victory over Shawn Porter in November of 2021. Although the pound-for-pound star struggled with the rough and rugged style of his man, he eventually found his rhythm before showing discernment in the championship rounds.

In an effort to publicly shame Spence Jr. into facing him, Crawford, shortly after his win, went on his social media account and claimed that he was searching for his fellow champion and rival.

In the mind of Spence Jr., however, he’s simply brushed off Crawford’s comments. Long before the powerful southpaw burst onto the national pugilistic scene, Spence Jr. claimed that his number one goal was to become an undisputed world champion at 147 pounds. But while that goal hasn’t exactly changed, he notices that in the grand scheme of things, it’s inconsequential.

“I’m not going to dwell over it but it is something that I want, to be undisputed. I don’t think it’s something I need to be an all-time great. I don’t think [Felix] Trinidad, [Oscar] De La Hoya, Floyd [Mayweather] – a lot of the greats weren’t undisputed. I don’t think it’s something that I need like that but it’s something that I want. If it can’t happen, then it is what it is.”

Posted on 03/23/2022

By: Hans Themistode

At the tender age of 24, Jaron Ennis should be in the infancy stages of his career.

Yet, despite the normal career arc of a younger fighter, Ennis wants no parts of a slow and methodical build toward the top of the sport. Currently, thanks to a slew of knockout victories against high-profile fighters, Ennis has moved quickly up the welterweight ladder.

In the opinion of the budding 147-pound star, a showdown against the division’s best is inevitable. If the decision were solely up to the Philadelphia native, he would love to test his skills against pound-for-pound star and current WBO welterweight titlist, Terence Crawford.

Although their showdown is unlikely for the immediate future, Ennis is much closer to getting his shot at Crawford than many realize.

In 2021, Ennis strung together back-to-back stellar performances. First up on his fight calendar, was a showdown against former 140-pound champion turned 147-pound contender, Sergey Lipinets. While the one-time belt holder was considered his stiffest test, Ennis made quick work of him, dropping him in the fourth, before finishing him off in the sixth round.

Next up for Ennis was a welterweight showdown against rugged contender Thomas Dulorme. Ultimately, while Dulorme has presented issues for numerous names at 147 pounds, Ennis had little to no trouble dealing with him, stopping him in the very first round.

Following those two decisive victories, Ennis now finds himself ranked number two in the WBO sanctioning body. But as the 24-year-old inches closer and closer toward a showdown against the pound-for-pound stalwart, former two-division champion Tim Bradley believes that Ennis should be careful what he wishes for.

“Somebody going to sleep and it ain’t gonna be Crawford,” said Bradley during an interview with BoxingInsider.com.

Ultimately, Ennis appears to be taking his career in another direction. In an effort to scoop more than just one world title, Ennis has set his sights on Errol Spence Jr. With the unified titlist focusing his efforts on his upcoming showdown against WBA champion Yordenis Ugas, Ennis is attempting to position himself in line to take on the winner.

On May 14th in Los Angeles, California, Ennis will face off against fellow undefeated contender Custio Clayton in an IBF title eliminator. Regardless of the route Ennis eventually chooses, Bradley believes it’s foolish for him to take on Crawford.

Most recently, the 34-year-old switch-hitter successfully defended his world title for the fifth consecutive time. At the tail end of 2021, Crawford took on good friend and former two-time champion Shawn Porter.

Throughout the early portions of their showdown, Crawford struggled with the awkward rhythm of his opponent. Still, despite Porter’s early success, Crawford would eventually dissect his man en route to a 10th round stoppage win.

As Bradley continues to shake his head at the mere thought of Crawford and Ennis sharing the ring with one another, the Hall of Fame hopeful has one final succinct statement for Ennis, and anyone else for that matter, who doubts Crawford’s skills.

“Y’all better put some respect on Terence Crawford’s name.”

Posted on 03/14/2022

By: Hans Themistode

When discussing the best fighters at 147 pounds, both Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford’s names usually protrude to the top of the welterweight list.

With Spence Jr. in possession of both the WBC and IBF world titles and Crawford holding firm to his WBO crown, many have pegged them as pound-for-pound stars. Yet, despite those beliefs, Jaron Ennis continues to back himself as the division’s best fighter.

The 24-year-old from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has slowly but assuredly worked his way up the welterweight rankings. In 2021, Ennis had his most productive year yet. During the first half of his fight calendar, Ennis violently stopped former 140-pound titlist Sergey Lipinets in the sixth round. Before the year came to a close, Ennis made quick work of well-respected journeymen, Thomas Dulorme, needing only a minute and a half to dispose of him.

Considering his ability to dissect his opponents from the outside, as well as his stellar inside work and concussive knockout power, Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach has taken notice. Not only is Roach firmly of the belief that Ennis is ready to showcase his talents on the grandest of stages but when asked to choose the best 147 pounder in the world, Roach didn’t hesitate to give his answer.

“He’s a very good fighter,” said Roach when describing Ennis during an interview with FightHype.com. “I think he’s the best guy in the weight division.”

In the coming months, Roach’s words could prove to be prophetic. With Ennis set to take on Custio Clayton sometime this Spring in an IBF final eliminator, the dynamic young star could find himself standing across the ring from Spence Jr. sooner rather than later.

First things first, however, even if Ennis walks through Clayton, Spence Jr. has his eyes set on adding even more gold to his championship mantle. On April 16th, at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Spence Jr. will take on WBA belt holder, Yordenis Ugas. Should Spence Jr. snag his third-world title, he’ll turn his attention toward Crawford in an effort to become an undisputed champion.

While Ennis may ultimately be forced to play the waiting game, no matter who he faces in the ring, Roach is convinced that he’ll always have the upper hand.

Posted on 02/28/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Josh Taylor looked long and hard at the credentials of Jack Catterall before the two squared off in the ring. While he respected his man wholeheartedly, Taylor simply couldn’t see a pathway to victory for him.

A fired-up Taylor took his time as he made his way through the SSE Hydro in the United Kingdom this past weekend for their showdown. Not only did Taylor believe that he would defend his undisputed 140-pound throne with relative ease, but he was convinced that Catterall would receive a beating like no other.

Still, despite his hubris, Catterall out-boxed Taylor in the first half of their contest and punctuated what appeared to be an upset victory by dropping his man in the eighth round.

Although Catterall, and most of the boxing world, believing he did enough on the night, Taylor eked out a split decision. With all four world titles at 140 pounds still wrapped around Taylor’s waist, the tricky southpaw points to his age as the main culprit behind his lackluster showing.

“That was far from my best performance,” said Taylor to Behind The Gloves following his controversial victory. “That a 60% performance from myself. I just didn’t feel strong. My legs weren’t really underneath me. There’s no excuse, I did the weight good. I have a great nutritionist onboard. The last two times I’ve made the weight were real comfortable. But recovering, getting down to 140 was hard. I’m 31-years-old now.”

In order to negate the weight cutting process, Taylor has officially decided to leave behind the only weight class he’s ever known and compete as a full-fledged welterweight.

Shortly before Taylor’s decision, the WBO sanctioning body opted to elevate him to super champion status. Meaning, once Taylor makes the move seven pounds north, he’ll become the mandatory challenger to current WBO welterweight champion, Terence Crawford.

Throughout most of the Omaha, Nebraska native’s career, he’s been universally praised as one of the sports brightest stars. With Crawford handing Shawn Porter the first stoppage defeat of his career in his most recent trip to the ring, the now 34-year-old has openly welcomed a showdown against Taylor.

News of his seemingly impending matchup against Crawford is music to the ears of the undisputed 140-pound titlist. Although he would love the opportunity to share the ring with the pound-for-pound star, Taylor admits that after his most recent performance, Crawford will be anxious to face him.

“That’s great,” said Taylor when told he would become Crawford’s mandatory once he moves up. “Off the back of that performance, I’m pretty sure he’s thinking that it’s easy work. So would I be thinking that if I was watching myself.”