Tag Archives: Terence Crawford

Posted on 02/23/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Depending on when you looked, the number one spot on most pound-for-pound lists will often fluctuate between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford.

However, in the mind of Shakur Stevenson, there should be no debate between the two.

“Bud [Terence Crawford] is the best fighter in boxing,” said Stevenson during an interview with BoxingInsider.com.

Alvarez, now 31, seemingly solidified his placement as the best fighter in the world following his recent run at 168 pounds. After ripping away Sergey Kovalev’s light heavyweight title in November of 2019, Alvarez dropped down to the super middleweight division. Once he arrived, he wasted no time in stripping every belt holder of their championship status.

First up for Alvarez, was a date with Callum Smith. He easily navigated around Smith’s height and reach advantages to score a one-sided unanimous decision. Avni Yildirim was easily pushed to the side in February of 2020. Alvarez barely broke a sweat before stopping him in the third round.

Following those two wins, Alvarez took no prisoners during his bouts against Billy Joe Saunders and Caleb Plant. With all four super middleweight titles now in his possession, Alvarez became the first undisputed 168 pound champion of all time.

While it was impressive, Crawford has reached lofty heights as well. Most recently, the 34-year-old switch-hitter from Omaha, Nebraska, became the first man to stop Shawn Porter during their November 2021, showdown.

More than anything, Stevenson has seen what Crawford is capable of up close and personal. Having spent plenty of time learning from Crawford and picking his brain during numerous training camps, Stevenson is in awe of his overall skillset.

The only way to officially end the debate between Alvarez and Crawford, would be to pair the two in the ring. But, considering that they fight approximately three to four weight classes apart, a showdown between them is highly unlikely to ever happen. That said, Stevenson wants to play hypothetical matchmaker.

In a perfect world, if Crawford were in or around the same weight class as Alvarez, Stevenson would pay top dollar to see them square off. And, more importantly, while he respects Alvarez and ranks him extremely high on his personal pound-for-pound list, in his theoretical matchup, Stevenson sees Crawford coming out on top.

“If Canelo was at his weight, I’m telling y’all now, Bud would beat Canelo,” continued Stevenson to BoxingInsider.com. “Canelo is a real good fighter. I just feel like if he was in the ring with Bud, I think Bud would outbox him. The best chance he would have is a puncher’s chance to try and knock Bud out. Other than that, I feel like Bud is the better fighter to me.”

Posted on 02/22/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Errol Spence Jr. is appreciative and grateful for the position he’s currently in.

The unified welterweight belt holder was on top of the boxing world after his split decision win over Shawn Porter in September of 2019. But, following a night out on the town, Spence Jr. was flung from his sports vehicle and found himself face-first on the pavement.

Luckily for the Dallas native, he escaped the horrific accident with minimal injuries and would go on to dominate former two-division world titlist, Danny Garcia roughly one year later.

Initially, Spence Jr. was scheduled to face future first ballot Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao on August 21st, 2021. Nonetheless, Spence Jr. was forced to withdraw from their contest due to a torn/detached retina in his right eye. Subsequently, Spence Jr. was then replaced by his upcoming opponent, Yordenis Ugas, who went on to pick up the win.

With their unification contest taking place in just under two months on April 16th, at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Spence Jr. is anxious to truncate the world title reign of Ugas and add his WBA belt to his ever-growing collection.

“It’s been a big comeback,” said Spence Jr. recently. “This is my second comeback. They thought I’d be done but on April 16th, I’m a get that WBA belt so I can be the IBF, WBC, and WBA champion of the world.”

Although Ugas vs. Spence Jr. expects to be a fan-friendly matchup, the anticipation for it pales in comparison to a showdown between Spence Jr. and WBO titlist, Terence Crawford.

For years now, both men have paraded and stuck out their chest as they’ve claimed to be the best 147 pounder in the world. Crawford, 33, recently quieted the naysayers that have consistently chastised him for his overall resume. The Omaha, Nebraska, native scored a brutal knockout of former two-time titlist, Shawn Porter.

Since the win, Crawford’s pursuit of Spence Jr. has only intensified. That said, the powerful southpaw views Crawford’s trash talk and consistent call-outs as unnecessary. Should he rip away Ugas’s WBA title, Spence Jr. reveals that not only will Crawford get his undivided attention but once they officially square off, the unified champion is confident that Crawford’s title reign will also come to an end.

“We’ll go get the other one.”

Posted on 02/18/2022

By: Hans Themistode

There’s a never-ending debate surrounding the names occupying the top of most pound-for-pound lists. In most instances, both Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford continue to jockey for position as the world’s best fighter.

While the discussion is an ongoing one, Amir Khan believes that his conjecture on the subject isn’t up for debate.

“I really think that Crawford is the better fighter,” said Khan during a recent interview with FightHype.com.

With both Crawford and Alvarez competing approximately three to four weight classes apart, seldom has anyone faced both fighters. Yet, in the case of Khan, he achieved that rarity.

In May of 2015, after reeling off three consecutive wins in the welterweight division, Khan audaciously moved up to challenge Alvarez for the WBC middleweight crown at a catchweight of 155 pounds. Though he was successful early on, Alvarez connected on an overhand right midway through the sixth round, leaving Khan motionless on the canvas soon after.

Four years later, Khan would find himself standing across the ring from Crawford as he challenged the welterweight star for his WBO title. Before being brutally stopped in the sixth round, Khan was also thoroughly outboxed.

As Khan continues to think back on the time he’s shared in the ring with both men, it’s ostensible to the former 140 pound titlist that Crawford is simply the better and more well-rounded fighter.

“I think Crawford, in my opinion, is the better fighter, the better boxer. Also, he’s one that can make you miss and it can throw you off your game plan. When I fought Crawford, I couldn’t settle because he had some great movement. When I fought against Canelo, I had some good combinations that I was hitting him with. With Crawford, I couldn’t really let my hands go. Canelo obviously, is a very powerful, strong fighter. But when it comes to what wins you fights, is timing and technique. I think Crawford has those things, with power as well but not as much power as Canelo.”

Crawford, 34, has continued to run through his competition. In his most recent trip to the ring, the three-division titlist picked up the most significant win of his career, a tenth-round stoppage victory over two-time welterweight champion, Shawn Porter.

Alvarez, in the meanwhile, hasn’t sat idly by. The Mexican star has only reinforced his pound-for-pound status since facing Khan, winning world titles at both 168 and 175 pounds. Most recently, Alvarez etched his name into the boxing annals. The 31-year-old registered an explosive 11th round knockout win over Caleb Plant in November of 2021. In the process, Alvarez snagged Plant’s IBF super middleweight crown, making him the first fighter in history to hold all four 168 pound world titles simultaneously .

With neither Crawford nor Alvarez slowing down, Khan tips his cap in the direction of both men. While juxtaposing them is difficult, the former Olympic silver medalist is simply of the belief that Crawford has the slight edge.

“Overall, both fighters are amazing and done great in the sport of boxing but I just feel like Crawford is the one.”

Posted on 02/17/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Terence Crawford believes he’s exhausted all of his options.

Well before officially making the move to 147 pounds in 2018, the Omaha, Nebraska native eyed a mega clash against fellow pound-for-pound star, Errol Spence Jr. Yet, no matter how loud he’s bellyached about wanting to test his skills against his longtime rival and regardless of establishing himself as one of the best fighters in the world, fast forward four years later and their contest is no closer to becoming a reality.

Though Crawford would love nothing more than to prove that he’s the best 147 pounder in the world, as the WBO titlist sits back and thinks to himself, he’s simply all out of ideas in terms of how he can lure Spence Jr. into the ring.

“I want that fight,” said Crawford during an interview with Behind The Gloves. “If it happens it happens, I’ve been calling for that fight for years now. If it don’t it don’t. I’ve gone through everybody that they put in front of me. I can’t see what I can do differently.”

Currently, the undefeated unified welterweight champion is set to return to the ring on April 16th, against another 147 pound belt holder, WBA champion, Yordenis Ugas. The two are officially slated to face off at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Admittedly, Crawford will be an interested observer on the night. Ultimately, if Crawford is unable to unify titles against the winner of Spence vs. Ugas, he won’t hang his head low. Instead, he’ll set his sights on winning every world title at 154 pounds.

“If I can’t get the Spence/Ugas winner, I would love to get the Jermell [Charlo] and [Brian] Castano winner. I can be undisputed at 154.”

Until recently, both Jermell Charlo, who holds the WBC, WBA, IBF, and Ring Magazine 154 pounds titles, and Brian Castano, who’s in possession of the WBO 154 pound crown, were scheduled to face off on March 19th, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. The two originally battled to a controversial split decision draw on July 17th, 2021. With both sides unsatisfied with the way their contest played out, they agreed to rekindle their rivalry with an immediate rematch.

However, it was recently revealed that Castano has suffered a slight biceps tear, postponing their undisputed showdown for at least four weeks. Regardless of the holdup, Crawford views their postponement as an opportunity to get his feet wet in a new weight class, before targeting whomever has all four world titles at 154 pounds.

“I can have a fight and then, become undisputed at 154.”

Posted on 02/08/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Like most, Eddie Hearn is simply in awe whenever Terence Crawford steps foot inside the ring. The former three-division world champion and current WBO welterweight titlist has either out-boxed his opponents before cruising to a unanimous decision victory or eventually broken them down round after round en-route to a violent stoppage win.

Most recently, Crawford picked up the most impressive win of his career, a tenth-round knockout over former two-time welterweight champ, Shawn Porter. With Crawford fulfilling the final fight of his Top Rank contract, the 34-year-old revealed that he would not re-sign with the promotional company and instead, would operate as a free agent in the time being.

Although Hearn believes Crawford is one of the best fighters in the world, he’s reluctant to approach the pound-for-pound star with a promotional contract. While the longtime promoter has never been closely connected with Crawford, he has watched from a distance as Top Rank failed to get Crawford the sort of big-name fights that he’s truly craved.

As Hearn carefully peaks through his own stable of 147 pounders, he views a Crawford signing as one that would sour rather quickly.

“There’s so limited amount of fights for him. In terms of the money he wants, for the legacy he wants. It really comes down to Errol Spence and maybe one or two others,” said Hearn to FightHype.com. “If you can’t deliver him those fights, which is the boat we’re in and the boat Top Rank is in, what can you deliver him? Fights that might not appeal to the fans, therefore, fights that don’t necessarily have a lot of value. Unless you can deliver him big fights, I’m not sure there’s a part for you in his career. But he’s a tremendous fighter, pound-for-pound great fighter, and we’ll see what happens.”

Although Hearn acknowledges that his Matchroom stable wouldn’t provide Crawford with the sort of legacy-defining fights that the 34-year-old hungers for, he does have one of the best, young 147 pounders in the world in 25-year-old Conor Benn.

If Hearn were to somehow get Crawford to sign on board with his promotional outfit, however, the UK-based promoter wouldn’t be anxious to see Benn in the ring with WBO titlist just yet.

“Ultimately, Conor Benn still got probably a year to go before he’s fighting those elite guys. I think people still believe that Conor Benn is beatable whereas they don’t necessarily think that Terence Crawford is beatable yet. Conor Benn is in a great position, he’s a huge draw but he’s still got two or three fights before he’s at that level.”

With Top Rank and Matchroom unable to secure Crawford a showdown against the elite of welterweight division, Hearn views an alliance with Premier Boxing Champions as the most logical step for Crawford. Currently, unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr., WBA titlist Yordenis Ugas, former unified champion Keith Thurman, and a long list of others are signed with the PBC.

In Hearn’s opinion, Crawford could and probably should add his name to the long list of elite 147 pounders signed by the PBC.

“Sometimes people make it like you’ve got to be with a certain promoter to get those fights. I think that’s a problem with boxing in general. But I think unless he signs with the PBC, I don’t actually think he will get those fights. Maybe that’s the route that he has to take.”

Posted on 01/29/2022

By: Hans Themistode

The overall skills of Terence Crawford have captivated the boxing public for several years. With the Omaha, Nebraska native winning world titles in multiple weight classes and producing an undefeated record through 38 career fights, he’s wildly viewed as one of the best fighters on the face of the planet.

In addition to fans of the pugilistic sport taking notice of Crawford’s skillset, so has current undisputed 140 pound champion, Josh Taylor. The British product has watched from afar as Crawford continues to dominate the competition. In fact, in Crawford’s most recent ring appearance, Taylor sat up close and personal to witness his abilities in person.

On November 20th, at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, Crawford picked up the most impressive win of his career, a tenth-round stoppage victory over former two-time welterweight titlist Shawn Porter. Shortly following the win, Taylor expressed a desire to test his own skills against the current WBO 147 pound belt holder.

While Taylor continues to hurl superlative words in the direction of Crawford, the undisputed titlist believes his own boxing abilities isn’t too far off in comparison.

“Terence Crawford is an all-time great,” said Taylor during an interview with Fight Hub TV. “He can do it all. He can fight southpaw, orthodox, front foot, back foot – he can do a lot but like myself, I can do a lot myself.”

Although Taylor has been increasingly inactive over the past few years, he made the most of his 2021 schedule. With both the WBA and IBF 140 pound belts already in his possession, Taylor set his sights on unifying titles against Jose Ramirez. Though their contest was considered 50/50 heading in, Taylor dominated for long stretches, scoring two knockdowns on the night before eking out a close unanimous decision.

At the moment, Taylor is just a few weeks away from attempting to defend his undisputed throne against mandatory contender Jack Catterall. If everything goes the way he expects, Taylor is hoping to face Crawford sooner rather than later.

Should Taylor find himself standing across the ring from Crawford, he’s fully aware that he will be considered an underdog. However, while many would be shocked to see him pull off the victory, in the end, Taylor believes no one should be.

“That’s a great fight, a terrific fight. I think that fights very interesting and it’s one that I’m capable of winning as well. I don’t think it would be a massive upset if I won that fight. Obviously, it would be a little bit of an upset in terms of the public but in my eyes, I don’t think it would be.”

Posted on 01/23/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Pound for pound lists are mostly subjective. Just about every fan of the pugilistic sport has their opinions on who are the best fighters in the world. While most of the names that occupy those lists are nearly the same, the top of said list tends to vary.

In the mind of Paulie Malignaggi, however, he believes the best fighter in the world resides in Omaha, Nebraska.

“My number one guy on the pound for pound list is Terence Crawford,” said Malignaggi on Paulie TV. “He’s a guy who can fight out of both stances very, very well. A very cerebral fighter, a very intelligent fighter. He relies on timing, picking his shots, it’s really hard to pick a mistake in his style. He’s got incredible, incredible boxing skills that will dazzle you.”

Crawford, 34, has often been lauded for overall skills in the ring. In addition to his ability to fight as both an orthodox and southpaw fighter, Crawford has grown in his ability to score concussive knockout victories.

During his dominant run at 140 pounds, Crawford violently stripped every world titlist of their championship status on his road to becoming undisputed. With nothing left to accomplish, Crawford opted to move up in weight and try his hand at the welterweight division. So far, Crawford has not only gone 6-0 during his welterweight venture but he’s also stopped every single 147 pounder he’s faced in the process.

Most recently, Crawford placed his WBO title on the line against arguably the most difficult opponent of his career in former two-time champion Shawn Porter. Heading into their November 20th showdown, which took place at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, Malignaggi was intrigued with how things would ultimately play out.

Although Porter was confident in his ability to walk into the lion’s den against Crawford and emerge with his WBO trinket draped over his shoulder, the Omaha native scored the most impressive victory of his career. Early on, Crawford appeared to struggle with the rough and rugged style of Porter. Nonetheless, as time slowly ticked by, Crawford began adjusting to the former titlist. And, as a result, not only did Crawford register the stoppage victory in the 10th round but he also secured the number one ranking on Malignaggi’s pound-for-pound list as a result.

“I thought that was very, very impressive,” continued Malignaggi. “Porter specializes in making you look bad, especially when you have that pretty style. Porter just ruins that for you, absolutely ruins that. He really takes away your comfort zone in a vicious way, he’s got that mean streak in there.

“In the end, Crawford passed the fight, I wouldn’t say with flying colors. There were some moments where he was a little bit uncomfortable but hey man, this is world-class boxing. You’re not going to breeze through everybody. But nonetheless, he got a stoppage over Shawn Porter. He became the first guy to stop Shawn Porter. He’s the number one pound-for-pound fighter on the planet. It was a terrific win. For me, it cements him as the number one guy on the pound for pound list.”

Posted on 01/12/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Terence Crawford had grown acrimonious over the lack of big-name fighters that were willing to face him in the ring. With the pound-for-pound star finally landing his first marquee fight against Shawn Porter in November of 2021, the final fight of his contract with his former promotional outfit, Top Rank, Crawford decided against re-signing.

Amongst a long list of reasons why Crawford ultimately opted to leave, was Arum’s inability to land him a showdown against unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr.

“Bob couldn’t secure me the Spence fight when I was with him,” said Crawford following his 10th round stoppage win over Porter. “So how is he going to secure me the Spence fight when I’m not with him? I’m moving forward with my career right now and I wish everybody the best.”

Though Crawford has enjoyed a long and fruitful career under Top Rank’s promotional banner, the pound-for-pound star believes he was ultimately treated unfairly during his time with the company due to the color of his skin. As a result, Crawford is now seeking financial damages of nearly $10 million dollars.

The New York Post, who originally reported on the pending lawsuit, obtained a copy of Crawford’s complaints and claims.

“Crawford shines a spotlight on the systemic racism that runs through Top Rank,” said Bryan Freedom Crawford’s attorney. “Top Rank’s complete inability to properly promote Black fighters, and Top Rank, Arum and [his son-in-law] Todd DuBoef’s disparate treatment of Black fighters, including Crawford.”

“Arum clearly allows his revolting racial bias to impact the fighters he is obliged to promote. For years, professional boxers and others in the sports world have called out Top Rank’s owner Bob Arum for his disparate treatment of Black boxers, including those very same Black boxers that Top Rank is contractually obligated to promote.

“Because this is boxing, a sport with a checkered history, and because Arum is now dismissed as just a grumpy old white man, Arum continues to make racist and bigoted statements and purposefully damage the reputations of Black boxers without any consequences.

“This is generally because the affected boxers, who are in long-term contracts with Top Rank, fear that if they speak up, they will be placed on the sideline and not given the opportunity to fight during the life of their deal, which could be 5 to 7 years.”

“It is painfully clear that Top Rank, and especially Arum, judges people based on their race. Arum’s sordid history with athletes of color, especially Black fighters, and his bias favoring white and Latino fighters is well-documented and known throughout the boxing world.”

“Arum makes no secret of his deep-seated bias against Black fighters. For example, he called legendary Black boxer Floyd Mayweather ‘soft’ and claimed that he ‘shoots up cars’ — reinforcing an invidious racist stereotype with no basis in fact.

“He consistently mocks rival boxing promoter Al Haymon — who is a Black man — and his relationship with Black fighters, saying Haymon would steer a Black fighter away from fighting Crawford out of a sense of ‘brotherhood.’”

Furthermore, Crawford has taken offense to Arum’s belittling comments over the years surrounding his star power. Although Arum has stated time and time again that he believes Crawford is the best welterweight in the world and an all-time great fighter, the longtime promoter has emphasized on numerous occasions that Crawford isn’t a pay-per-view star. In fact, Arum has gone as far as to say that he has lost money on every Crawford pay-per-view due to their middling overall numbers.

“[Arum] launched a smear campaign against Crawford to paint him as an unexciting, unprofitable fighter who could not draw viewers.

“In truth, Top Rank, a company with zero Black executives, and only two or three Black employees, refuses to admit that it simply does not care about, support, or know how to promote Black fighters. Recently, while most businesses have become sensitive to issues of race and social justice, Top Rank has not.

“At a time when most businesses took steps to honor Black lives in the wake of the George Floyd murder, Top Rank actually refused to place the Black Lives Matter logo on the mats of its boxing rings.

“Instead of standing behind a Black fighter such as Crawford, it publicly criticized him … Top Rank’s current smear campaign is deliberately aimed at punishing Crawford for possibly leaving Top Rank by making it harder for him to sign with a new boxing promoter.”

“Tellingly, Arum has not subjected any of his white fighters to this kind of vicious, vengeful treatment. Clearly, Arum feels he is entitled to profit indefinitely off Crawford and other Black fighters, and he will retaliate whenever they dare to assert their independence.”

“In this action, Crawford seeks to right the wrongs inflicted on him by Top Rank. Top Rank has repeatedly breached its contracts with Crawford, and in fact, defrauded him into entering agreements in the first place.”

“Since Top Rank … will not police themselves, do the right thing, and move forward as a responsible business in 2022, Crawford, who backs down to no one, will make them do so … Arum has made millions off the backs of boxers of color, including Black boxers. His racist attitudes pervade every aspect of his dealings with Black boxers like Crawford.”

Considering what Arum believed was a close and personal relationship with Crawford, the newly turned 90-year-old was completely taken aback by the entire ordeal.

“I haven’t seen the lawsuit yet,” said Arum. “But it’s ridiculous.”

Posted on 01/11/2022

By: Hans Themistode

After a long and wildly successful run in the super lightweight division, that was punctuated with an undisputed world title reign, there was nothing left for Terence Crawford to accomplish at 140 pounds. So, with the Omaha, Nebraska, native wiping out most of the top names, he opted to make the trek seven pounds north in 2018.

In his first official contest as a 147 pounder, Crawford thoroughly dissected former WBO welterweight champion, Jeff Horn, stopping him in the ninth round. From there, Crawford set his sights on facing some of the more established names at 147 pounds, including former unified champion Keith Thurman, former amateur rival Danny Garcia and more specifically, current IBF and WBC belt holder Errol Spence Jr.

Although Crawford is fully convinced that he was good enough to beat every top welterweight the moment he made his 147 pound debut, in essence, he believes he was attempting to do them a favor. In the early goings of his new welterweight venture, Crawford appeared to struggle against much stronger and bigger men. However, having spent four full years at 147 pounds, Crawford believes he’s now a full-fledged welterweight. Meaning, the rest of the division is now in a heap of trouble.

“They should of listen and fought me before I grew into the weight class,” said Crawford on his social media account. “Now it’s over with.”

Crawford, 34, placed his newfound strength on display in his most recent trip to the ring. In his lone appearance of 2021, Crawford took on easily the most difficult opponent of his career in former two-time welterweight champion Shawn Porter.

Through the first six rounds of their contest, both Porter and Crawford appeared to fight on even terms. But, as their showdown continued to move forward, Crawford took over down the stretch. In the tenth, in particular, the pound-for-pound star suddenly took his game to another level.

During the period, Crawford scored the first knockdown of the night. Although Porter was hoping for a reprieve of sorts, Crawford brazenly closed the show, flooring Porter moments later and forcing Kenny Porter, Shawn Porter’s father and trainer, to throw in the towel.

As Crawford’s 2022 calendar has to be revealed, the WBO belt holder is still hoping to land a showdown against Thurman, Spence Jr., or WBA titlist Yordenis Ugas. While it’s unclear who Crawford will face next, in his opinion, the rest of the division should feel contrite for not accepting his earlier callouts.

Posted on 12/15/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Kenny Porter is still on the receiving end of backlash following his decision to pull his son, former two-time welterweight titlist Shawn Porter, during the tail end of the 10th round against Terence Crawford.

Though the two fought on mostly even terms throughout their November showdown, Crawford took his game to another level during the 10th. The WBO welterweight champion scored two consecutive knockdowns during the period which ultimately led to Kenny waving the white flag before his son accrued any more physical damage.

Several fans and fighters, including unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr., believe Kenny was a bit quick on the trigger. Yet, despite those sentiments, Kenny sleeps well at night, believing he ultimately made the right call. While Crawford has received universal praise for his ability to hand Porter the first stoppage defeat of his illustrious career and subsequently ushering him into retirement, Kenny has also tipped his cap to the Omaha, Nebraska, native. However, the long-time trainer is firmly of the belief that his son’s untimely demise was more so a result of sloppy footwork rather than deleterious blows.

“I saw Shawn get caught in a situation where he had his feet squared up,” said Porter to a group of reporters recently. “That’s a basic fundamental no no. His feet was squared up and he went down from a punch that I didn’t think was the hardest punch.”

Shortly after their contest came to an end, video surfaced depicting someone in the corner of Crawford informing him that he was down on the scorecards. His calm and cool demeanor immediately turned into rage as the 34-year-old was in disbelief. Moments later, Crawford ended their contest in the very next round.

Following their showdown, Crawford, in fact, was up across the board. Judge Max DeLuca had it 87-84 in favor of Crawford, while Dave Moretti and Steve Weisfeld had it 86-85 in favor of Crawford as well.

Regardless of the actual scores, Kenny Porter maintains that even if he was informed that his son was ahead on all three judges’ scorecards, his thought process would’ve remained the same.

“If somebody came up to me and said ‘hey Kenny, Shawn’s ahead’ and the same thing happened, I would’ve made that same decision.”

Posted on 12/12/2021

By: Hans Themistode

For a number of years now, Terence Crawford has expressed his desire to face current IBF/WBC belt holder Errol Spence Jr. Yet, despite his persistent call-outs, Crawford grew despondent as a showdown between them has never materialized.

Although Crawford has reiterated time and time again that he’s moving on with his career and leaving a matchup against Spence Jr. behind him, the current WBO belt holder has recently begun publicly calling him out once again.

Under normal circumstances, titleholders are not placed in the rankings of other sanctioning bodies. However, Crawford is now pleading with the IBF to move him into the mandatory position following the recent loss of Kudratillo Abdukakhorov.

“Can y’all make me mandatory at 147 so I can see something,” asked Crawford to the IBF sanctioning body.

Abdukakhorov, 28, was considered the IBF’s top contender at 147 pounds. Yet, the Uzbekistan native was surprisingly handed the first defeat of his career late last night at the Dignity Health Sports Park, in Carson, California against Cody Crowley.

Early on, it appeared as though Abdukakhorov was on his way to an early night at the office. The 28-year-old dominated the opening round and would later score an impressive knockdown in the second. However, Crowley would rally back, thoroughly outboxing his man before eking out a close unanimous decision victory.

Now, with Abdukakhorov set to fall in the rankings, Crawford is angling to replace him. The Omaha Nebraska, native was last seen in the ring just a few weeks ago against former two-time titlist Shawn Porter. Though both men would fight on even terms for much of the first half of their contest, Crawford took over down the stretch before ultimately him man in the tenth.

While Crawford would love nothing more than to dethrone Spence Jr., it’s likely that Jaron Ennis will now be elevated to the number one position. The explosive Philadelphia native currently ranks number three in the sanctioning body. But, with the recent loss of Abdukakhorov and with the number two slot currently unoccupied, Ennis appears primed and ready to move one step closer to fighting for his first world title.

As for Spence Jr., the 31-year-old continues his recovery process following right eye surgery to correct a torn/detached retina that forced him to withdraw from a showdown against Manny Pacquiao earlier this year.

Posted on 12/12/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Despite becoming the first undisputed super middleweight champion of all time, Canelo Alvarez is eager to etch his name in the history books once again.

While the pound for pound star proudly posed for pictures with all four world titles following his destructive 11th round stoppage over Caleb Plant this past November, the 31-year-old’s team became enamored with becoming the first fighter of Mexican descent to win world titles in five separate weight classes.

In a move that left WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman nearly speechless, Eddy Reynoso, head trainer and manager of Alvarez, pleaded with the sanctioning body during their annual convention, to allow Alvarez to move up in weight to challenge current WBC cruiserweight titlist Ilunga Makabu. While initially taken aback, Sulaiman and the entire board, mutually agreed to allow their contest to take place. However, before Alvarez is given the opportunity, Makabu must first defend his crown against Thabiso Mchunu on January 29th. The winner of their contest would then move on to face Alvarez.

At the moment, it’s unclear if the Mexican star’s foray into the cruiserweight division is something temporary or permanent. If, however, Alvarez decides to plant his flag indefinitely in his new weight class, former undisputed cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, who now reigns as a unified heavyweight champion, would be willing to revisit his old stomping grounds.

“Yea I can fight him at cruiserweight,” said Usyk during an interview with BoxingInsider.com.

So while at #LomachenkoCommey last night, Usyk told me that if Canelo stays at cruiserweight, he would move back down to fight him #CaneloUsyk pic.twitter.com/ddcwABFG7E

— Hans Themistode (@themistode) December 12, 2021

The idea of squaring off with whom many consider the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, is something that Usyk readily admits he’s never given much thought to. For the vast majority of their careers, they’ve campaigned miles apart in terms of weight classes.

For Usyk, the 34-year-old Ukrainian dominated the cruiserweight division. From 2016-18, Usyk would go on to not only win all four world titles but also, the World Boxing Super Series. From there, the pound for pound star would saunter his way to the heavyweight division.

Initially, Usyk’s voyage into the land of much bigger men was met with mixed results. Yet, following two lackluster showings against journeymen Chazz Witherspoon and fringe contender Dereck Chisora, Usyk found himself as a sizeable underdog against former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.

Despite giving up considerable size, Usyk brazenly stomped into the backyard of Joshua at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the United Kingdom and violently stripped him of his world title status. While Usyk would love nothing more than to move on to an undisputed showdown against WBC titlist Tyson Fury, the Ukrainian native is contractually obligated to face off against Joshua once more.

Having conquered the cruiserweight division before, Usyk reveals that unambiguously wants to continue his career in the heavyweight division. Nevertheless, if a contest against Alvarez can be made, the Ukrainian star would be willing to oblige his much smaller foe but only for one contest.

“The only one thing is that I keep my belts at heavyweight. I go to cruiserweight, fight him then go back to heavyweight. I want to stay at heavyweight.”

Posted on 12/02/2021

By: Hans Themistode

With nearly a decade and a half of experience in the ring at the pro level, Terence Crawford admits to seeing the light at the end of his Hall of Fame tunnel.

Still, even with the end of his road drawing closer, the current WBO welterweight belt holder believes he has plenty left to accomplish. At the top of his long list of goals, is a dream of one day becoming an undisputed champion for the second time in his career.

Should the Omaha, Nebraska, native be successful, he’ll look to hang up his gloves and avoid fighting into his late 30s. While Crawford is considered by most as the best fighter in the division, many have begun to take notice of Jaron Ennis.

The 24-year-old 147-pound contender has continued to see his stock soar. Most recently, in what was considered step-up bouts, Ennis easily took care of business against respected veteran Thomas Dulorme and former champion, Sergey Lipinets, stopping both well before the final bell.

Though Ennis has only just begun to receive his just due, Crawford reveals that he’s always had an eye on him. In fact, with numerous close friends juxtaposing both fighters, Crawford is openly admitting that the Philadelphian could be well on his way to stardom.

“He’s very talented,” said Crawford during an interview on The Porter Way Podcast Clips. “Dude got skills. I been watching dude since he was an amateur. Him coming up, that’s somebody that they always used to compare to me because he can go both ways and stuff like that. As I kept watching him, I’m like man, this dude’s good. I always said he’s very talented. I take my hat off to him. He’s doing what he needs to do to get his name out there. He’s going to be the next one up as well.”

At the age of 34, and coming off the most impressive win of his career, a tenth-round stoppage over former two-time titlist Shawn Porter, Crawford is more interested in facing the upper echelon of the division. Still, while Crawford’s current career path makes it incredibly unlikely that he ever steps into the ring with Ennis, he isn’t ruling it out completely.

“You never know what the future may hold.”

Posted on 12/01/2021

By: Hans Themistode

It’s been quite some time since boxing fans have laid their eyes on Gary Russell Jr. in a boxing ring. The long-reigning 126 pound WBC belt holder has remained both out of sight and out of mind since picking up a fairly one-sided victory over Tugstsogt Nyambayar in February of 2020.

Russell Jr.’s recent string of inactivity, is something that fans have grown accustomed to. Outside of 2021, where he failed to enter the ring at all, the now 33-year-old has made only one appearance per year since 2015. Still, while he seldom steps through the ropes, Russell Jr. would love the opportunity to face one of the biggest names in the entire sport of boxing.

Though he’s competed at featherweight for the entirety of his boxing career, if given the choice, Russell Jr. would have no issue climbing up several weight divisions for a certain individual.

“I’ll fight Terence Crawford at 147 and I’ll come in at 140,” said Russell Jr. during an interview with FightHype.com.

Both Russell Jr., and his much bigger target, have long been entangled in a war of words over the past few years. Not long ago, Russell Jr. revealed that during a sparring session at the Olympic training center as amateurs, both he and Crawford shared heated words. Their beef, according to Russell Jr., would spill into a physical altercation, as the WBC featherweight titlist divulged that he landed a right-hand square on the jaw of the Omaha, Nebraska native.

While Crawford later explained that the two were never given their chance to settle their issues once and for all, he did threaten to “break” the neck of Russell Jr. if the two were ever to get into another street quarrel.

Regardless of the tension between both men, Crawford, 34, appears to be focused on furthering his aspirations of becoming an undisputed world champion at 147 pounds. Recently, the switch-hitting star picked up the most significant victory of his career, a tenth-round stoppage over former two-time titlist Shawn Porter.

With no hesitation, Russell Jr. admits to flipping on his television to check out the action. And while Crawford has received heaps of praise for his performance, Russell Jr. viewed it as so-so.

“I thought he did okay,” continued Russell Jr. “I honestly felt like Terence is a better boxer than Shawn Porter. I thought Shawn Porter was going to bring more tenacity.”

Posted on 11/30/2021

By: Hans Themistode

With countless matchups in the welterweight division that have yet to be made, a showdown between unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. and WBO belt holder Terence Crawford, still reigns supreme as the best matchup in the division.

Considering their skillsets, picking a winner in their hypothetical showdown has often led to mixed answers. Yet, having shared the ring with both fighters, former IBF 147 pound titlist Kell Brook has a good assumption on who would emerge victorious.

“I think you have to lean towards Crawford,” said Brook during an interview with ProBoxing-Fans.com. “Crawford is number one pound for pound.”

In November of 2020, Brook found himself standing across the ring from Crawford in an attempt to recapture championship glory. Though he started well, the British native was ultimately stopped in the fourth round.

Several years earlier, much closer to his prime, Brook placed his IBF welterweight title on the line against an up and coming Spence Jr. Both fighters would take part in a fight of the year contender at the Bramall Lane Football Ground in Yorkshire, United Kingdom in 2017.

Even with Brook fighting on even terms with the Dallas product, he eventually crumbled underneath his relentless pressure, succumbing to an 11th round stoppage defeat.

Although Brook was stopped in more devastating and violent fashion during his recent showdown against Crawford, when asked to pick the more pernicious puncher, Brook didn’t think twice.

“I’d say Spence.”

Presently, Brook is on the verge of beginning training camp for a long-awaited showdown against British rival Amir Khan. Still, even with Brook stating on numerous occasions that he would love nothing more than to shut the mouth of Khan, he’s fascinated by a possible matchup between his two previous conquerors.

Not long ago, Crawford backed Brook’s praise of his skills by becoming the first man to stop former two-time welterweight champion Shawn Porter. Taking into consideration the current form of Crawford, which entails a nine-fight knockout streak and, more importantly, the long list of injuries and inactivity that has kept Spence Jr. out of the ring since a one-sided victory against Danny Garcia, and Brook believes he has no choice but to side with the pound for pound star.

“It would still be very interesting but I think, just with the way he dealt with Porter, I think you have to start leaning towards Crawford.”