#Errol Spence Jr.

[planetill]

Terence "Bud" Crawford: Spence Down, Canelo To Go?

By Chris Osborn On July 29th, 2023, Terence “Bud” Crawford dispatched Errol Spence Jr. in dominant fashion. He did so with as much cunning, calculation and ferocity as have ever been displayed in a boxing ring. Most boxing insiders picked Crawford to win, but very few expected the domination that took place in this match. Continue reading Untitled

[frontproofmedia]

What’s next for Terence Crawford?

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By Sina Latif

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Published: October 04, 2023

What’s next for Terence Crawford?

The boxing world first got a real glimpse of Terence "Bud" Crawford when he dismantled Amir Khan's first-round conqueror, Briedis Prescott, via unanimous decision in March 2013. This was a guy who could be special.

Once Crawford defeated Ricky Burns in Glasgow to win his first world title at lightweight, then successfully defended against fellow rising star Yuriorkis Gamboa, there was always one mission for Crawford: to attain the respect and recognition that his talent deserves. For a fighter so immensely skilled and exciting, people needed to know who Crawford was.

As Crawford went through the divisions, becoming an undisputed champion and successfully defeating everyone in front of him, often world-class fighters who were made to look so ordinary, the same issue remained.

This guy should be a pay-per-view star. He's too good not to be. He's potentially a generational talent, yet he lacked the wider name recognition that a great pay-per-view star with such a skill set deserved.

Since Crawford made the move to welterweight in 2018, there was always one fighter whose name was mentioned, and that was Errol Spence Jr. It became apparent Spence was the generational rival of Crawford's and the real legacy definer of Crawford's career. After years of failed negotiations, drawn-out social media spats, and Crawford leaving Top Rank to seek out this fight, it was finally made.

Then came Crawford's finest hour. In the biggest fight of his life, with the whole boxing world's eyes on the T-Mobile Arena ring in Las Vegas on the night of 29th July 2023, Crawford was truly majestic. He dominated his supposed equal and fellow pound-for-pound elite rival.

Crawford stopped Spence and became a two-weight undisputed champion. With this win, Crawford finally earned the right to call the shots in his career, and at 36 years of age, he is undoubtedly now seeking out the biggest paydays and legacy definers.

Not just any fight will suffice. Crawford is rightly looking for the biggest fights out there, but which ones are they?

In the immediate post-fight interview, Spence expressed his desire to run it back at 154 lbs. Crawford said he would happily oblige, and the rematch does not need to be at 147 lbs.

Spence triggered the contractual rematch clause recently, and the completion of the rematch seemed a formality. However, it seems Crawford has now had second thoughts on his initial post-fight statements.

A close friend of Crawford's said the following on Twitter: "Facts… and to all the people out here spreading false narratives, Bud is offering Errol a fight at 147. If he doesn't take it, which we're hoping he doesn't because it's a waste of time, Bud wants to do [something] that's never been done and move up 3 weight classes to beat Canelo."

Facts… and to all the people out here spreading false narratives, Bud is offering Errol a fight at 147. If he doesn’t take it, which we’re hoping he doesn’t because it’s a waste of time, Bud wants to do sumn that’s never been done and move up 3 weight classes to beat Canelo https://t.co/39WpCdiUgU

— Steven “So Cold” Nelson (@SoColdNelson) September 15, 2023

Due to his victory in the first fight, Crawford has a say on the weight of the rematch. If these reports are accurate, considering Spence's reported struggles of making the welterweight limit, it is still being determined whether Spence would opt for the immediate rematch at 147lbs.

If Crawford desires a potential generational showdown with Saul "Canelo" Alvarez for his undisputed super middleweight titles, a move up to 154 lbs to adjust to fighting at a higher weight will make sense for Crawford. However, as the winner of the first showdown, Crawford has earned the right to call the shots, and time will tell if the rematch takes place.

Another option for Crawford, the only man currently at welterweight who could present a challenge, is Jaron "Boots" Ennis. In terms of athleticism, youth, speed, power, switch-hitting, size, and arguably physical strength, Crawford holds no advantages over the young lion. Crawford's only apparent advantages come in experience and, arguably, ring IQ.

However, in a recent appearance on "The Breakfast Club," Crawford said:

"Listen, right now in my career, a lotta people like, 'Boots this, Boots that, Boots this,'" Crawford told co-hosts DJ Envy and Charlamagne The God. "You know, fightin' Boots is a lose-lose situation. You know, I win, they gonna say, 'Oh, well, he was young. He wasn't ready. You know, he was talented, he was skillful. But you got the experience over him.

"You got, you know, so much more than this kid that never been tested before. You know, because we always seen him win [with] flying colors. You know, to where we say, oh man, he's cold, he's skilful, but he's never been in the ring with nobody to test him.'"

At 26, Ennis is 10 years younger than Crawford. The Philadelphian is undoubtedly an elite-level talent, but he has never faced an opponent as dangerous, versatile, gifted, skillful, complete, or experienced as Crawford. Of course, this does not guarantee victory for Crawford.

Nobody expected the inexperienced and young then-Cassius Clay to defeat Sonny Liston or the young Leon Spinks, with only seven professional fights, to dethrone Muhammad Ali.

To defeat his generational rival in Spence and then successfully defend against the number 1 contender, the rising star of the welterweight division would place Crawford amongst the welterweight greats.

Seeking greatness comes with risk. Then-undisputed middleweight king Bernard Hopkins put his long reign on the line against the untested but wonderfully athletic and gifted Jermain Taylor and lost his titles. On the flip side, Lennox Lewis successfully defended his heavyweight crown against the young and hungry Vitali Klitschko, a last-minute replacement and leading heavyweight of the following era, before bowing out on top.

Such risks come with great danger but great rewards, too. Nevertheless, Crawford is seeking out the biggest legacy definers and money makers out there that make the most business sense, and after everything he has had to overcome to get here, he has earned that right.

Crawford has frequently expressed his interest in fighting unified super welterweight champion Jermell Charlo in the past. However, following Charlo's loss to Canelo, Crawford stated Charlo is "no longer on my hit list."

Ok y’all I’m over @TwinCharlo he’s no longer on my hit list. He went out there and laid down and let Canelo spank him like he was his daddy with no type of resistance.😂

— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) October 1, 2023

Nevertheless, Charlo remained open to the idea of moving back down to 154lbs following the Canelo fight to face Crawford.

The WBO ruled that its interim champion, Australia's Tim Tszyu, would become its full-fledged 154-pound champion once Charlo fights Alvarez. After Tszyu was elevated, Charlo is no longer officially boxing's undisputed 154 lbs champion.

Crawford is chasing greatness and is looking to become a three-weight division undisputed champion. Although he desired a Charlo showdown at 154 to become just that, with the Tszyu and WBO recent developments and what Crawford thought was a poor showing by Charlo against Canelo, Crawford states he has readjusted his desires, with a Canelo showdown very much on his radar.

When recently speaking on the Joe Rogan Experience, Crawford said the following about if Canelo defeats Charlo: "For a person to go up three weight classes from 147 to 168 and to win, and become undisputed, wow.. what can they say?"

Who will Terence Crawford fight next?

In the post-fight press conference after the Charlo fight, Canelo was asked about a Crawford fight, to which he responded, "if it makes sense, but he's (Crawford) not in the plan."

If the business does indeed make sense, and Crawford was to secure that fight and be successful, his all-time pound-for-pound standing would suddenly place him in a very exclusive club with past pugilistic greats.

If all else fails, Tim Tszyu isn't the worst option for Crawford. The Australian is unbeaten and is now elevated to full WBO champion at 154 lbs. The son of Aussie great Kosta Tszyu is clearly talented in his own right, with guts, power, and an exciting all-action style that would call for a thrilling showdown with "Bud."

Crawford could try to take Tszyu's belt so that when a potential Charlo fight comes around at 154, a Crawford-Charlo showdown could still be for undisputed status.

For now, Tszyu is set to defend his WBO title against Brian Mendoza in October.

Crawford told us all that this was his era, and he now sits at the top of the sport as the best boxer in the world in many people's eyes. With the arrival of his 36th birthday, retirement may be on the horizon.

Two months after the Spence fight, Crawford does not have a next opponent yet, but with options aplenty, Crawford may have the chance in the twilight of his career to cement his legacy as one of the sport's all-time greats.

(Featured Photo: Al Bello/Getty Images)

[realjediverse]

Spence vs. Crawford Fight was a Huge Success!

Many fans and pundits had been waiting years for this fight to happen, and it did not disappoint. Crawford was dominant from start to finish, and he dropped Spence four times before the referee stopped the fight in the 7th round. Crawford’s performance was widely praised, and many people believe that he is now the best welterweight in the world. Some fans even believe that he is the best…

[thedyf]

Ngl I thought it would be more competitive. Errol is cooked. It’s over.

[brian4rmthe6]

Terence “Bud” Crawford 🎣

[blackmensuited]

[something-tofightfor]

How do we feel about an 8k “Life Is Good” Frankie Morales 4th of July fic getting posted on July 7th? 

“Frankie, yes. I’m fine. You don’t have to worry about me.” Leaning back so that you could meet his eyes, your smile widened. “Are you having a good time?” Instead of answering, Frankie leaned in, tilting his head to the side and angling it to kiss you. “I’ll take this as a -” 

He cut you off midsentence, his lips soft against yours. You moved your arms to wind around his neck and Frankie pulled you closer in the same moment that he stepped forward, your lower back hitting the edge of the counter. “I’m glad you’re here.” He mumbled the words between kisses, running the tip of his nose alongside yours. “So goddamn glad you -”

“In my kitchen? Really, ‘Fish?” Peeking past Frankie, you saw Pope leaning in the doorway, both arms crossed over his chest. “And you’re in front of the window, too.” The three of you burst out laughing, Frankie kissing you once more before he let go and turned to face his friend. “Your phone was ringing, by the way. You left it on the table.” Ah, shit. Frankie nodded, thanking Pope and then headed back outside, leaving you and the other man in the kitchen.

[10point-must]

Spence - Crawford 07.29.23

Wow. Terence Crawford delivered a performance on Saturday night that will go down as one of the elite performances in boxing history, and confirmed that Crawford is among the very best ever. Errol Spence Jr was brave but had no answers for Crawford’s tool set. But here’s whats really important - the gear was great too. Crawford may have had a top 5 set ever for me, given context.

Lets start with Crawford:

He wore a black, gray and white look with a fishing net (actual fishing net, not merely a pattern). The fishing net was a reference to Spence’s “Big Shark” / “Big Fish” marketing campaign.

The netting was draped over his ring robe and was also angled across his trunks (more on this in a moment). Crawford’s trunks were otherwise black with gray and white piping along the bottom.

As referenced above, they key design piece of these trunks is fishing net over the gray angular panel that stretched from the back of the right side of the trunks around to the front, ending around the top of Crawford’s left leg. Closer inspection confirms that this was netting pattern was indeed loose fishing net:

The fishing net was risky but it was executed very well and in my opinion turns a solid look into an outstanding look that was well suited for a huge fight and historic performance. He had a couple of ads on the front of his trunks and a bedazzled CRAWFORD (in the same font as his previous fight) across the front and OMAHA across the back.

Bud wore gray Everlast gloves with his TC logo on the back of the hand.

He wore matching Everlast shoes with some netting on the inside.

Just a perfectly executed look for a big fight.

I have to give credit to Errol Spence Jr, not just for his brave performance and no-excuses post-fight behavior, but also because he delivered a pretty good look himself. He wore a white-black and red look, featuring his nickname “The Truth.”

His sleeveless warmup previewed the biker-jacket style lace-up pattern on the black leather portion of his trunks (see shoulder above and trunk side panels).

The front of Spence’s trunks were white with black leather laced trunk side panels, red trim along the bottom and a red waistband with “TRUTH” across the front. Notice that the “T”s are actually lower case. Wondering if these are religious references or just a design choice. In any case - I thought there were great trunks:

A bit of trunk detail:

Great design, nice subtle touches, burst of color on the waistband If I had a gripe it was that the back of Spence’s trunks were entirely black and the red waistband was marred by a huge white advertisement:

Not a huge deal, but it created a noticeably different visual impact depending on camera angle. When Spence was facing the cameras, we saw Spence’s clean, well crafted front-of-the-trunks look (which, by the way, also created a very pleasing contrast between his trunks and Crawford’s):

But when Spence had his back to the cameras, it looked like a completely different fight, with Spence’s less interesting back-of-trunks look (and, not a very pleasing contrast, as it appeared to be two sets of black trunks):

Overall, not a huge gripe.... a very good effort from Spence here and her seems to have moved on from his fur and neon phase (hopefully).

Spence had white Everlast gloves with red lettering and “the truth” along the back (this time entirely lowercase, unlike the waistband). I love the choice

He wore matching white Everlast shoes with red and black trim and “the truth” written on the inside arch.

Overall, excellent looks from both men and a pleasing contrast between fighters for this historic match.

Respect box.

[hankvondouche]

Bud

[frontproofmedia]

Terence Crawford - Generational Great

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By Sina Latif

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Published: August 03, 2023

Terence Crawford is the first undisputed welterweight champion in the four-belt era

Just like that, Terence Crawford is the first undisputed welterweight champion in the four-belt era. Crawford made it look easy in the most challenging and legacy-defining showdown of his career.

Crawford was facing a fellow long-time pound-for-pound elite fighter and the other leading welterweight of his era in unified champion Errol Spence Jr. It has been one of the most clamored-for fights of this generation. A perceived 50/50, and Crawford put on a clinic in a one-sided beatdown.

This fight marked a rare occurrence in the history of boxing. The last time two undefeated welterweights, both top pound-for-pound pugilists, met in a Las Vegas ring was Felix Trinidad vs. Oscar De La Hoya in September 1999. That was nearly 24 years ago. This was also the first time since 1986 when every recognized welterweight world title belt was on the line.

On a historic night, Crawford produced a historic performance. He dismantled Spence in a real all-time great performance to score a ninth-round TKO. It was advertised as The Fight of the Century. It wasn’t because it was far too one-sided for that. Instead, it was a performance for the ages.

At the final pre-fight press conference, Crawford said: “Everything about Terence Crawford is better than Errol Spence Jr. When you look at everything that I do in the ring, it’s better than Errol Spence Jr. Come fight night, I be proving each and every one of the doubters wrong once again. Terence Crawford is the best fighter in the world today.”

On fight night, everything about Crawford was better than Spence. Every remaining doubter and naysayer was proven wrong.

In the seventh round, Spence unleashed an overhand left that was bound to cause real damage. Before the punch had even landed, Crawford had landed a perfectly executed counter right uppercut with his back to the ropes, and Spence was on the canvas immediately after throwing a dangerous shot. Spence’s shot was easy on the eye and looked lethal, but Crawford’s was devastatingly perfectly placed and confidence-sapping.

Once Spence lands his most damaging punch, one that is not telegraphed and is well-disguised, and yet that punch actually ends up being to his detriment, there is little hope for him. Crawford was still going through the gears and entering that vast toolbox of his as late as the seventh round, and despite Spence’s bravery and persistence, he could not stop Crawford’s mastery and expert execution.

All three knockdowns Crawford scored were different punches: right jab, right uppercut, and right hook. A fighter who can drop an opponent with multiple punches is a fighter who is multi-dimensional, with various punches in his arsenal that can exploit openings and allows him to operate and execute at the elite level. Crawford’s right hook has always been his best shot, yet he did not even need to rely on that punch to score any knockdowns until the W was pretty much in the bag in the seventh. For Crawford to not rely on his best punch in order to dominate, an elite fighter is indicative of his sharpness and all-around ability.

This long, long-awaited showdown was guaranteed to have a significant bearing on Crawford’s legacy.

Crawford is now an all-time great. That shouldn’t really be up for debate anymore. He did what the truly great ones do and made it look easy against an elite opponent on the biggest stage. This has to be one of the greatest performances in the history of the sport on such a grand stage. To produce such a performance en route to becoming the first men’s two-weight undisputed champion in the four-belt era puts the cherry on top of a Hall of Fame career.

Spence can come again. If sense prevails, Crawford will receive all his just dues for a truly spectacular performance, and Spence won’t be scrutinized.

Muhammad Ali lost to Joe Frazier on Frazier’s biggest night. Sugar Ray Leonard lost to Roberto Duran on Duran’s biggest night. Frazier and Duran have received the utmost credit and plaudits for those great wins, and Ali and Leonard still proceeded to go down as two of the greatest fighters of the modern era.

Sometimes, great fighters simply lose to the better man on the night.

Spence lost to a generational great. Crawford is a complete fighter. He makes adjustments, is instinctive, and has the physical gifts to utilize his talents. Crawford can fight effectively in both stances and carries power in both hands with a vast array of punches in his arsenal. He is a tremendously skilled boxer who can really fight—a great fighter who is a killer at heart.

Both Spence and Crawford were undefeated heading in, and neither had even come close to losing. That is what sent an electric shock through boxing. Crawford winning was not shocking, but it was the method and the large gulf in class and quality that was. Crawford was simply faster, stronger, and smarter. His ring intelligence, speed, and ability to make adjustments were too much for Spence.

Neither man had shown any worrying bad habits or suffered any genuinely nervous moments in the ring, and that made choosing a confident pick significantly difficult. Now, people will be somewhat exaggerating Spence’s shortcomings. He has no defense. His punch resistance has gone. He has never been the same since that horrific car crash in 2019, and he is weight drained at 147 lbs.

Some of the above may be true, but Crawford did what the greats do, and he exposed Spence’s weaknesses for the world to see. No one else may ever be able to do that to Spence again as long as Spence remains the same fighter.

“Hell yeah we gotta do it again,” a spirited Spence said in his post-fight interview through his swollen and puffy lips.

Spence has the option to invoke this rematch clause, but given the one-sided nature of the first fight, is there really a demand and need for it? Will fans show their support for a rematch? Can Spence reverse that result? Is it good for Spence’s career, and more so his health, to run it back with “Bud”?

In the post-fight press conference, Spence expressed his desire for the rematch to take place at 154lbs. Crawford said he would be happy to oblige. Will the extra 7 lbs bridge the gap between the pair? That remains to be seen.

A performance and win like this might catapult Crawford to superstardom. The boxing world knew he was special. Now, the rest might sit up and take notice too. Perhaps in this new age, skills are enough to sell.

From the moment Crawford walked to the ring alongside Eminem wrapped in fish netting, then fulfilled his promise of skinning the self-acclaimed “Big Fish,” a superstar was born.

Now we have to appreciate Crawford for as long as he remains active as arguably the best fighter in boxing’s post-Mayweather/Pacquiao era. In the biggest test of his career on the grandest stage, Crawford made Spence look like he was no more capable of winning than the likes of Amir Khan and Kell Brook.

Crawford didn’t just show up. He showed up and conquered in a devastatingly beautiful style.

(Featured Photo: Esther Lin/Showtime)

[realjediverse]

Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford Fight Prediction!

Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford are two of the best welterweights in the world, and their fight on July 29, 2023 is one of the most anticipated boxing matches in recent memory. Spence is the WBC and IBF welterweight champion, while Crawford is the WBO welterweight champion. Both men are undefeated, and they have both been dominant in their recent fights. Spence is a southpaw with a…

[theanticool]

Errol Spence Jr. vs Danny Garcia - December 5, 2020

We finally got it! Errol Spence (28-0, 22 KOs) will finally face off with Terence Crawford (39-0, 30 KOs) to unify all the titles at 147lbs and arguably crown a new P4P #1 boxer on the planet. The stakes do not get much higher and I can definitely say that if you're the type of person who only turns in for one or two boxing matches a year, this should absolutely be the one. It is a legacy defining fight for two of the finest combat sports athletes going right now.

Spence and Crawford face off this Saturday (July 29) on PPV.

[grittyinc]

[blackmensuited]