COME OUT WRITING
Canelo Alvarez is a great fighter. He fought the best of several weight classes in an impressive way. One of the best in years. Then there was Terence Crawford. Not only did he fight the perfect fight, he really fought. Not only was he moving perfectly in and out, he also scored with big shots. It reminded me of Hagler- Leonard. Leonard fought a clever fight, piling up the points necessary to win. Against an all-time great. Canelo said it best: He couldn’t get a grip on Crawford. All credit to the winner. And also to the one who lost – fighting hard and no excuses. Jaap Paulsen
One Pace
EVERY STRIDE BUILDS STRENGTH
KING CRAWFORD Terence Crawford truly showcased to the world what it’s been missing out on. He was exceptional, relentlessly attacking and maintaining his defensive stance throughout the entire 12 rounds. He engaged in toe-to- toe combat with Canelo Alvarez throughout the fight. While I believe Canelo gave it his all, he simply couldn’t comprehend Crawford’s fighting style. And that’s what makes Crawford remarkable – his adaptability. In my opinion, Crawford is the Michael Jordan/GOAT of this era, and he’s a fighter every aspiring boxer should study. Stuart Stilwell Crawford, gracious in victory, did not try to diminish Canelo’s legacy and personally returned the defeated fighter’s belts. Canelo, humble in defeat, made no excuses and maintained that he did everything he could to win. He praised the skill of Crawford and admitted the new champion was the better man that
evening. These are the kind of role models all men should look toward in today’s adversarial age. A true champion has talent, takes real risks and respects both his opponent and the ultimate outcome. This was a beautiful night for boxing on many levels, and I cannot think of a better face for the sport right now than Terence Crawford. Joe Vandeven Crawford won because he fought Canelo exactly the way he should have. Through fast footwork (which Canelo lacks), jabs and combos, Bud effectively took him apart. Piece by piece, round by round. He didn’t engage in too much power punching; Canelo has a strong chin and has taken heavy blows from big fighters before. I knew that Crawford would win by decision and the fight would go the distance. He effectively put on a boxing clinic. It’s not so much heavy punching as it is time-tested, fundamental technique. Mike Moorhead
Impossible. That’s what many said as Crawford dared to be great. Then they tried saying he was only in it for the payday. I’ve watched all kinds of narratives, only to watch Bud defeat them all. From “he don’t sell” to “he’s on the wrong side of the street” to “he is too small.” All along the way, TBC took many 0s. He fought every style put in front of him. It took around six years, but he made a meme out of ESJ once he finally got the fight. Even I questioned if Canelo was too big a bite. Once the first three rounds were over, it was clear who would win. The fight reminded me of the Spence fight, except Canelo has a chin. Bud Crawford cemented himself in the top five pound-for-pound of all time. His legacy of what he does for the kids and the city of Omaha will live way past his sports legacy. I don’t forget either that it takes his whole team. TBC listening to trainers made everything possible. Eric D
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