To those outside the ‘hardcore’ boxing fan base and other’s outside the geography in America where he is from, WBO light-welterweight champion Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford still seems to go under the radar a tad with the wider public.
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This weekend he returns to action in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, when he takes on Montreal-based Haitian challenger Dierry Jean.
Jean not too long ago was employed as one of Manny Pacquiao’s chief sparring partners before last May’s massive showdown with Floyd Mayweather and by all accounts, handled himself fairly admirably with the Filipino.
Inside the ring as a professional he’s been exemplary, too, having only ever lost via a close points decision to Lamont Peterson last year while fighting in the American’s home state of Washington.
Having bulit up a respectable record of 29-1 (20KO) he’s certainly no pushover, but the supremely gifted Crawford will prove to be a hard nut to crack.
The incredibly skilled young champion (26) Crawford will also have physical advantages of being the naturally bigger man, taller and will enjoy a slight reach advantage.
Despite Crawford’s stellar dismantling of bewildered challengers thus far, he’s still not had that one break out fight just quite yet.
The Top Rank handled maestro is on a real roll particularly in his last four fights, having dealt with four renowned names in boxing (Ricky Burns, Yuri Gamboa, Ray Beltran and Thomas Dulorme) in scintillating fashion.
His star is rapidly rising within the boxing world but his soft spoken, quiet nature, has perhaps not marketed him as quickly as others who prefer to talk up fights have enjoyed.
That won’t bother this special talent though, who at 26-0 (18K0) has the world at his feet, already is world champion, and looks set to make a massive splash in 2016.
This weekend will be a good test from a speed perspective for Crawford, but his ability to switch-hit, control distance and mix up his punch variation quicker than you can say “boo”, should see him break down a spirited Jean inside the distance.
(Image credit: Ring Magazine Online)
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