Terence Crawford can dominate the 154-pound division

By Jack Walsh

NEW WBA super-welterweight and WBO super-welterweight interim champion Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford has proven his hall of fame status, annihilating all competition he faced in the ring during his reign as king between 135lbs and 147lbs.

That is until Saturday night, when Israil Madrimov truly gave the Omaha native a run for his money at 154lbs.

While the fight started off relatively slow, it was evident that Madrimov moved around the ring uniquely, in a way that Crawford was not used to. Timing his forceful right hand in an attempt to break down Bud, with a new form of power, while also employing his stiff jab. In round eight, Madrimov enjoyed particular success connecting back-to-back rights.

It wasn’t until the later rounds that Crawford was able to land combos that may have been the deciding factor of the fight, like a left uppercut with roughly 30 seconds remaining in the eleventh, and a nice jab, straight and hook (one, two, three) to conclude the round.

Notably, Bud was hit with more pressing shots than we’ve seen in previous bouts, and for the first time in his career under the mainstream spotlight, showed actual signs of physical damage, even if just a swollen right eye.

The reality is simple, but one that many Crawford fans don’t want to face: the journey which started at 135, now at 154, is drastic, and Bud may not look as quick and smooth as we’re used to in the super-welterweight division — at least right away.

Additionally, we as boxing fans see how Canelo fights, walking down opponents and throwing hefty power shots, letting go of both of his hands without hesitation.

Canelo walking down Crawford, and catching and shooting, especially to the body, will prove lethal for Bud — who is just too small to come out victorious, especially with just one fight under his belt at a higher weight.

If Bud takes damage at 154, you better believe he’ll feel that same pain — and worse — 14 pounds heavier.

Unquestionably, the fight with Canelo seems like an unnecessary event to prove greatness to the world, which Crawford has already done time and time again.

In short, if Bud can rip through the super-welterweight division and become a lineal champ in his late thirties, his legacy will be cemented as a top 10 boxer in history.

Additionally, we as boxing fans see how Canelo fights, walking down opponents and throwing hefty power shots, letting go of both of his hands without hesitation.

Canelo walking down Crawford, and catching and shooting, especially to the body, will prove lethal for Bud — who is just too small to come out victorious, especially with just one fight under his belt at a higher weight.

If Bud takes damage at 154, you better believe he’ll feel that same pain — and worse — 14 pounds heavier.

Unquestionably, the fight with Canelo seems like an unnecessary event to prove greatness to the world, which Crawford has already done time and time again.

In short, if Bud can rip through the super-welterweight division and become a lineal champ in his late thirties, his legacy will be cemented as a top 10 boxer in history.