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Remembering “The Butterfly” Tyrone Crawley

Do you think Tyrone Crawley could be a champion today in the lightweight division?

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The Lightweight division of the 1980’s was arguably the best in boxing during that era. It included all-time great champions and boxing hall of famers such as Alexis Arguello, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, Hector Camacho, Edwin Rosario and Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker. Other outstanding fighters included: Hilmer Kenty, Jim Watt, Andy Ganigan, Sean O’Grady, Rodolfo “Gato” Gonazlez, Jose Luis Ramirez, Howard Davis, JR., Livingstone Bramble, Jimmy Paul, Harry Arroyo, Robin Blake, Cornelius Boza-Edwards, Roger Mayweather, Vinny Pazienza, Greg Haugen and we’re just scratching the surface here. One name I haven’t mentioned yet is Tyrone “The Butterfly” Crawley.

Crawley was an outstanding fighter in his own right, a victim of the incredible depth in the Lightweight division back in those days. Tyrone was born on November 2, 1958. He compiled an outstanding amateur record of 56-6 and was an All Army Champion in the late 1970’s. Crawley hailed from Philadelphia but he was an atypical “Philly” fighter. Tyrone was a slick boxer who could switch effortlessly between the orthodox and southpaw stance. Among his other gifts the cerebral Crawley was an accomplished chess player. However, consistent with Philadelphia’s best traditions, he was also one very tough competitor.

Crawley began his professional career with a decision victory over Isidro Perez in October 1980. After winning his first 8 fights he challenged Al “Earthquake” Carter for the ESPN Lightweight title and captured a 12 round decision victory. One month later, Crawley defeated future WBA JR Welterweight champion Gene Hatcher by a 10 round decision. Next he defended his ESPN Lightweight championship against rugged contender Melvin Paul in February 1983. Fighting with two broken bones in his left hand, Crawley dropped a 12 round decision, losing for the first time in his career.
Nine months later Crawley travelled to Levelland, Texas to face top Lightweight contender Robin Blake. Crawley entered the fight as a heavy underdog against the red-hot, undefeated Blake who had defeated tough contenders Ruben Munoz, Tony Baltazar and Melvin Paul. Entering the fight, Blake was in line for a Lightweight title opportunity against Ray Mancini. However, Tyrone played spoiler, out boxing and outclassing the Texan in his hometown. He rocked Blake in the third round on the way to winning a convincing 10 round decision. The “Butterfly” had proven he was for real and vaulted to the top of the Lightweight rankings.

Crawley won his next four fights but was unable to secure a shot at the title in spite of the fact that he was more than deserving. Perhaps it was a case of high risk, little reward for the champions of the day. Crawley was a tough, slick and dangerous opponent. Given that the division was stacked with contenders and big names, why would anyone take a chance with Crawley? Eventually Tyrone became the mandatory WBA #1 contender but accepted a $150,000 payment to step aside for the Bramble-Mancini rematch in 1985.

In June 1985, Crawley captured the USBA Lightweight title with a 12 round decision victory over crosstown rival and former IBF Lightweight champion Charlie “Choo Choo” Brown. Finally, Crawley received a long overdue title opportunity against WBA champion Livingstone Bramble in February 1986. The “Butterfly” was effective over the first 8 rounds but faded late in the fight. Ultimately, Bramble defeated him by a 13th round knockout. This would be Crawley’s first and last shot at a world championship. Tyrone would go on to win his next three fights and was still a major force in the Lightweight division by early 1988. Inexplicably, he chose to retire at the age of 29.

What we didn’t know, however, is that Tyrone never planned on a long career. He’d been preparing for life after boxing for years. He was not going to be one of those guys who hung on too long and lived to regret it. He studied Criminal Justice at Temple University and joined the Philadelphia Police Department in 1986. Ultimately, he became the Director of the Philadelphia Police Athletic League. Crawley retired with a professional record of 22-2, 7 KO’s and was elected to both the New Jersey and Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame. Had he competed in another era he almost certainly would have become a world champion. Nonetheless, somehow I doubt he has any regrets. He fought his career of his own terms and now derives satisfaction from passing on his hard earned experience and wisdom to the youth of Philadelphia.

 

 

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