Terence Crawford: A Budding Super Star in the Making

By “The Commissioner” Alan J. Kindred

Tomorrow night on HBO, WBO Junior Welterweight Champion and RSR #5 Terence “Bud” Crawford, 26-0, 18 KO’s, will defend his world title against Haitian born Canadian, Dierry Jean, 29-1, 20 KO’s. Crawford is heavily favored, and many boxing pundits view this as a showcase bout for the ultra-talented Crawford. Jean has only one defeat, to former world titlist and RSR #1 Lamont Peterson, losing by unanimous decision. Other than his one major step up Jean has fought mostly lesser opposition, and has rarely left the confines of Canada. He has beaten a few fringe contenders such as Lanardo Tyner, Cleotis Pendarvis, and Jerry Belmontes, but hasn’t done much to suggest he is on Crawford’s level. Most assume Crawford will be the victor, and only ponder whether or not Jean will last the distance or not.

Showcase or not, fans will be tuning in to see Crawford practice his craft. While already a super star in his home state of Nebraska, his growing popularity throughout the sport is growing with each outing. He continues to climb the pound for pound rankings as he impresses with his skill, patience, and power. He seems to have the whole package, skills, a likable personality, and a fun boxing style to watch. He can be scientific and barbaric at the same time, reminding some of Pernell Whitaker one minute, with his defensive prowess, and Ray Leonard the next, as his killer instinct is on display. The only question is how high can his star rise?

With the emergence of Viktor Postol as the new World Champion at 140 pounds, Crawford has a formidable foe to deal with in the Junior Welterweight division. Both men are in the pound for pound rankings and a potential bout between the two would have major implications regarding elite status in the sport. If Crawford were to defeat Postol in dominant fashion, the pound for pound discussion would go from Crawford being one of the best pound for pound, to perhaps THE best pound for pound. He is not without other stellar competition besides Postol as well. The 140 pound division is packed full of talented name opponents. Matthysse, Provodnikov, Benavides, Herrera, Lundy, Orozco, and Soto are all viable opponents that regular HBO. While the rival network SHO and PBC have other name fighters such as Broner, it may be difficult to make those matches any time soon. Crawford has the rivals there to begin racking up high quality victories as his super star status rises. All he needs to do is to keep winning. I imagine he would be favored against anyone in the division, except perhaps Postol, which some may think of as a 50/50 proposition. If Crawford can run the gauntlet undefeated, including a victory over Postol, he could be a PPV star before he even climbs to 147 pounds. As you know, the 147 pound division is also stocked full with talent and names as well, but that is a topic for another day. For now, Crawford has put the 140 pound division on notice, let us watch his climb to greatness.

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