“My my how the tables have turned,” undisputed welterweight champion Terence Crawford tweeted on Tuesday. These words capture the sense of vindication and triumph that Crawford must be feeling after years of fighting on the margins of the welterweight division. Throughout his career, Crawford has faced criticism and the perception that top fighters like Danny Garcia and Keith Thurman did not want to face him. However, with his recent victory against Errol Spence, Crawford has proven himself as the top dog in the division.
One of the reasons why Crawford feels overlooked in the division is because he has never fought under the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) banner, unlike Garcia and Thurman. This has made it easier for PBC fighters to arrange fights among themselves, while fighters outside of the PBC circle struggled to secure bouts with them. It must be noted, though, that Spence, who has faced Crawford’s challenge, is also a PBC fighter and has shown the willingness to fight him.
Perception vs. Reality
Whether Crawford’s claim is entirely truthful or not, there is no denying that he feels slighted by Garcia and Thurman for not taking him seriously when he was the WBO welterweight champion. In a series of tweets, Crawford addresses this issue: “It’s funny how all these fighters want to fight now, but back then all they could say was I haven’t fought nobody. Now they begging looking for a check. can’t make this up.”
Crawford’s frustration is evident as he questions the credibility of these fighters who were once vocal about his lack of competition. For him, the time to face him in the ring has passed, and their sudden desire to fight him feels insincere: “All these fighters that was claiming to be they own bosses was hiding behind the term ‘call Al’ (PBC boss Al Haymon). Now they talking like they can fight whoever they want. Boy y’all some pawns, go sit down.”
The Journey to Success
Terence Crawford’s ascent to the top of the boxing world has not been an easy one. He has faced criticism, disrespect, and attempts to discredit his accomplishments. Despite these challenges, Crawford has remained determined and focused on his goal.
Reflecting on his journey, Crawford acknowledges the negativity he encountered: “Did me dirty. Had all these people that don’t know anything about boxing all trying to discredit my accomplishments. He haven’t fought nobody. Lies. But not one wanted to be that so-called somebody tho.”
Through it all, Terence Crawford has indeed risen to the top. He is the last man standing, having defeated the formidable Errol Spence. Crawford sees this as a testament to his talent and hard work: “They say the cream always rises to the top, and it looks like I’m the last man standing. I know y’all mad about it, but it’s not my plan. This is God’s plan.”
The Next Battle
Having just triumphed over Spence, Crawford is now faced with the question of who he will fight next. As the welterweight division awaits his decision, the boxing world eagerly anticipates Crawford’s next move and the continuation of his reign as the top dog.
Terence Crawford’s journey from being an underdog to becoming the undisputed welterweight champion is a story of determination and resilience. Despite facing adversity and feeling alienated within the sport, Crawford has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with. The tables have indeed turned, and Crawford now stands at the pinnacle of the welterweight division, ready to take on all challengers.
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