Last weekend, NABO lightweight champion Terence Crawford was in Las Vegas to attend Bradley vs. Marquez and I had the privilege of spending time with him and his assistant trainer, "Red." Getting to know this dynamic duo was the highlight of an entertaining weekend. It gave me an opportunity to get to know who "the real" Terence Crawford is outside of the ring. What struck me as being most commendable is the fact that he and his team have been together for nearly 19 years. Terence first began boxing at the CW Boxing Club in Omaha, Nebraska when he was just 7 years old. Now 26, he is a talented, undefeated Top Rank fighter on the cusp of fighting for his world title. Terence explained to me that their chemistry is natural and their bond is unbreakable. I felt the loyalty in his character as he spoke of his team, and that same loyalty was clear when he spoke of his girlfriend and their 3 kids.
Some boxing fans describe Terence Crawford as being "quiet," "timid," or "boring," but after spending time with him, I learned that he is quite the contrary. He loves to laugh and is very charismatic. "Bud" is super humble, very simple, and easy to please. He enjoys fishing instead of partying. Instead of popping bottles, he likes to go paintballing. Instead of traveling, he prefers to be home with his kids, watching boxing, the Huskers, the Lakers and the Green Bay Packers. Instead of having a huge entourage around him, he keeps a very small, tight circle. You won't find him trying to moonlight as a rapper, as he prefers to play basketball for fun during his downtime.
Mentally strong and wise, Terence spends his money sensibly, opting to forego the fancy cars and jewelry to instead move his family into a nicer home and buy his team a Chevy Traverse that they use to travel to Colorado Springs for training camp. He is also opening his own boxing gym which will allow USA Boxing registered fighters to train at for free. His next goal is to buy his mother a house. When I asked Terence if he drinks, without hesitation, he replied, "Nope. I don't drink alcohol, I don't do drugs, and I don't smoke." He was adamant when he informed me that he will not jeopardize his integrity or his reputation to make more money or gain more fans. Terence has pride and he plans to continue conducting himself like a gentleman while monetizing his athletic performances.
What you see is what you get with Terence Crawford. He acknowledged the fact that fans always want to see a good knockout, but he also realizes the dangers that fighters face each and every time they step into the ring and he has no plans of taking unnecessary punishment. First and foremost, Terence Crawford is a defensive fighter who is much more focused on the word "longevity." With plans for a bright future ahead of him, Terence wants to be around for a while and still able to speak clearly without sounding punch drunk before the age of 30. With that in mind, I would advice him to just keep boxing his ass off. Whether fans love him or simply love to hate him, eventually they'll tune in because he can definitely fight. He has a slick southpaw style that has been compared to Pernell Whitaker's, can stay in the pocket, can slip shots, can punch, is a great counter puncher, and an underrated body puncher. Skills are not going to be a problem for Terence Crawford as he continues to progress through his boxing career.