“Bud” Seeks Glory: Carl Washington and the Road to the Top
Carl Washington, trainer of Terence “Bud” Crawford, reveals how his pupil pursued Canelo Álvarez, a matchup that could mark the end of an era in boxing. Washington, who runs a gym in Omaha, Nebraska, has been a key figure in Crawford’s career since its beginnings.
“I was the one who pushed him to go after Canelo,” says Washington, three months before the expected fight.
Carl Washington
Washington recalls how, almost three decades ago, he invited a young Crawford to box. Since then, “Bud’s” goal was to prove his greatness by facing the face of modern boxing: Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez.
At the CW Boxing Club gym, young boxers, both professional and amateur, share the dream of being world champions. Washington points out that for Nebraska boxers, being recognized is an additional challenge.
Washington describes Crawford as an “intense” child, recounting anecdotes of his early fights, where frustration led him to react with fury. In that same gym, where Crawford began his journey, Washington always knew that “Bud” would become a world champion.
For much of his career, boxing politics prevented Crawford from participating in big fights. His unique talent, the ability to switch stances in the middle of a fight, did not find the right opportunities to prove his worth. The fight against Canelo represents that opportunity, at 37 years old, to participate in an event that already feels historic.
Washington displays a wall with photos and clippings from Crawford’s youth, a “sanctuary” that demonstrates what is possible to achieve. The oldest photo of Crawford, in a boxer’s pose, is also found in Washington’s family Bible.
Terence “Bud” Crawford
The image description on Instagram: Terence “Bud” Crawford started boxing in Omaha, Nebraska. For Bud, facing Canelo in the ring and beating him has been a goal throughout his career.
Canelo: An Icon at the Top
At the UFC GYM in Reno, Nevada, Canelo Álvarez is preparing for the most important fight of his career. At 33 years old, Canelo has become an empire that goes beyond boxing, encompassing everything from business to luxury fashion. His manager, Richard Schaefer, predicts that he will soon be a multi-millionaire.
The fight against Crawford, billed as the “Fight of the Century”, represents a unique opportunity for Canelo. Any setback could jeopardize hundreds of millions of dollars and one of the few fights remaining in his career.
Canelo has achieved unavoidable fame, which leads him to train in the Sierra Nevada mountains, seeking isolation and concentration. His Mexican heritage plays an important role in boxing, a sport with a strong Latin influence.
“This will be one of the most important fights I’ve had. I think it will be the biggest,” says Canelo, highlighting the significance of the fight, which will be broadcast on Netflix and that, despite the disadvantages, Crawford has chances of winning.
Canelo Álvarez
Canelo Álvarez
The image description on Instagram: Crawford weighed 167.5 pounds before the super middleweight title fight against Álvarez, who fought at the same weight, on September 13th. This was the highest weight of Crawford’s career, as he made the jump from his previous divisions for the fight.
Reindeer and the Legacy of Boxing
In Reno, a historic place sets the stage for one of the most important boxing matches: the fight between Jack Johnson and Jim Jeffries in 1910. This fight, marked by racial tension, took place in a context of great social changes.
The Johnson and Jeffries fight was a reflection of the racial tensions of the time. Johnson’s victory sparked race riots across the country.
The history of boxing is linked to technological and social evolution, from clandestine fights to massive events.
Jim Jeffries
The image description on Instagram: Jim Jeffries was dubbed the “Great White Hope” in heavyweight boxing when he came out of retirement to fight Jack Johnson, the first black heavyweight champion, at the height of the Jim Crow era for what was then promoted as the “Fight of the Century”.
The American Century and Boxing
Life magazine, in 1941, published an editorial urging Americans to embrace a future of global power. Boxing, with figures like Joe Louis, became a symbol of the nation.
John “Juanito” Ornelas
The image description on Instagram: Boxing becomes a postponed dream for some. John “Juanito” Ornelas was scheduled on the card for Crawford vs. Álvarez, but was removed weeks before his debut on the big stage for one of the biggest fights of the century.
Juanito Ornelas: The Truncated Dream
John “Juanito” Ornelas, with the dream of honoring his brother, a murdered professional boxer, was preparing for the fight of his life. However, the opportunity vanished, leaving him out of the event.
Ornelas, a construction worker, sacrificed weeks of work and preparation. Disappointment and injustice marked his experience, demonstrating the cruelty of the boxing business.
Juanito Ornelas
The image description on Instagram: Ornelas, a construction worker by profession, sacrificed weeks of work and income to prepare for the fight of his life. His shoes, still impeccable, are a reminder of what could have been.
The Evolution of Boxing: From the Big Screen to Streaming
The history of boxing is intertwined with technological advancements. From the first films to radio, television, and pay-per-view, each technological advance transformed the way fights were consumed.
In 2018, streaming marked a new stage with Canelo as the main figure, signing a historic contract with DAZN. Technology continues to shape the boxing experience.
Canelo Álvarez
The image description on Instagram: It is estimated that 90,000 fans attended the 1921 heavyweight title fight between Dempsey and Carpentier. While 70,482 fans watched Canelo vs. Crawford live at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, it set a new record for the largest boxing crowd in Nevada.
The Moment of Truth: Canelo vs. Crawford
Anticipation precedes the fight, with months of preparation and promotion. The fight between Canelo and Crawford is more than a sporting event; it is a spectacle that fuses sport and entertainment.
In the stadium, the tension is palpable. The roar of the crowd, the lights, the music, everything boils down to two men in the ring, facing each other in a duel that will define the future of boxing.
