Carl Washington, Terence Crawford’s trainer, predicted: “I was the one who pushed him to go after Canelo.” A few weeks before the most anticipated fight of the year, and perhaps the last great battle of its kind, Washington speaks enthusiastically about Crawford, whom he calls “Bud.” This fight represents for Crawford the opportunity to demonstrate his greatness against the modern face of boxing: Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez.
Washington, owner of a boxing gym in Omaha, Nebraska, has known Crawford since his childhood. It was he who, almost three decades ago, suggested to a young Crawford, who lived near his house, that he join the world of boxing. “I asked him, ‘Do you know what your dream fight would be?'”, Washington recalls. “Canelo. That way you and your grandchildren can retire.”
As Washington recounts the story, young boxers fill the CW Boxing Club gym, where they dream of being champions. For many, being from Nebraska implies being underestimated, but it also drives them to fight. “Bud was a tough kid,” says Washington, recalling Crawford’s youth. He recounts how, in his first fight, frustration led Crawford to tears, ripping off his gloves and wanting to fight bare-knuckled. “He just started punishing him, he didn’t want to stop,” Washington remembers, pointing to the ring where the boxers are preparing.
Crawford, who has his own gym in North Omaha, began his training at the CW Boxing Club. There, for a long time, few outside of Omaha knew his name. Years of waiting culminated in this fight. Boxing politics prevented Crawford from having big fights, but now, at 37 years old, he had the opportunity to participate in the fight he had longed for. “Let me show you something,” says Washington, guiding through his gym. On a wall, a shrine to Crawford, photographs and clippings from his beginnings, including a photo of when he was a child, ready to box. Washington built this space to show what is possible.Terence “Bud” Crawford comenzó a boxear en Omaha, Nebraska. Para Bud, enfrentarse a Canelo y derrotarlo fue una meta de carrera.Description of the publication: Title of the publication
Canelo: Preparation and Pressure
Canelo Álvarez, at the UFC gym in Reno, Nevada, adjusts details three weeks before the fight. The match, billed as “the Fight of the Century”, represents the most-watched event of his career. Canelo, the image of boxing for more than a decade, has built a global brand. His manager, Richard Schaefer, predicts that he will soon be a multimillionaire. The fight represents a significant risk for Canelo, as a postponement could cost him millions and jeopardize the few fights he has left in his career.
Canelo’s preparation involves isolation and concentration. His Mexican heritage plays a key role, as boxing in the United States has become a predominantly Latino sport. “This will be one of the most important fights I’ve had,” says Canelo, who knows that a defeat would hurt him as a boxer and as a brand.Crawford pesó 167.5 libras antes de la pelea por el título de peso supermediano contra Álvarez, quien peleó con el mismo peso, el 13 de septiembre. Este fue el peso más alto en la carrera de Crawford, ya que hizo el cambio de sus divisiones anteriores para la pelea.
The Legacy of Boxing and Sin City
In Reno, a historical marker commemorates the 1910 fight between Jack Johnson and Jim Jeffries, marked by racial tension. The fight, which took place amidst segregation, sparked race riots after Johnson’s victory, resulting in violence and deaths.
The fight between Canelo and Crawford, in the current context, is an event that is broadcast through Netflix, with more than 300 million subscribers worldwide, which increases its reach and importance. The fight becomes an opportunity for Canelo, despite the disadvantages, as Crawford has the ability to win.Jim Jeffries fue llamado la “Gran Esperanza Blanca” en el boxeo de peso pesado cuando salió de su retiro para pelear contra Jack Johnson, el primer campeón de peso pesado negro, en el apogeo de la era de Jim Crow por lo que entonces se promocionó como la “Pelea del Siglo”.
Boxing and Technological Evolution
The coverage and consumption of major fights have evolved with technological advances. From the filming of the Corbett-Fitzsimmons fight in 1897 to radio, television, and pay-per-view broadcasts, each medium represented a milestone. In 2018, streaming joined this evolution, with Canelo signing a millionaire contract with DAZN.El boxeo es un sueño aplazado para algunos. John “Juanito” Ornelas estaba programado en la cartelera de Crawford vs. Álvarez, pero fue removido semanas antes de su debut en el gran escenario para una de las peleas más grandes del siglo.The anticipation before the bell rings is incomparable. Months of preparation, press tours, training, and the tracking of documentary teams culminate in the moment of the fight. The ring, the sound, the lights, and the celebrities fade away to leave only two men facing each other.
In the heart of the fight, the true essence of the rival is revealed. For Crawford, that moment came in the intermediate rounds. The strength and power of Canelo, which were supposed to be his advantages, were felt in a way that Crawford could perceive, beyond what he could…
