By: Hans Themistode
Terence Crawford begged and begged the best fighters in the welterweight division to take him. However, despite having a world title under his arm and being recognized as a weight star, he continues to face less competition.
With the rest of the world waiting to see how he would go up against one of the elite, Crawford proved his worth.
At the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Crawford answers every question raised about his direction. On that night, Crawford found himself standing opposite the best boxer he had ever faced Shawn Porter.
Though Porter admits he needs this win to seal his case as a future Altar, Crawford simply wants it to be more than that.
When the opening bell rang, Porter stepped forward. On the other hand, Crawford waited patiently and refused to join the fight the two-time belt holder wanted. While Crawford tries his best to stay outside and box, he has no choice but to step into Porter’s wheelhouse and fight the fire.
In the next round, Porter continued to attack relentlessly and relentlessly. Although Crawford tried harder to hold his position this time, he continued to fight back with his hind legs.
Over the course of his career, Crawford has gotten used to having things his way. On this night, however, Porter would not hear it.
As the third period passed, Crawford began to find his rhythm again. He bounced back and forth and began tagging Porter with hard hits. Proving that his chin was made of pure granite, Porter was very receptive to hits.
As the action continues, both men appear to exchange winning rounds. Porter’s mass attack seemed to overwhelm Crawford at times, while the WBO belt holder, on other occasions, fought disciplined to win many close rounds.
When phase eight was announced, Porter seemed to be among the new ideas. His pounding attack and punch selection from every angle didn’t affect the weight star as he was picked on the way.
With momentum firmly in his corner, Porter managed to grapple with it. However, that proved to be an unfortunate mistake.
In a mid-ring exchange in the 10th round, Porter connected with a powerful right-arm jump that shook Crawford’s head. Although he was physically forced back, Crawford landed a combo of his own, the latter representing the first knockdown of the night.
Although he was first placed on the canvas during battle, Porter bounced back and appeared normal. Soon after, Porter landed heavily straight with his right hand. Even as the former star fought bravely, Crawford had him where he wanted. He connected with a giant right arm on Porter and followed it up with several unanswered hits.
Once Porter got on deck, he was furious. He punched the tarp three times before getting up again. Although he showed no desire to continue, head coach and father, Kenny Porter, stood on an apron and waved to their contest.
While it was arguably the biggest win of Crawford’s career, he was quick to take a moment to hug his longtime friend before celebrating with his family in the ring.
