To call Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford’s performance a ‘masterclass’ would be doing it a disservice
The word ‘masterclass’ has become tainted with connotations of something that can be imparted by supposed experts to transform the skills and abilities of mere mortals. You see the term being thrown around by alleged sales extraordinaire in a smugly, self-congratulatory manner as they attempt to flog their training courses to an unwitting batch of hapless salespeople with dreams of living a life like “The Wolf of Wall Street.”
What Bud did on Saturday was not a masterclass. It was not copy and paste training material that can be taught to people less talented than him to yield similar results. What Bud created on Saturday was a masterpiece. A unique demonstration of excellence rarely seen in the boxing world, that will be admired by generations of fans.
Some would freeze as the eyes of the boxing world stared unflinchingly towards the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Not Bud – a man who had perfected his craft over years and craved the moment when he could express himself to the fullest in front of an admiring audience at the expense of his nearest rival.
The word “rival” became something of an ironic description of Errol Spence, with “victim” becoming more apt as the rounds wore on. The artistry of Crawford splattered Spence’s blood and guts across the canvas serving as a reminder that the finest art can contain stark contradictions, in this case, of beauty and ugliness.
In retrospect, my delight in watching a man endure the the indignity of such a public dismantling, and who will forever be remembered as the victim of a performance that secured the legacy of his contemporary, all in the name of sport and entertainment, makes me question my own humanity and empathy – the violence on show, was so brutal, yet I couldn’t wince for worry of missing the next bludgeoning blow that would cause me to gasp in awe.
The ceremonial weigh-in may have hinted at each mans motivations prior to their clash, with Crawford leaning in towards Spence to say, “We’re going to make history, baby.” And for Spence to reply, “And make bank.” Bud certainly made history, and despite his woes on a torrid night, perhaps the millions that will pour into Spence’s bank account will soothe some of the pain he suffered and is not earned at the expense of his long-term health.
Some may now claim that Spence whose alias is “The Truth” was nothing but a cynical marketing ploy to generate hype. I disagree. I watched him maraud through the welterweight division, collecting belts and dismissing challengers with an elite combination of fine boxing fundamentals, tremendous stamina, and intangible, gritty self-belief.
Spence’s qualities were not enough against a man who can arguably sit besides the all time greats in the welterweight division. Whilst Spence has always performed exceptionally in the ring, I always sensed that boxing was a job that pays the bills. It was akin to a person clocking in to complete their nine till five shift before leaving work on a Friday, slamming their laptop down, chucking it to the side, and cracking open a beer to celebrate the beginning of a restful weekend. I suspect he enjoyed boxing, maybe even passionate about it, but it didn’t consume him.
Crawford is different. He learned how to box as a southpaw after injuring his right hand, and unsatisfied with simply mastering the craft as an orthodox fighter, he perfected it from the alternate stance too and fought from it for the entirety of his bout with Spence. The first knockdown he scored in the second round was a fine example of his excellence and creativity as he lead with his back hand before flooring Spence with his jab. An unconventional combination that he had success with throughout the contest and will surely be emulated up and down boxing gyms by aspiring boxers this week.
Crawford is a special fighter. He is immersed in boxing. Unlike many boxers, not only is it his passion, it is his purpose and on Saturday the 29th of July 2023, he left a beautiful, brutal, inimitable masterpiece that I – and many others- will revisit time and time again to marvel at.
Article sponsored by HÖRFA