Terence Crawford is soaking it all in. For years on end, the soon-to-be 36-year-old told all who would listen that he’s in a league of his own. Yet, with many viewing his resume as tenuous, the Omaha, Nebraska, native was questioned. This past Saturday night, he finally placed those questions to rest.
Errol Spence Jr., outside of Crawford, was considered the cream of the crop – a three-belt champion with the sort of engine that forced his opponents to crumble. Spence (28-1, 22 KOs) spoke confidently during the lead-up, brazenly claiming that not only would he beat Crawford, but that he would ultimately break him.
Roy Jones Jr. appreciated the trash talk. He grabbed himself an expensive ringside seat, feasted on overpriced popcorn, and took in the sights. Through nine one-sided rounds, Jones marveled at Crawford’s handiwork. The pound-for-pound star dismantled the now former champion, dropping him three times in total before violently stopping him in the ninth. With the win, Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) became the first man in the four-belt era to become an undisputed champion in two separate weight classes.
The achievement was worth a standing ovation from Jones, but its meaning is far deeper than surface level. Jones has always appreciated the sublime skills that Crawford brought to the table.
Having been inducted into the Hall of Fame, Jones understands fully that only the best of the best deserve to be there. And while at one point, Crawford’s credentials were made fun of, Jones doesn’t hear anyone laughing anymore. From his point of view, the only thing that separated Jones from the rest of the game’s greats was a signature victory. Now, he officially has one.
“He been up there,” Jones Jr. told 210 Boxing TV. “He just didn’t have the opponent to put himself up there. That was the opponent to put himself there. Now he’s solidified.”