Terence Crawford (33-0-0, 24 KO’s) produced a masterclass at the MGM Grand to dethrone Jeff Horn (18-1-1, 12 KO’s) of the WBO welterweight title he acquired in controversial fashion last year, with a unanimous decision win over Manny Pacquiao.
Omaha’s Bud virtually dominated from the opening bell as Horn failed to land anything signficant before copping some punches of his own.
It can be said that Brisbane’s Horn was someone who certainly possessed the stubbornness of a champion and was continuously coming forward and attempting to pressure his opponent. However, it became evident to viewers early on that he was in a fight where he was thoroughly overmatched; not just technically – as many people expected prior to the first bell – but physically.
Indeed, the Hornet’s attempts to bully and rough up the assertive Crawford throughout the middle rounds were unsuccessful as he invariably came off second best in exchanges against the Nebraskan, who by this point was growing in confidence and effectively manhandling Horn whenever he got close.
As the fight progressed, proceedings became increasingly one-sided as Crawford began to almost land at will with breathtaking speed and accuracy, snapping the Australian’s head back with some sharp jabs.
Switching to orthodox in the eighth round – an ominous sign for any Crawford opponent – the former lightweight and undisputed light-welterweight champion sensed the end was near as his combinations became more spiteful and consequently a visibly hurt Horn appeared more relucant to engage.
A combination in the ninth knocked Horn down heavily, before a follow-up unanswered flurry forced referee Robert Byrd to call a halt to proceedings; a stoppage that Horn’s trainer Glenn Rushton inexplicably decried as premature.
With the win over Horn, Crawford becomes a three-weight world champion and boxing fans are now already salivating over a potential unification showdown between Crawford and similarly undefeated IBF champion Errol Spence; a fight for many reasons appears unlikely to materialise in the forseeable future.
Article by: Navi Singh
You can follow Navi on Twitter at: @hombre__obscuro