Pundit Andre Ward received on his soapbox to argue that Terence Crawford ought to be within the combine to be thought of the Face of Boxing. Ward feels that Crawford’s reputation places him in the identical class as Canelo Alvarez and Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis for the Face of the game.
Ward’s inclusion of Crawford within the Face of Boxing combine is senseless except he’s confused about what it means. It is sensible to incorporate Crawford within the pound-for-pound discussions as a result of he’s appeared good in sure fights, however he’s not a PPV draw or a fighter that sells seats.
The PPV Kings: Canelo and Tank
Mexican celebrity Canelo remains to be the king of PPV within the U.S., and Gervonta is trailing behind him. His final combat in opposition to Frank Martin introduced in 350K.
Earlier than that, Tank did 1.2 million in opposition to Ryan Garcia, however these numbers have been attributable to Kingry’s reputation. Canelo’s final combat in opposition to Jaime Munguia was 560K, which is way increased than Tank’s current match in opposition to Martin.
“Once I consider the Face of Boxing, I take into consideration Canelo Alvarez, Gervonta Davis, however then you can also’t omit Terence Crawford,” mentioned pod host Andre Ward to All of the Smoke, together with Terence Crawford within the Face of Boxing combine, regardless that he can’t promote out stadiums or herald PPV buys.
Age, Fashion, and Fan Attire
Crawford, 36, has fought solely annually since 2020 and may’t promote out stadiums or herald PPV buys except he’s combating Errol Spence. Earlier than combating Errol final 12 months, if introduced in 700K PPVs, Crawford’s highest numbers have been the 150K for a match in opposition to Amir Khan in 2019.
In Crawford’s final combat in opposition to Israil Madrimov on August third, it’s rumored to have pulled in between 75K to 100K PPV buys. These are properly in need of what Canelo Alvarez and Tank Davis are doing for his or her fights.
Crawford’s downside is that he’s getting outdated. He’s been combating annually, and his model isn’t fan-friendly. He appeared good in opposition to the pale Errol Spence, however he didn’t look spectacular in opposition to Madrimov of their chess match, and he’s been uninteresting to look at in lots of his different fights. I can depend on one hand the variety of entertaining fights Crawford has had throughout his profession, and that’s the explanation he’s not the Face of Boxing.
Crawford is extra of a boxer, not a brawler or knockout artist like Canelo and Tank Davis. To be a giant star within the U.S. on this period, you’ve received to be entertaining to look at by going for knockouts.
Shifting Fan Enchantment
The Mayweather period is over, and followers have modified. They’ve change into accustomed to seeing knockouts within the UFC and count on pure leisure when watching boxing occasions.
Crawford is in the identical boat as Mayweather and Shakur Stevenson, having a mode that doesn’t appeal to followers on this period.
