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The main event of the HBO Boxing telecast this Saturday evening is a 12-round lightweight world title showdown, featuring Terence Crawford against Ray Beltran. In the undercard, unbeaten featherweights Evgeny Gradovich and Jayson Velez square off in a 12-round title bout, and both fights are live from Century Link Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

Right here, you can find the complete Crawford vs. Beltran weigh-in results and photos.

Crawford vs. Beltran Weights

  • Terence Crawford: 135 lbs.
  • Ray Beltran: 134.8 lbs.
  • Evgeny Gradovich : 126 lbs.
  • Jayson Velez: 126 lbs.

 

 

 

 

 

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http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/crawford-beltran-gradovich-velez-make-weight-271611

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By Karl Freitag
Photos: Chris Farina/Top Rank

Undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) lightweight world champion Terence “Bud” Crawford and #1 contender and mandatory challenger Ray Beltran faced off Wednesday at their final news conference before they fight for Crawford’s world title on Saturday night at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Also on hand was undefeated International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight champion Evgeny Gradovich, who defends his belt against unbeaten contender Jayson Velez.

Terence Crawford: Come Saturday I’m gonna be ready. I know Team Beltran are ready. They trained hard. They’re gonna bring 110%, 120%, that night they’re gonna bring it all. But it’s my job to bring 200% to make sure I keep my title and get that Ring belt. But it’s not all about that Ring belt, it’s about me being the best I can be and continuing to be successful in this game that I love to do…come Saturday I’m going to lay it all on the line like I do every other time.

Ray Beltran: I’m fighting Terence Crawford, a very difficult fighter, a good champion. I’m dedicating this fight to the 43 students that got executed in Mexico…I’m ready, thank God, for this great opportunity. I’m in great shape, I feel good, I’m ready, so motivated. I hope I give Omaha, all the people a good show Saturday night. I’m ready, I can’t wait!

Evgeny Gradovich: I hope it’ll be a good fight. Thanks to my team for a good training camp at the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy.

Jayson Velez: I don’t have too much to say. This is a great fight. The “Mexican-Russian is a great fighter, but I’m Boriqua. This is gonna be a war. I’ve been training very hard. I know what Gradovich is capable of. You have two young, undefeated fighters who throw many punches. This is gonna be a great, great fight.

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http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/crawford-beltran-ready-to-rumble-271345

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Photos: Chris Farina / Top Rank –

WBO Lightweight champion Terence Crawford “the Pride of Omaha” and #1 contender and mandatory challenger Ray Beltran of Mexico worked out on Monday during “media day” in advance of their upcoming world title clash in Omaha, Nebraska.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Tecate, Crawford vs. Beltran will take place during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend on Saturday, November 29, at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha,NE. It will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark.

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http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/crawford-update-271211

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By David Finger \ Photos: Joel A. Colon/WBO\

The third and final day of the 27th annual WBO Convention kicked off yesterday morning, and as anticipated, the open forum of the championship and ratings committees was not without fireworks. The day began with a short video presentation of the charitable work done by both the WBO and numerous WBO champions to promote the WBO “Kids Drug Free” program.

The second order of business came when Vice President John Duggan proposed a resolution that clarified that the position of “vice president of the China Zone” is now vacant and that the China commission is not to use any trademarks or logos. The resolution would also transfer this over to the Asia Pacific region. The resolution would be passed unanimously.

There then followed a brief discussion of the 2015 budget and a proposed amendment to the budget, which passed as well. Following this budget discussion, Joe Cortez briefly spoke of the role of instant replay in Nevada. “Instant replay in Nevada has been in play for two years,” Cortez said, “but it hasn’t been used.” Cortez noted that in Nevada only a referee has the discretion to overturn his or her decision, before adding that the “door was open” to any adjustments that needed to be made in regards to the rule as it stands in Nevada.

From there WBO junior welterweight champion Chris Algieri spoke of the importance of being a role model as a champion.

“Being a champion is a world wide title,” Algieri said, “there are a lot of eyes on you. A lot of young eyes. As a champion you want to present yourself to the world as a champion. As a role model.” Algieri was subsequently presented the WBO Gordy Volkman Man of the Year Award for Outstanding Community Service.

Following the presentation of the Gordy Volkman Award to Algieri, the discussion then turned to where to host the 2015 WBO Convention. Although the Philippines had been the early front runner, having been named in 2013 as the location of the 2015 convention, it was passed over for Florida. Citing concerns over the recent typhoon in the Philippines, and the impact that had on the feasibility of hosting the event there, President Valcarcel accepted a recommendation for the 2015 WBO Convention to be held in Orlando, Florida. Puerto Rico was named as a backup location. President Valcarcel, however, indicated a strong desire to eventually have the WBO convention in the Philippines in the near future.

A brief video fallowed in which highlights of the 2013 WBO Convention in Budapest was shown. Heavyweight Charles Martin was awarded the NABO fighter of the year award at that time as well as several other special recognition awards to journalist Pedro Fernandez, Ulf Steinforth, and Wladimir Klitschko. Wilfried Sauerland was given an award after having been named “European Promoter of the Year” as well.

From there the ever contentious championship and ratings committee kicked off with their session.

This started in the mini-flyweight division, where Japanese matchmaker Ulysses Sato pushed to have his fighter enter the WBO rankings.

There were no requests at junior flyweight and only one at flyweight (to move an undefeated European champion into the WBO ranks). However, the relative lack of controversy in the lowest weight classes was not a harbinger of what would follow, as the discussions became more intensive starting with the junior bantamweight division. Representatives for #5 ranked Paul Butler requested a move to #1 or, in the alternative, to have the winner of the Paul Butler-Jamie Conlan fight be named the mandatory challenger. Conlan is ranked #7 by the WBO. Although Frank Warren’s request to have the winner of the Butler-Conlan fight named “interim champion” was denied, the committee and President Valcarcel did agree to name the winner of that fight as mandatory challenger for champion Omar Narvaez.

At bantamweight several promoters made arguments to have their fighters move into the top ten, most notably #13 ranked Pungluang Sor Sinyu and #14 ranked Lee Haskins.

At junior featherweight the executive committee did acknowledge the difficulties that Guillermo Rigondeaux was having finding opponents willing to take him on. Hedi Taouab Mohammed initially pushed to have his fighter, #4 ranked Zsolt Bedak, move up in the rankings before President Valcarcel inquired about a possible matchup between Bedak and #2 ranked Genesis Servania.

At featherweight a compelling argument was put forth by representatives of King Sports to have undefeated Colombian banger Miguel Marriaga move into the top ten. A proposed fight between #8 ranked British bomber Mark McCollough and #5 ranked Polish fighter Kamil Laszczyk was also discussed, as well as the possibility of the winner of that fight moving up into the top four. Ulysses Sato made a push to have Filipino Mark Gil Melligen, the #13 ranked WBO Oriental champion, move into the top ten.

A familiar name was brought up in the junior lightweight discussions as Main Events pushed to have Edner Cherry return to the top ten on the basis of his nine fight winning streak. President Valcarcel seemed open to the proposal.

At lightweight it appeared highly likely that Juan Diaz might move up from #3 to #1 after the current #1 contender, Ray Beltran, fights the WBO champion Terence Crawford. The prospect of the #1 slot opening up brought out numerous other requests, including one from representatives of #4 ranked Anthony Crolla. However, that request was immediately challenged by Frank Warren, who reminded the executive committee that Crolla “never fought anyone in the WBO top 15” before offering his fighter, #9 ranked Terry Flanagan as a strong candidate to move up.

At junior welterweight the recognition that the title may be at play in the coming months also led to a contentious and colorful discussion. Ruslan Provodnikov’s camp made an argument to have him leapfrog #1 ranked Lucas Matthysse. Several fighters had representatives push to have them move into the top ten, including Emanuel Taylor and veteran Paul Spadafora.

In the welterweight division several promoters jockeyed to have their fighters move up, with the most notable being undefeated Canadian prospect Mikael Zewski, undefeated Fredrick Lawson, and the winner of the upcoming Jeff Horn-Robson Assis fight. Horn, the WBO Oriental Champion, is ranked #11 while Assis, the WBO Latino champion, is ranked #12.

In the junior middleweight division Frank Warren pushed to have #10 ranked Liam Smith move up while representatives of #13 ranked Sirimongkol Singwancha also pushed to have the Thai based fighter move into the top ten.

In the middleweight division the biggest news came when the WBO championship and rating committee voted unanimously to name the winner of a proposed four fighter elimination as the top middleweight. The first fight, between #4 ranked Andy Lee and #1 ranked Matt Korobov, would then face the winner of the Billy Saunders –Chris Eubank fight. Saunders is currently ranked #2 while Eubanks is ranked #9. Also noteworthy in the discussions regarding the middleweight division were proposals to move Abraham Han into the world rankings as well as a push to have Willie Monroe Jr. move up in the rankings.

In the light heavyweight division several fighters received pushes to move up the rankings including #11 ranked Isidro Ranoni Prieto, who already is emerging as arguably the most popular fighter ever from Paraguay.

In the cruiserweight division a second four fighter elimination looks likely as the winner of the upcoming Tony Bellew-Nathan Cleverly fight would fight either #1 ranked Krzysztof Glowacki or #3 ranked Nuri Seferi with the winner being named the mandatory for WBO Champion Marco Huck. Bellew is currently ranked #4 while Cleverly is currently ranked #5.

In the heavyweight division the discussion revolved around Wladimir Klitschko and who his next mandatory challenger would be, as well as when he would be required to fight that fighter. After some discussion, it became apparent that the winner of the upcoming Tyson Fury-Dereck Chisora fight would be named mandatory challenger to the WBO champion, although the timetable of that mandatory defense was still not set in stone.

Rounding off the event was the gala banquet in which the family of the recently deceased Dan Goossen was presented with an honorary WBO belt. Several other awards were handed out, including WBO Promoter of the year (Bob Arum), WBO Fight of the year (Crawford-Gamboa), WHO female fighter of the year (Carolina Duer), WBO fighter of the year (Sergey Kovalev), Spanish Network of the year (Telemundo), and an award to Vasyl Lomachenko, who was given an award for being the WBO champion with the brightest future. Rounding off the gala banquet was a touching and moving ceremony where both Joe Calzaghe and Oscar De La Hoya were awarded lifetime champion awards by the WBO. Both Calzage and De La Hoya gave moving speeches about their ties to the WBO, and how important the WBO belt had meant to them as fighters.

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http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/giant-wbo-2014-convention-day-three-report-266898

Date:  Saturday, June 28, 2014

WBO Lightweight Championship Bout

Location:  CenturyLink Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA

Promoter:  Top Rank

Supervisor:  John Duggan

Referee:  Genaro Rodriguez

Judges:  Levi Martinez 78-72 | judge: Dennis Nelson 78-72 | judge:  Robert Hecko 77-73

Results:   Terence Crawford retained the WBO Lightweight Title by TKO on 9th. round against Yuriorkis Gamboa.

TV:  USA HBO

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By Bill Green/BG Sports Entertainment
Photo: Chris Farina/Top Rank

Fight week has arrived and WBO lightweight world champion Terence “Bud” Crawford (23-0, 16 KOs), of Omaha, Nebraska, took time out of his busy training routine to discuss his much talked about world title defense against fellow undefeated former champion and Olympic gold medalist Yuriorkis Gamboa (23-0, 16 KOs) live on HBO Boxing After Dark this Saturday night at the CenturyLink Center located in Omaha, Nebraska. The event is being promoted by Top Rank, in association with SMS Promotions, PS4 and Tecate.

Hello champ, thank you for taking time out of your schedule and supporting the #1 boxing website, www.fightnews.com. How is training camp going?

Camp went real well as always. I have a great team. They have been there since day one. We put in the work necessary to compete at this level. Colorado Springs is perfect for conditioning and we had great sparring as well. We did everything we normally do but just more of it. We are taking things to the next level.

On June 28th, Omaha, Nebraska and Terence Crawford will be making new history in the boxing world. For instance, first televised HBO Boxing After Dark card in Nebraska, Top Rank’s first appearance in Nebraska, and the first major boxing card at the CenturyLink Center. How does it feel to be part of Nebraska history?

Wow, I mean it’s a real honor. This is home. This is where it all started. I’m truly blessed and thankful to all my supporters.

Champ, your popularity has soared since becoming a household name and capturing the WBO lightweight title. You received the key to the city, appeared on several sports talk shows and gave back to the community by talking to students throughout the Omaha Public Schools district. How has the fame changed you inside and outside the ring?

I feel like it hasn’t really changed me in terms of who I am. I feel like this is my responsibility as a champion. Before the Burns fight, I promised the kids/students that I would be back but that I would be bringing the belt with me. If anything, the added attention makes me train even harder. I love my city and on June 28th, I will fight my heart out.

Since you mentioned the Burns fight, how would you rate your performance?

It was a great night, we got the job done and that’s what counts. However, I felt like I could have done better. I give my performance a B. I adjusted and took control of the fight after a few rounds but made a few mistakes that I will correct heading into this fight with Gamboa.

At the press conference to announce the fight, most boxing insiders were surprised to see you be more vocal and outspoken. I believe it started after hearing Gamboa boast about his accomplishments, including being a former Olympic Gold Medalist, and three-time world champion. Any bad blood with Team Gamboa or is this simply a champion coming out of his shadow?

Crawford: No, there is no bad blood at least on our end. I just want him to know that this is my city, he’s the challenger. Also, this isn’t the amateurs and everyone else he beat in the pros weren’t Terence Crawford.

I have noticed some back and forth comments from both camps on social media. SMS Promotions, aka a 50 Cent, Promoter of Gamboa, boldy predicted that his fighter will stop you in four rounds, while Gamboa himself stated that he faced the better opposition in his career and that his combination of power/speed will be the deciding factor. How would you like to respond to Team Gamboa’s somewhat stern statements?

They can say all they want it doesn’t faze me. We will see what he can or can’t do. I know that I’m well prepared and I assume he will be as well. All that talk won’t matter, we are going to settle things in the ring.

You competed as an amateur at 132lbs and typically campaign between 135-140 lbs. However, Gamboa won gold as a flyweight and most of his key victories as a pro were at 126. Do you believe that your size and strength will be your biggest advantage?

We shall see. I mean… we have never fought before so we prepared for whatever he might bring to the table. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get that “W.”

The old cliché in boxing is “styles make fights.” Why will Crawford vs Gamboa be a great fight?

Crawford: The fight is going to be explosive. It will be great because we are both undefeated as pro’s, both stellar amateur careers, and I truly believe both of us are elite fighters in the sport. Find the best-fitting & stylish women’s swim tops, bottoms & bikinis available in plus sizes. Shop women’s plus size swimwear & bathing suits online at Swimwearlux.com. Discover women’s plus size swimwear and beachwear at Swimwearlux – Pick from a range of tummy control swimwear and swimsuits styles and colors. What kind of plus-size bathing suit are you looking for? Since swim styles and patterns are always changing with each season, you’ll always find new styles. #1 selection of plus size Bikinis & Tankinis at Swimwearlux. #plus #size #swimwear #swimwearlux

Ok champ, we are almost finished and then you can get back to training. At a sold crowd, live on HBO boxing, Omaha Nebraska fans are on their feet in complete anticipation chants of BUD… BUD… BUD… begin to surface, the stage is set, Michael Buffer grabs the mic as his voice blisters’ the air with “Omaha? Are you ready? Let’s Get Ready to Rumble!!!” Please finish the ending to the story.

You will hear the words “and STILL,” followed by “WBO LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD, TERENCE “BUD” CRAWFORD.”

 

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/crawford-you-will-hear-the-words-and-still-250386

10171161_903623152988275_5569365203993028960_nPhoto: Chris Farina/Top Rank

By Karl Freitag –

 

Undefeated world champions Terence Crawford and three-division champ Yuriorkis Gamboa, who share identical records of 23-0 with 16 KOs, today officially announced their June 28 clash for Crawford’s newly-won WBO lightweight title at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Nebraska. In an unusual press conference, Gamboa made his statement, then Crawford spoke. But rather than having things wrap up, Gamboa wanted to come back to the podium to rebut Crawford and the debate was on.

Yuriorkas Gamboa: I came here to prove to everyone, my critics and fans alike that I’m willing to fight Terrance in his own backyard so everyone can witness a great fight.

Terrance Crawford: It’s going to be a good fight. I know that. Gamboa is a truly incredible champion. I have nothing bad to to say about the man. The only thing I can say is he shouldn’t have took this fight.

Bob Arum: OK. This is usually for a debate but I’m willing to go along with it…a rebuttal from the challenger Yuriorkas Gamboa.

Yuriorkas Gamboa: I didn’t make any error in choosing this fight. Before you speak you’ve got to compare the records and look at my record versus yours. Just measure the caliber of fighters you fought versus the caliber of fighters I fought.

Terrance Crawford: One thing. You ain’t fought me yet.

Yuriorkas Gamboa: You’ve never fought an Olympic champion like I am and a three division world champion. You can’t say that.

Terrance Crawford: Hey. This ain’t amateurs. This is the professional game. You got a zero, but it’s going to be a loss.

Yuriorkas Gamboa: Exactly. I’m a three category world champion and what are you?

Terrance Crawford: I’m the champion. You’re the challenger.

Yuriorkas Gamboa: In the professional ranks you can’t say what I say. I’ve fought in three categories and been crowned world champion in three categories. You’ve only done it in one category.

Terrance Crawford: Interim don’t count. I’m the champion. You’re the challenger. You’re going to see June 28th.

Bob Arum: One thing that’s great about boxing. On June 28, it’ll all be decided. The fighters will decide who is the best.

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http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/debate-breaks-out-at-crawford-gamboa-press-conference-245205

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OMAHA, NEB. – Undefeated world champions TERENCE CRAWFORD, the Pride of Omaha, and Cuban sensation YURIORKIS GAMBOA, who share identical 23-0 (16 KOs) professional ring records, will battle for Crawford’s newly-won World Boxing Organization (WBO) lightweight title, Saturday, June 28, at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha.  This will be the first world championship fight Omaha has hosted in 42 years, when Joe Frazier successfully defended his heavyweight title against Nebraska’s-own Ron Stander in 1972.  It is also a professional homecoming for Crawford, who has not fought in his home state since 2011.  The fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark, in its first-ever visit to Omaha, beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

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http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=77615

 

Date:  Saturday, March 1, 2014

WBO Lightweight Championship Title

Location:  Scottish Exhibition Centre, Glasgow, Scotland, UK

Promoter:  Matchroom Boxing

Supervisor:  István Kovács

Referee:   Luis Pabón

Judges:   Salven Lugumbay (116-112), Alejandro Lopez Cid (117-111), Zoltan Envedi (116-112)

Result:  Terence Crawford obtained the WBO Lightweight Title by unanimous decision.

 

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By:  Michelle Rosado –

Just 3 days after outclassing Ricky Burns and becoming the new WBO lightweight champion, Terence Crawford was honored with the keys to the city in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. Furthermore, in recognition of his dedication and determination in becoming a true champion, the Omaha city council declared Tuesday, March 4th, 2014, as Terence “Bud” Crawford Day.

Crawford is the first boxer to bring back a title to Omaha in 100 years. “I never would’ve thought I would have the keys to the city! God has really blessed me,” he commented.

http://www.fighthype.com/news/article16301.html

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Ricky Burns says he will thrive as the 2:1 underdog in his WBO World Lightweight title defense against Terence Crawford at the sold-out SECC in Glasgow tomorrow night, live on AWE TV. Burns fights in his tenth World title bout against the unbeaten American, who travels to the UK with a 22-0 record with 16 wins inside the distance and the label of the USA’s next big boxing star.

Burns insists he has no interest in what the bookies have to say about the fight though, having reached this incredible feat of ten World title fights against the odds from his very first win against Roman Martinez in September 2010. “I don’t look at who is the favourite, that sort of thing doesn’t concern me,” said Burns. “I’ve been written off before, I’ve been the underdog in a few of my biggest fights and it brings out the best in me, and hopefully this is the same case. I’m under no illusions; this is a very tough fight. He’s an up and coming star in America, he’s 22-0 with 16 KOs, so we’re up against it, but fingers crossed it’s another one of these fights where I will rise to the occasion.”

Crawford boxes outside the US for the first time in the paid ranks, and the clash also represents his first 12-round fight. The American has banked 81 rounds in his pro career, the same number Burns has boxed in his World title fights to date, and 200 fewer than the Scot – and the defending champion says that experience could be a key factor as he aims to thrill his hostile home crowd.

“As the fight goes on, I know what it feels like when things aren’t going your way in a World title fight and what it takes to grind it out and dig in for a result,” said Burns. “In all his fights he’s been able to do what he wants, because he is such a slick boxer, he’s getting in and out, likes to wait on you and get his counters in – how is he going to like it when I am in his face for 12 rounds at a pace that he is not used to? I know when it comes down to it, I can go to war at full pelt for 12 rounds, and we’ll see if he can match that.

“It’s always great fighting in Glasgow – how is he going to react walking first into the packed SECC? It’s going a sell-out and the atmosphere will be electric, I can’t wait. How will he cope with the pressure and the fans booing him? We can only wait until the night, and once the bell goes it just comes down to us. I don’t need to ask the fans to roar me on because they are unbelievable and they do it for every fight.”

Burns’ World title defence against Crawford tops a great line-up of action in Glasgow, with Olympic Super Heavyweight Gold medal star Anthony Joshua MBE facing Hector Avila in his fifth pro contest.

John Simpson meets John Murray in a tasty Lightweight clash, while unbeaten Lightweight contender Scotty Cardle takes on Paul Appleby in an eight-round contest.

Joshua’s fellow Olympic medallist Anthony Ogogo is in action, Caldercruix Super Middleweight David Brophy looks to build on his 9-0-1 record on the bill, Glasgow Super Featherweight Michael Roberts can move to 14-0 with a win, former Team GB starlet Martin J. Ward is in six-round action while there is a trio of Scottish talents in four-round bouts in 20 year old Irvine Super Featherweight Ryan Collins, Wishaw’s Bantamweight Scott Allan and a debut for Glasgow’s Lightweight Ryan Smith.

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/burns-tells-crawford-beware-the-underdog-237978#more-237978

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Photo:  sportinglive.com/google images/

When Ricky Burns climbs into the ring at the SECC in Glasgow on March 1 to defend his WBO lightweight title against unbeaten American challenger, Terence Crawford, he will be entitled to feel like a man returning to the scene of a crime he never committed but was convicted, tried, and found guilty of nonetheless.

The trials and tribulations that Burns endured in 2013 were more than staggering they were inhuman, even for a fighter as experienced as he is. Not once but twice he was forced to reach down into that place which resides in every human being but in normal people is buried so deep after years spent avoiding risk, danger, and hardship that they don’t even know it exists; and even if they did they would have no need of it anyway. It’s called the human spirit and from it is derived the will to endure unspeakable agony in the process of prevailing against seemingly insurmountable odds.

 The German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, once wrote: “When you look into an abyss, the abyss also looks into you.”

Make no mistake, in the ring against both Jose Gonzalez and Ray Beltran, Ricky Burns looked into an abyss. What he saw looking back at him is something he alone knows. What we do know is that it was enough to provide him with the inner strength to keep going beyond the point where human logic and instinct ends and the will to survive is predicated on the courage to risk everything in the attempt.

Burns risked everything in both fights, refusing to capitulate, which against Gonzalez saw him survive an onslaught in the 7th round which the Puerto Rican and his team must still watch in awe at the Scot’s defiance of the laws of nature. Just as it broke his heart on the night, it’s a fair bet that Jose Gonzalez suffers a broken heart every time he thinks about what might have been – in fact make that ‘should have been’ – but wasn’t.

Yet even though the world champion’s victory – the dramatic nature of it – was rightly met by huge admiration for the heart and guts he showed, we knew that on the night we had witnessed a below par Ricky Burns do what all great champions do and find a way to win when the chips are down.

Against Raymundo Beltran a few months later, Burns only held onto his title by dint of the kind of judging that brings boxing into disrepute. Yet given that he’d fought ten rounds with a broken jaw, the miracle is that he managed to last the distance at all. Ray Beltran and his team were justified in feeling they were victims of an injustice, and going by the silence that met the result, most of the crowd agreed. But no blame can be attributed to Ricky Burns. What it has done where the world champion is concerned is cast doubt in the minds of many over his ability to hold onto his title against his next opponent, Terence Crawford, commonly regarded as the best he will face in his career to date.

These doubts are all the more reason to back Burns to prevail yet again, reminding us of the way he was written off against Roman ‘Rocky’ Martinez when he challenged for the super featherweight title in 2010, proving the doubters wrong with an epic performance that involved him picking himself off the canvas in the first round to go an comprehensively outbox the defending world champion and take his title by unanimous decision. Thereafter the Scot successfully defended his super featherweight title three times before moving up in weight to battle it out for the WBO interim lightweight title against Michael Katsidis. This was another fight that Burns was expected to lose, with many convinced he’d be steamrollered into submission by a fighter known to possess real juice in his hands. The naysayers were forced to eat their words again, however, as Burns proceeded to absorb everything the Australian warrior had while countering with the cleaner shots throughout to outbox his opponent and register another deserved unanimous decision.

Anyone following the Scottish world champion’s career knows that the bigger the challenge and the more he’s written off the better he performs. Going in as the underdog in the minds of most against Crawford, combined with the added mental strength he undoubtedly would have gained from surviving a torrid 2013, means that motivation won’t be an issue in this training camp. That said, Burns’s long time trainer, Billy Nelson, is not merely relying on his fighter’s proven qualities of will and grit to see him through against the unbeaten American on March 1. While speaking to him briefly at the presser to formally announce the fight back in January, Nelson took pains to point out that he’d introduced a strength and conditioning coach into the camp for the first time, which he said was already paying dividends in increasing the power of Ricky’s shots, and that he’d arranged for the champion to have the best sparring he’s ever had. Incidentally, the word coming out is that Burns has looked sensational in sparring these past few weeks, and against sterling opposition, as he prepares to embark on his tenth world title fight.

What is certain is that Nelson will be leaving nothing to chance as he prepares Burns to face an opponent most expect to defeat him. At the presser the proprietor of the Fighting Scots Gym near Glasgow predicted it would be the hardest fight of both their careers. There is every reason to agree. Ricky Burns has already proved he’s willing to walk through hell in the ring in order to prevail. His intensity, volume, work rate, and aggression – married to an undoubted ability to box that was absent in his last two fights – ensures that any fighter who expects to take his title will need to be willing to go to a place most never have to.

Terence Crawford should take note.

http://www.eastsideboxing.com/2014/ricky-burns-is-preparing-for-war-against-terence-crawford-on-march-1/

When Ricky Burns climbs into the ring at the SECC in Glasgow on March 1 to defend his WBO lightweight title against unbeaten American challenger, Terence Crawford, he will be entitled to feel like a man returning to the scene of a crime he never committed but was convicted, tried, and found guilty of nonetheless.

The trials and tribulations that Burns endured in 2013 were more than staggering they were inhuman, even for a fighter as experienced as he is. Not once but twice he was forced to reach down into that place which resides in every human being but in normal people is buried so deep after years spent avoiding risk, danger, and hardship that they don’t even know it exists; and even if they did they would have no need of it anyway. It’s called the human spirit and from it is derived the will to endure unspeakable agony in the process of prevailing against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Read more at http://www.eastsideboxing.com/2014/ricky-burns-is-preparing-for-war-against-terence-crawford-on-march-1/#bbd2I2lP8Fpo8vrS.99

Ricky Burns.Lightweightchamp

By Edward Chaykovsky –

Billy Nelson, trainer of WBO lightweight champion Ricky Burns (36-2-1, 11 KOs), wants his fighter to be “extra busy” against mandatory challenger Terrence Crawford (22-0, 16KOs). The fight is scheduled for March 1 at the Scottish Exhibition Centre in Glasgow, Scotland. Burns is returning from a controversial twelve round draw with Raymundo Beltran last September, where the Scottish fighter had his jaw badly broken.

Nelson wants his fighter to overwhelm Crawford with punches, not allowing the undefeated challenger to get started.

“I want Ricky to be in the middle of the ring, to work his jab, to dictate the distance and stop his punches and come over the top and rock his body. I want him to be extra busy and take Terence out of his comfort zone,” Nelson told Sky Sports Ringside.

Burns agreed with his train, stating: “I’m going to be using my jab in this fight. A fight can won off the jab.”

http://www.boxingscene.com/burns-trainer-wants-activity-jab-use-on-crawford–74512

Ricky Burns

On Saturday afternoon, March 1st, Ricky Burns will make his 4th defense of the WBO Lightweight title when he takes on highly regarded and undefeated Terence Crawford in a 12-round bout from the Scottish Exhibition Centre in Glasgow, Scotland.

The fight can be viewed live and exclusively across the United States on AWE, A Wealth of Entertainment.

“This world title fight showdown has the makings of a ‘fight of the year’. Crawford is undefeated and coming off some big wins. Burns is a proven champ. We’re ecstatic to be bringing this world-class title fight to boxing fans across the United States”, said Charles Herring, president of AWE.

Burns of Coatbridge, Scotland has a record of 36-2-1 with 11 knockouts and has not lost a fight in over seven years which spans 22 fights. He won the WBO Super Featherweight title with a thrilling 12 round unanimous decision over Roman Martinez. He made three defenses of his crown which includes wins over Andreas Evensen and Joseph Laryea. Burns then stopped former WBO Super featherweight champion Nicky Cook in one round.

Burns moved up to Lightweight and in his first fight at the higher weight class, he scored a 12 round unanimous decision over former champion Michael Katsidis to win the WBO Interim title.

Burns won the full title with a 12 round unanimous decision over former WBA champion Paulus Moses. Burns looked great in taking out fellow United Kingdom fighter Kevin Mitchell in four rounds. He then was able to outlast undefeated Jose Gonzalez when Gonzalez was forced to retire on the stool after the 9th round.

In his last bout, Burns fought through a broken jaw to salvage a controversial draw with Ray Beltran on September 7, 2013.

In the bout, Burns started off fast, but Beltran responded. By the end of the fight, many US boxing fans felt that Beltran should have walked away with the title belt.

Burns is 8-0-1 in world title fights.

Crawford of Omaha, Nebraska will be making his 1st attempt at a world title and brings in a perfect ledger at 22-0 with 16 knockouts.

The 26-year old is widely regarded as one of the top fighters in the division and has been performing at a high level.

He started to open eyes when he scored a shutout victory over hard-hitting power puncher Breidis Prescott on March 30, 2013.

Crawford followed that up with a 6-round beat down of Alejandro Sanabria (34-1-1) on June 15, 2013.

In his last bout, Crawford showed his terrific boxing ability by winning via shutout on all three judges’ score cards against previously undefeated Andrey Klimov (16-0) on October 5, 2013 in Orlando, Florida.

There will be a full undercard which will include a world title bout featuring WBA Super Bantamweight champion Scott Quigg announced shortly.

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/terence-crawford-to-battle-ricky-burns-for-the-wbo-lightweight-world-championship-235557

Burns.Crawford

 
By Terence Dooley

Eddie Hearn of Matchroom has told BoxingScene.com that the WBO lightweight title fight between Ricky Burns and America’s Terence Crawford has been postponed until a later date.

The fight was due to take place at Glasgow’s Hydro venue on February 8th, but is now likely to be rescheduled for March 1, for reasons beyond the control of either camps. Burns has until March 8 to stage his mandatory title defense, as per WBO rules.

It was due to be Burns’s first bout since suffering a broken jaw during his draw with Raymundo Beltran in September. The 30-year-old Coatbridge-based titlist battled through the pain barrier that night to keep his title and had to have surgery on the injury.

Burns (36-2, 11KO) has battled back to full health and was duly rewarded with a tough mandatory by the WBO, who have put Crawford, 22-0 (16), forward as the main contender.

The 26-year-old Nebraskan posted wins over Breidis Prescott, Alejandro Sanabria, for the vacant WBO NABO lightweight belt, and Andrey Klimov during 2013. The rising contender was prepared to travel to Scotland to attempt to wrest the title from Burns, who has defended it four times since beating Michael Katsidis for the interim belt in November 2011.

More to follow…

http://www.boxingscene.com/burns-crawford-title-tilt-postponed-3-1-likely-new-date–72936

OW905852

By David P. Greisman –

Lightweight contender Terence Crawford could soon be challenging for a world title. The World Boxing Organization has mandated negotiations between him and beltholder Ricky Burns.

They have through the first week of December to come to terms, or else the match will go to purse bid.

That would be a good start to 2014 for Crawford after a very good 2013. He made his HBO debut in March with a decision win over Breidis Prescott, returned to HBO in June to score a technical knockout over Alejandro Sanabria, then appeared on the network for his third time in October, outpointing Andrey Klimov.

The 26-year-old from Omaha, Neb., is now 22-0 with 16 knockouts. He spoke to BoxingScene.com on Nov. 14.

BoxingScene.com: The WBO has mandated that Ricky Burns defend his belt against you. What are your thoughts on getting your first world title shot?

Crawford: “Right now we’re in the process of negotiating and everything. So nothing’s really set in stone right now.”

BoxingScene.com: Sure, but the fact that you could be getting your first title shot, how do you feel about that?

Crawford: “I feel good about it. I feel like it’s a long time of waiting.”

BoxingScene.com: “What do you think of Ricky Burns as a fighter? What does he do well, and what do you think are weaknesses you can exploit?”

Crawford: “I feel he moves well. He throws jabs. He’s got a nice little jab. He’s a decent fighter. I can’t take nothing away from him.”

BoxingScene.com: And what do you feel you can exploit in his game?

Crawford: “A lot. He’s fighting my fight, I feel like. I’m just a better fighter.”

BoxingScene.com: In what ways are you a better fighter?

Crawford: “My speed, my power, my ring generalship, me being able to mix it up in there.”

BoxingScene.com: Would you be willing to travel to Scotland to face him?

Crawford: “Yeah, most definitely. If the price is right, and everything’s fair. I’m just a little skeptical about going all the way out there, and getting the same thing done to me that [Ray] Beltran got done to him.”

BoxingScene.com: What did you think of that Beltran fight?

Crawford: “I thought Beltran won, hands down. I thought there should’ve been no question about who won that fight.”

BoxingScene.com: Did you see Burns’ fight with Jose Gonzalez as well?

Crawford: “Yeah, Gonzalez was winning until he got tired and just quit. I don’t understand that.”

BoxingScene.com: As you’ve seen his past two fights, do you see Burns as being vulnerable, especially coming off a broken jaw?

Crawford: “No. I actually think he will come back hungrier after having two bad performances and trying to make a statement and try to put himself back on top of the list at 135.”

BoxingScene.com: You started the year with HBO debut and have been on three times in total. What has this 2013 been like for you?

Crawford: “It’s been good. 2013 was a good year. I’m just looking forward. That’s the past. I’m looking for 2014 being a great year: becoming champion and start from there.”

BoxingScene.com: What would becoming a world titleholder mean for you?

Crawford: “It would mean everything for me. A lot of people are counting on me and depending on me to bring the title back so that they can have something to cheer for.”

BoxingScene.com: Thinking back to your fight in March with Breidis Prescott, that decision ended up working out for you, taking that bout on short notice and moving up in weight to face him. What was on your mind when that bout was offered to you?

Crawford: “No question came to my mind. The first thing that came to my mind was ‘I can beat him.’ The second thing was, ‘What weight?’ And then the third thing was, ‘Are they going to take the fight?’ ”

BoxingScene.com: It was like a gamble and an investment for you, an opportunity that you had to take, because if you said ‘No,’ you might end up waiting around for a bit.

Crawford: “Right, right, right. That was the whole thing, like, if we didn’t take it, we would’ve still been fighting on undercards. I felt like it was a big risk, big reward type of fight.”

BoxingScene.com: Bob Arum told me before your last fight that he has high expectations for you. What do you want to do with your career?

Crawford: “I want to take my career to the next level, to be on the pound-for-pound list and be one of the all-time greats.”

BoxingScene.com: And do you see yourself staying at 135 for a long time, or eventually moving up?

Crawford: “I eventually see myself moving up to 140, 147.”

BoxingScene.com: What do you walk around at?

Crawford: “Right now I’m at 154.”

BoxingScene.com: What were your thoughts on those who felt like your bout with Andrey Klimov wasn’t as entertaining as it could’ve been?

Crawford: “I look at it like this: There’s fighters that like boxing styles. There’s fighters that go in and get their head beat in and go to the hospital and have brain damage. I look at the sport as being called ‘boxing,’ not ‘fighting.’ It’s an art, and it’s hit and not get hit. That’s what the sport is called.”

BoxingScene.com: At the same time, do you need to make sure that you can do that while still entertaining in your next fight?

Crawford: “Yeah. That fight right there, it was kind of a tough fight. I did everything I felt I had to do to win the fight. But you need to have a guy willing to engage and fight you, and with someone throwing like 15 punches a round, it’s kind of hard to put on a show.”

http://www.boxingscene.com/crawford-i-expect-hungrier-ricky-burns-if-we-fight–72062

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Terence Crawford def. Alejandro Sanabria by KO round 6 0:17

By

This was set up as a showcase fight for Terence Crawford, and he delivered. The undefeated fighter was heavily praised heading into the fight – perhaps unduly so. But outside of a slightly shaky first two rounds, Crawford was indeed impressive here. He started the fight slowly, allowing Sanabria to connect some solid punches in round 2. From round 3 forward though, it was pretty much all Crawford, who showed he was willing to take a punch but was able to land his own, and better.

At the start of round 6, Crawford came out and landed a perfect lead left hook, knocking Sanabria down mere seconds into the round. Sanabria struggled to regain his feet, but when he was still woozy, the fight was waved off in a good call from the referee.

Nice performance from Crawford here – maybe not “best Lightweight in the world” as HBO commentator Max Kellerman called him at one point, but definitely another showing that makes him a fighter to watch. Check out gifs of the KO below, courtesy of Zombie Prophet.

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2013/6/15/4434558/garcia-vs-lopez-results-gifs-ko-fight-video-terence-crawford-alejandro-sanabria-hbo-boxing