Is Terence Crawford on a ‘warning shot’ spree at Canelo Alvarez? A random fan may have a reason to believe so. First, a knock at the light middleweight door. The two-time undisputed champion has an upcoming title clash with Israil Madrimov on August 3. Second, a sparring video that has been increasingly gaining traction. It shows him working with André Ward.

Nevertheless, whatever the reason, the welterweight champion training alongside a boxing legend seems to have energized a whole bunch of fans. In streams, they chime in with their comments and viewpoints. There were no prizes for guessing; it proved an opportune time for a few naysayers as well, who didn’t hold back from taking a few potshots at the boxers. An Olympic gold medalist, Ward retired at the peak of his career, one of the few champions who never faced a defeat.

Master at play: Terence Crawford and Andre Ward

‘Son of God’ himself shared the short clip. Later, a few others, such as the Ring magazine, also picked up. The post from boxing’s century-old publication read, “@terencecrawford and @andreward in camp working together for Israil Madrimov August 3rd in LA.“

The nearly half-minute-long footage shows both reigning as well as the former champions engaged in light sparring. There were no gloves or headguards. Wearing a red-colored vest, Ward, whose back faced the ropes, could be seen extending his left hand at Terence Crawford. With his back facing the camera’s, the Nebraskan Southpaw reciprocates with a similar move with his right hand.

‘Bud’ Crawford kept on following ‘S.O.G.’. The latter, after moving towards the corner on his right, gradually slid neatly towards his left. Then, effectively making it to the center, he managed to push Crawford back towards the ropes. Crawford’s face was visible now. Maintaining distance, he tried a body jab on Ward. But then it was time’s up. Smiling like good old friends, two men touched gloves and dispersed.

The pleasure to behold

It appears the whole sequence proves quite sentimental and motivational for some fans. Two boxing greats joining in a ring—what more could a boxing fan ask for? Let’s check out what some of them had to say.

Expressing his admiration for Andre Ward, this fan was greatly impressed by Crawford’s dedication to continually improving his craft and skills.

While the sight of two of the best counterpunchers seems to have amused the next fan, for certain, they found the two working as a team to be a fantastic move.

Expressing their sheer joy of watching Andre Ward and ‘Bud’ Crawford spend time together, the following fan revealed how even their father had been a long-time admirer of the welterweight champion. Admiring the determination and grit of the two unbeaten champions, this fan had nothing but love and respect for both.

Then this user, a keen observer, shared that contrary to the popular belief on Bud’ Crawford’s switch hitting, it was his southpaw stance that came out as a real piece of art.

Then another one perhaps didn’t want to lose a chance at taking a dig. Watching Crawford in the ring with Ward, they quipped that while his objective might be the Uzbek boxer, he is actually getting himself ready for the war with Canelo Alvarez.

Different people, different views. But, undoubtedly, it is a delight to watch two of boxing’s best exponents share warm interactions, whatever the reason.

The move to 154 pounds might be a step to getting a bit closer to the super middleweight champion. However, Terence Crawford has already started receiving callouts from other corners as well. With his emphatic victory over David Avanesyan from Philadelphia, Jaron Ennis has already sounded the bugle call. So fans would be eagerly watching out for ‘Bud’s next move after August 3. The sweat and blood game in the training camp will continue.

What’s your take on the video? Do you feel it’s a great move by Crawford to rope in Ward to prepare for the upcoming battle?