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via Getty

via Getty

ESPN Ringside has shared a few snapshots of Jared Anderson and Terence Crawford. It shows the former undisputed welterweight champion watching with rapt attention while the young heavyweight contender trains. Since the time they came, the photos have been gaining considerable traction among fans.

On August 3, Terence Crawford will kick off his campaign in the 154-pound weight class. He will face the WBA light middleweight champion Israil Madrimov. The event, conducted under Riyadh Season’s auspices, features quite a few exciting cards. It seems there are two non-title fights, both in the heavyweight division. Aside from the bout between Andy Ruiz Jr. and Jarrell Miller, upcoming contender Jared Anderson squares up against Martin Bakole.

Terence Crawford and Jared Anderson, Understanding Sweet Science Together

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The tweet read, “Bud and Big Baby in the lab.” 24-year-old Anderson defended his regional title against Ryad Merhy on August 13 last year. In Bakole, he faces a formidable opponent with a justified pedigree. The Congolese boxer ranks as the number one ranked boxer on the WBA’s heavyweight list. Clearly, ‘The Real Big Baby’ doesn’t want to leave any stone unturned.

Understandably, the Toledo-born boxer perhaps wants to retain his unbeaten streak. Additionally, a win over another ranking heavyweight promises a better standing in the hierarchy. There were talks of fighting against Deontay Wilder. But as it appears, the showdown may now have a negligible chance of happening, given how ‘The Bronze Bomber’ suffered his fourth defeat at the hands of Zhilei Zhang.

Jared Anderson might enjoy an edge over Martin Bakole in terms of the knockout-to-win rate. However, the former sparring partner of Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk packs a potent punch. Thus, a word from the wise in such a situation often comes in handy.

Wisdom in the Ring, Fans Thrilled

Most of the users seemed happy with the photos. One of the biggest names in modern boxing, lending a helping hand to a rising star, is a delight for the eyes. Let’s check out how some fans reacted.

The photo seems to have shocked this user. With ‘Bud’ Crawford by his side, probably Jared Anderson could be expected to wipe out most of the competition in the heavyweight division, the user seems to believe.

Then the next user also appears to share similar thoughts. With guidance from the P4P legend, Jared Anderson is on a sure-shot path to heavyweight dominance, the user said.

Then the following user lauded the unified welterweight champion for his dedication to supporting the upcoming generation of boxers.

Then this follower thinks that Terence Crawford would excel both as a boxing trainer and promoter.

But then, it’s hard to put aside the naysayers. This user said Israil Madrimov would easily defeat Terence Crawford when they compete on August 3.

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Unlike Jared Anderson, who has been relatively active, Terence Crawford marks his return after a 12-month break. One of the pound-for-pound best boxers in the world has a lot at stake in the August 3 fight. A win could signal his seriousness about pursuing one of the most-coveted matchups—the Canelo Alvarez fight.

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If all Terence Crawford has been guiding Jared Anderson, then the latter wouldn’t probably be the first boxer to be blessed with a boxing great’s perpetual wisdom. The biggest beneficiary of the welterweight champion’s insights remains Shakur Stevenson. The three-division champion has never hesitated to heap loads of praise on the Nebraskan southpaw for how he has mentored him over the years.

What’s your take on Terence Crawford’s upcoming bout? Do you think he will finish off Madrimov easily? Please share your views with us in the comments below.