Teófimo Lopez Becomes an Apple of Discord Between Terence Crawford and Errol Spence’s Trainer

The kick-off press conference between Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. occurred a few hours ago. The match has been on the horizon for quite some time. After many moans and groans, a clash in November seemed imminent. Unfortunately, the discussion breathed its last on the negotiation table. It wasn’t until May 25 that a confirmation finally infused new life into the sapping hopes of the boxing lovers. Besides the standard addresses, the event witnessed a bitty disagreement between ‘Bud’ Crawford and Spence Jr.’s trainer.

After the two outstanding boxers faced each other, Brian Custer took the audience through the series of big fights that happened from the year beginning. Then TGB Promotions’ Tom Brown and Showtime’s Stephen Espinoza spoke, and the mic was handed over to respective camps. Crawford’s trainer, Brian ‘Bomac’ McIntyre, said about his charge, following which Derrick James who trains Spence Jr. addressed the audience.

Caught you there, Mr. James – Terence Crawford

Around the nineteen-minute mark, ‘Bud’ Crawford stood before the podium. Invoking all the past greats, such as ‘Sugar’ Ray Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Marvin Hagler, and Tommy Hearns, the world champion contested that come July 29, he will show why the current era should be named after him. Next, it was the New Yorker’s turn. Calling their fight an ‘old school fight,’ he gave examples of past big fights such as the ones between ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard and Tommy Hearns and Oscar De La Hoya and Felix Trinidad.

Advancing to questions, Custer asked McIntyre why Crawford stood a better chance to win the July fight. Derrick James received the same query. Then it was the turn of the boxers to face the music. First, it was Crawford’s turn. Custer asked, “What is a victory though on the 29th means to you specifically? We know it comes as being Undisputed. That would also mean you’d be the first fighter to be Undisputed in two different weight classes. What would a victory on the 29th mean to you?” Going back to his speech, ‘Bud’ said that he is the greatest boxer of this era, and no other man has ever been able to become the undisputed champion in two weight divisions.

Suddenly, Derrick James’ voice could be heard. He mentioned that Teofimo Lopez achieved the feat last week. Standing by vision and version, Terence Crawford persisted, “Teofimo definitely wasn’t. He was lineal correction, but he wasn’t Undisputed. Sorry, Derek, sorry, sir, you tried it, but yes, once again, I will be the first male boxer to actually capture the welterweight championship in two divisions…”

The difference between undisputed and lineal championships explained

To clarify the matter, in the four-belts era, an undisputed champion holds all four belts – WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBF in a weight division. In contrast, a lineal champion defeats a reigning and defending champion. Especially he overthrows an ex-undisputed champion of a particular division to become the new champion. Informally termed ‘the man who beat the man,’ the lineal champion is technically a disputed champion since there will be other champions in the division, holding other or remaining belts.

Teofimo Lopez became the lineal champion on June 10 after defeating the former undisputed champion, but reigning WBO and The Ring title holder, Josh Taylor. On the other hand, Crawford was an undisputed Light Welterweight champion in 2017. So if he wins against Spence Jr., he will get the New Yorker’s WBC, WBA, and IBF belts, thus making him an undisputed champion in this weight class as well.

Read More: “I’m Gonna Show the World”: Terence Crawford Delves Into Why He Is Unable to Secure the ‘Big Marquess’ Fights

Do you think what Terence Crawford mentioned was correct? In addition, who do you see winning the Spence Jr. vs Crawford fight? Do let us know your thoughts and views in the comments below.

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