“Got Bud Crawford By Knockout”: NBA Stars Damian Lillard and DeMarcus Cousins Were Spot On For ‘Greatest Welterweight’ Bout

The NBA offseason has generated several cross-sports glimpses for basketball fans. The boxing world has been eagerly anticipating the fight between Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. The two warriors are putting their records and their titles on the line. The fight was expected to produce fireworks. Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. refrained from much trash-talking before their mega-fight for the unified welterweight title. Instead, both fighters asserted that their performance would deliver a bold statement. The 12-round boxing main event will commence at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The winner of the fight will achieve a significant feat. They will become the first unified champion of the four-belt era. However, only Crawford has the opportunity to make history as the first male fighter to become a unified champion in two divisions.

In August 2017, Crawford became the unified light welterweight champion by delivering a third-round knockout to Julius Indongo. Subsequently, he moved up to a higher weight class and secured the WBO welterweight title with a ninth-round stoppage of Jeff Horn in June 2018. Since then, he has successfully defended the belt six times.

NBA stars rally up to support the fighters

In a video posted by @shobasketball, NBA stars like Demarcus Cousins, Damian Lillard, and others are seen marking their presence in the Las Vegas arena. “The atmosphere is crazy, the anticipation is building,” VanVleet explained the event’s magnitude. “And, hust looking forward to a great night. I think the fans are going to win tonight.”

When asked about his opinions on the final result of the fight, Cousins confidently predicted Crawford’s victory. “I got Bud Crawford by knockdown,” he said. “I think by 11 round.” The sentiment shared by Damian Lillard himself. 

Many consider Crawford the pound-for-pound No. 1 boxer in the world, or at least very close to that highly sought-after accolade.

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Spence has achieved all his success in the welterweight division and has suggested moving up to super welterweight after this fight. He features prominently on every respected pound-for-pound list and has been a top welterweight since dethroning then-IBF champion Kell Brook in 2017.

The fight ended in the most unexpected way

Commemorating one of the highly anticipated boxing clashes of the year, Crawford and Spence entered the ring with their unbeaten records on the line. Fans were on the edge of their seats, expecting a close battle. Spence attempted to take charge from the start. On the other hand, Crawford displayed his insurmountable defensive prowess. During the second round, Crawford’s impressive skill set sent Spence to the canvas for the first time in his career.

Throughout the fight, Crawford’s precision and timing were impeccable. He gave damage to Spence while avoiding significant hits in return. Spence persistently searched for an opening, but Crawford’s jabs and counters thwarted his efforts. In the seventh round, Crawford’s exceptional prowess was on full display. He dropped Spence twice, leaving the audience in awe. Finally, in the ninth round, Crawford sealed his dominance with a definitive TKO victory.

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The fight marked a historic moment as Terence Crawford asserted himself as the undisputed champion in two divisions. He now rests alone in a league of his own.