JRE MMA Show #145 with Terence Crawford

This podcast features a conversation with Terence Crawford, a three-time World Boxing Organization Champion and undisputed champion across multiple boxing organizations, making him a figure of undeniable dominance in the boxing world. The podcast delves into various facets of his life, from his rigorous training routines to his unique perspective on the boxing industry, touching upon themes of perseverance, legacy, and the elusive nature of greatness.

1. Terence Crawford’s Undisputed Title and Recognition

   • Crawford discusses his recent victory over Errol Spence Jr., securing his status as the undisputed champion in the welterweight division.
   • He attributes his success to a combination of meticulous training and unwavering confidence, dispelling doubts about his ability to handle Spence’s size and strength.
   • Crawford expresses his frustration with the lack of recognition he received earlier in his career, highlighting the perceived bias against him due to his smaller stature and choice of opponents.
   • The Spence Jr. fight marks a turning point, cementing Crawford’s position as the pound-for-pound best in the world, forcing the boxing community to acknowledge his dominance.

2. The Art of Switching Stances in Boxing

   • Crawford details his signature ability to seamlessly switch between orthodox and southpaw stances during fights, showcasing his remarkable versatility and unpredictability.
   • He credits a hand injury in his youth for inadvertently fueling his development as a southpaw, leading to an equally powerful left hook.
   • Crawford’s decision to switch stances in the Spence Jr. fight was a calculated move, designed to exploit his opponent’s lack of experience against southpaws.
   • This masterful utilization of stance changes showcases Crawford’s exceptional ring IQ, making him a unique and formidable force in the boxing ring.

3. The Business Side of Boxing and the Struggle for Fair Compensation

   • Crawford candidly discusses the challenges he faced in negotiating the Spence Jr. fight, highlighting the complexities of the boxing industry and the presence of power dynamics that often hinder fighters from receiving their due compensation.
   • He stresses the importance of establishing fair deals and ensuring that fighters are properly compensated for their contributions to the sport.
   • Crawford compares the structure of boxing to MMA, acknowledging the UFC’s centralized control while also highlighting the potential for manipulation and exploitation within the UFC’s system.
   • His experiences underscore the need for greater transparency and equitable treatment for fighters in both boxing and MMA, ensuring that their efforts are fairly rewarded.

4. Terence Crawford’s Mental Toughness and Unwavering Focus

   • Crawford attributes his incredible mental fortitude and unwavering focus to his upbringing, particularly the influence of his mother’s demanding nature and her constant pushing him to achieve greatness.
   • He explains how her relentless pressure, even withholding praise, fostered an intense competitive drive in him, pushing him to continually prove himself.
   • Despite overcoming challenges and achieving remarkable success, Crawford acknowledges the impact of his mother’s expectations and his enduring desire to earn her approval.
   • His mental strength allows him to stay focused amidst distractions, demonstrating an exceptional ability to compartmentalize and prioritize his goals, even in the face of adversity.

5. The Importance of Hard Sparring and Training

   • Crawford emphasizes the importance of hard sparring sessions as a crucial aspect of his training, allowing him to simulate the intensity and unpredictability of a real fight.
   • He describes the balance between pushing himself to his limits and listening to his body, recognizing the potential for overtraining and the need for strategic rest.
   • Crawford highlights the importance of open communication with his coaches, ensuring that they are aware of his physical condition and mental state, allowing for informed adjustments to his training regimen.
   • His approach to training showcases his commitment to preparation and his understanding that success hinges on meticulously balancing intensity, recovery, and communication within his team.

6. The Future of Boxing and the Pursuit of Legacy

   • Crawford openly discusses his desire to achieve even greater feats in boxing, setting his sights on becoming a three-time undisputed champion across different weight classes.
   • He expresses a particular interest in a potential fight against Canelo Alvarez, recognizing the challenge and the historical significance of such a matchup.
   • Crawford acknowledges that he has already established a remarkable legacy, but he is driven by the pursuit of greatness and the desire to leave an indelible mark on the sport.
   • His ambition speaks to the enduring drive of elite athletes, seeking to transcend personal achievements and etch their names in the annals of boxing history.

7. The Elusive Nature of Greatness and the Quest for Undeniable Moments

   • The podcast explores the complexities of recognizing greatness in boxing, highlighting how fighters often face criticism even when dominating their opponents.
   • Crawford acknowledges the tendency to downplay the achievements of fighters who are perceived as too dominant, questioning the validity of such criticisms.
   • The podcast discusses how truly exceptional fighters often require an undeniable moment to silence their critics, as witnessed in Crawford’s dominance over Spence Jr.
   • This discussion reveals the unique challenges faced by those who reach the pinnacle of their sport, navigating the scrutiny and seeking to create moments that are beyond dispute.

8. The Unpredictability and Excitement of Boxing

   • The podcast highlights the inherent unpredictability of boxing, acknowledging how even the most skilled fighters can fall victim to a single blow or a strategic mistake.
   • Crawford discusses the importance of maintaining awareness throughout a fight, recognizing that a moment of lapse in focus or technique can lead to a devastating outcome.
   • The podcast examines the intense pressure faced by fighters, both physically and mentally, as they strive to deliver an entertaining and thrilling performance for their audience.
   • This discussion emphasizes the inherent risk and drama that make boxing such a captivating and unpredictable sport.

9. The Importance of Mental Toughness in Overcoming Adversity

   • Crawford shares his own experiences with overcoming personal challenges and developing mental resilience, demonstrating the importance of mental fortitude in achieving greatness in boxing.
   • He recognizes the commonalities among elite fighters, often hailing from backgrounds marked by adversity, showcasing how adversity can serve as a catalyst for growth and determination.
   • The podcast underscores the importance of self-belief and unwavering focus in the face of doubt and criticism, highlighting the mental strength required to navigate the demanding world of professional boxing.
   • This discussion highlights the power of overcoming adversity and utilizing past struggles as fuel for achieving remarkable feats.

10. The Role of Legacy and the Impact on Fighters’ Lives

    • The podcast explores the long-term impact of boxing on fighters’ lives, particularly the challenges they face after retirement, often grappling with financial instability and health issues.
    • Crawford advocates for a more supportive structure within the boxing industry, emphasizing the need for pensions, 401Ks, and health insurance to ensure that fighters are better protected.
    • He highlights the sacrifices fighters make throughout their careers, putting their bodies on the line for entertainment and financial security, often with little long-term support.
    • This discussion underscores the importance of valuing fighters’ contributions and ensuring that they are adequately cared for both during and after their careers.

11. The Future of Boxing and the Rise of New Stars

    • The podcast discusses the exciting landscape of contemporary boxing, noting the emergence of new stars and the increasing prevalence of high-profile matchups.
    • Crawford weighs in on the Lomachenko-Haney fight, showcasing his keen understanding of boxing strategy and his admiration for the athletes’ performances.
    • He highlights the growing popularity of fighters like Gervonta Davis and Devin Haney, emphasizing the dynamism and talent within the younger generation of boxers.
    • This discussion underscores the cyclical nature of boxing, with the emergence of new stars and the constant pursuit of greatness shaping the sport’s trajectory.

12. The Appeal of Boxing and the Desire for “Dragons to Slay”

    • Crawford expresses his fascination with boxing’s inherent drama and his enduring passion for the sport, highlighting his desire to face formidable opponents and test his skills against the best in the world.
    • He describes his thrill for challenges, emphasizing the allure of facing “dragons to slay” and the significance of achieving greatness within a challenging environment.
    • Crawford’s unwavering desire for meaningful matchups reflects the competitive spirit and the pursuit of excellence that fuels elite athletes.
    • His dedication to pushing his limits and seeking out the most demanding opponents underscores the captivating nature of boxing and the allure of achieving greatness.

13. The Impact of Weight Cutting in MMA and Boxing

    • The podcast explores the practice of weight cutting in MMA and boxing, discussing its potential risks and the growing concerns surrounding its impact on fighters’ health.
    • Crawford shares his own experiences with weight cutting, noting the challenges and the importance of making weight safely and efficiently.
    • He acknowledges the pressure fighters face to make weight, often leading to extreme measures that can negatively impact their performance and long-term health.
    • This discussion raises questions about the ethics and safety of weight cutting practices within both MMA and boxing, urging for a reevaluation of the current standards and potentially implementing safer alternatives.

14. The Unique Challenges of Fighting in MMA

    • Crawford discusses the unique challenges of fighting in MMA, acknowledging the added dimension of wrestling and grappling techniques that necessitate a different approach to training and competition.
    • He expresses his respect for the physical and mental toughness of MMA fighters, highlighting the demanding nature of the sport and the need for a diverse skillset to succeed.
    • Crawford expresses a reluctance to enter the MMA world, citing his concerns about the potential risks associated with kicks and elbows, which are not typically encountered in boxing.
    • His perspective underscores the distinct challenges and skillsets required in MMA, showcasing the different approaches and strengths necessary for success in each combat sport.

15. The Importance of Entertainment and the Future of Boxing

    • The podcast examines the role of entertainment in boxing and MMA, acknowledging the increasing prominence of big-money fights and the growing influence of commercial interests.
    • Crawford discusses the phenomenon of cross-sport matchups, like Connor McGregor’s fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr., noting the allure of such events for generating revenue and fan interest.
    • He acknowledges the business side of the sport but remains focused on his own legacy and the pursuit of meaningful matchups that would resonate with boxing fans.
    • This discussion highlights the ongoing evolution of boxing, navigating the balance between athletic competition, entertainment value, and commercial interests.

16. The Potential for Change within the Boxing Industry

    • Crawford voices his concerns about the current structure of boxing, advocating for a more unified and transparent system, potentially eliminating the proliferation of sanctioning bodies and creating a more equitable environment for fighters.
    • He questions the legitimacy of multiple sanctioning bodies and the financial implications of paying for belts, highlighting the potential for a more streamlined and fair system.
    • Crawford’s vision for the future of boxing emphasizes the need for greater transparency, fairer compensation, and a more unified structure, ultimately benefitting the fighters and the sport as a whole.
    • His insights provide valuable perspectives on the challenges facing the boxing industry and the potential for positive change in the future.

17. The Importance of Perseverance and the Power of Self-Belief

    • The podcast highlights the remarkable resilience and determination of Crawford, showcasing his ability to overcome adversity and persevere even when faced with doubts and challenges.
    • He credits his unwavering self-belief and his commitment to his training as driving forces behind his remarkable success, demonstrating the power of mental strength and unwavering focus.
    • Crawford’s journey underscores the importance of staying true to oneself, even amidst pressures and expectations, highlighting the importance of perseverance in pursuing one’s goals.
    • His inspiring story serves as a testament to the power of self-belief and the significance of embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and achievement.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Two weeks ago, everybody realized it. Yeah, everybody, give me my recognition now, and everybody give me my flowers.”
• “You know, I don’t know what it is with me. They just always try to diminish my accomplishments and, oh, well, who I was fighting. They say, oh, well, you wasn’t fighting nobody.”
• “You can’t go nowhere. Right. Like you trap. Like you move to your left. I can go South Park and cut you off. You move to your right, I can go to Southport and cut you off.”
• “I’m already in them, them discussions, but I’m saying, but what would they say though? Three-time undisputed champion and the smaller fighter that went up three weight divisions to conquer one of the the baddest man’s besides itself that’s been doing it for probably longer than me.”
• “I’m not gonna sit here and say it’s not but the money and to be canelo if that fight was ever to happen. And come on, man. Y’all better leave me alone.”