JRE MMA Show #76 with Terence Crawford

19-Aug-19

JRE MMA Show #76 with Terence Crawford – Topics and Summary

This podcast features a captivating conversation with current WBO Welterweight champion, Terence Crawford, and his coach, Brian “Bo-Mack” McIntyre. They discuss Crawford’s unique fighting style, his inspirations, his training regimen, and his thoughts on the current state of boxing. Joe Rogan and Crawford also touch on some provocative topics like the boxing business, the importance of work ethic, and the mental fortitude needed to be a champion.

Major Topics and Summaries

Terence Crawford’s Fighting Style:

Crawford’s seamless stance switching is a key element of his fighting style, making him a tricky opponent to predict and counter.
He compares his stance switching to Marvin Hagler’s, citing their fluid movement and ability to adapt in the ring.
Crawford credits his natural instincts for his ability to switch stances, seeing it as a way to make his fights more challenging for his opponents.
Joe Rogan praises Crawford’s timing and ability to dissect opponents, highlighting boxing as a sport that demands a high level of strategy and execution.

Crawford’s Influences and Inspirations:

Floyd Mayweather is a clear influence on Crawford, both in terms of his technical skill and work ethic.
Crawford also mentions Roy Jones Jr. as a major inspiration, admiring his speed and dynamic fighting style.
Crawford’s early boxing education involved watching tapes with his coach, who passed away, underscoring the importance of mentorship and dedication in his career.
Crawford acknowledges his place in boxing history, believing he is a special talent and will be a future Hall of Famer.

Training Regimen and Work Ethic:

Crawford emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication, drawing inspiration from Floyd Mayweather’s relentless training schedule.
He incorporates various training methods, including yoga, stair running, swimming, and strength conditioning.
He believes yoga is crucial for improving flexibility, range of motion, and overall body stability, advocating its benefits for fighters.
Crawford’s commitment to training extends beyond fight preparation, as he regularly works out even when not in a training camp, demonstrating his dedication to staying at the top.

Mental Fortitude and Overcoming Challenges:

Crawford’s mental strength is rooted in his childhood experiences, having overcome adversity and hardship, making him resilient in the face of pressure.
He acknowledges the emotional toll of being a fighter, dealing with personal losses and setbacks while maintaining focus on his career.
He attributes his mental strength to his strong support system, including his coach, who helps him stay grounded and focused.
Crawford’s dedication to his training is driven by a deep desire to win and prove himself, a determination that is evident in his performance and attitude.

The Boxing Business and Promoters:

Crawford expresses frustration with the boxing business, highlighting the challenges of making big fights due to promoters’ competing interests and financial concerns.
He believes his fight with Errol Spence Jr. is a dream match, but acknowledges the hurdles in making it happen, potentially due to promoter conflicts.
Crawford’s stance on the Spence fight underscores the complex dynamics of the boxing industry, where financial considerations and promotional strategies often overshadow the fans’ desire for the best fights.
He emphasizes his willingness to fight Spence, suggesting that the hold-up lies with the other side of the deal.

The Evolution of Boxing and MMA:

Joe Rogan compares the skill level of elite boxers to MMA fighters, highlighting the differences in technique and strategy.
Crawford’s fighting style exemplifies the precision and calculated aggression that distinguishes boxing from MMA.
The conversation touches on the shift in boxing’s landscape, with the emergence of streaming services and new promotional companies alongside traditional networks.
Crawford reflects on the evolution of commentary teams, praising the iconic trio of Jim Lampley, Max Kellerman, and Roy Jones Jr. for their insightful analysis and captivating delivery.

Notable Fights and Rivalries:

Crawford discusses his knockout of Jose Benavidez Jr., emphasizing the satisfaction of silencing an opponent who had been talking trash for years.
He reflects on the importance of controlling emotions in a fight, especially when an opponent tries to provoke him.
Crawford’s strategic approach to facing Benavidez, who was a counter puncher, demonstrates his ability to adapt to different fighting styles.
The conversation delves into the rise of the heavyweight division, highlighting the captivating fights and intense rivalries that have brought boxing back to center stage.

Deontay Wilder and His Impact:

Deontay Wilder is described as an anomaly, a powerful puncher who achieved significant success despite a late start in boxing.
Crawford’s impressive knockout rate is compared to Wilder’s, highlighting the devastating power that both fighters possess.
Wilder’s fighting style, characterized by a relentless right hand that often sends opponents flying, is a testament to his raw power and unique skills.
Crawford’s commentary on Wilder’s fighting style and achievements exemplifies the respect and admiration that top fighters have for each other’s abilities.

The Rise of Andy Ruiz Jr.:

Andy Ruiz Jr.’s underdog victory over Anthony Joshua is a testament to his raw talent and ability to overcome expectations.
Crawford’s observations on Ruiz’s physique and fighting style challenge the traditional notion that fighters need a perfect physique to succeed.
The conversation touches on the importance of drug testing in boxing, with Crawford highlighting his commitment to clean competition and the VADA testing program.
The discussion underscores the role of body composition and training in boxing, with fighters like Ruiz Jr. and Deontay Wilder demonstrating the effectiveness of different approaches to strength and conditioning.

The Importance of Mentorship and Coaching:

Crawford highlights the importance of his long-standing relationship with his coach, Brian “Bo-Mack” McIntyre, who plays a vital role in his training and development.
McIntyre’s ability to read Crawford and adjust his training regimen based on his mental and physical state is crucial for preventing overtraining and maximizing performance.
The bond between Crawford and McIntyre underscores the value of trust and understanding in a fighter-coach relationship, a key element for success.
The conversation emphasizes the vital role of a coach in guiding a fighter’s career, particularly in helping them navigate the mental and physical demands of the sport.

The Joy of Competition and the Fear of Losing:

Crawford reveals his enjoyment of playing chess with his coach, highlighting the competitive spirit that extends beyond boxing.
He acknowledges the intense rivalry that develops when champions play against each other, even in casual games.
Crawford’s reluctance to play chess against his coach when he’s lost, underscores the fear of defeat that is common among elite competitors.
The conversation touches on the universal nature of competition, extending from professional sports to everyday activities, and the emotional response to winning and losing.

Personal Interests and Pastimes:

Crawford enjoys bow fishing, highlighting his passion for outdoor activities and a different kind of competition.
He describes the thrill of hunting and catching fish, adding a unique dimension to his persona.
Crawford’s love for bow fishing reveals a side of him that goes beyond his image as a world champion boxer, showcasing his diverse interests.
The discussion on bow fishing and other personal interests provides a glimpse into Crawford’s life outside the boxing ring, showcasing his character and personality.

Memorable Quotes:

“It’s harder to keep the championship title than getting there.” – Crawford highlights the challenges of staying at the top, emphasizing the constant need for dedication and effort.
“It’s a matter of life and death to me. Whole.” – Crawford expresses his intense commitment to boxing, demonstrating the mental toughness and determination that fuel his success.
“You’re a beginning boxer and Terence Crawford is teaching you something, you’re not listening. You probably never seen shit.” – Crawford emphasizes the importance of learning from experienced fighters, highlighting the arrogance of those who ignore valuable advice.
“I’m not going to be like anybody. I always want to be myself, but I want to surpass the people that were in front of me.” – Crawford’s ambition and desire for greatness, wanting to leave a lasting impact on the sport.
“You just gotta move different.” – Crawford’s advice for navigating the challenges of success, suggesting that those who reach the top need to maintain a unique path and avoid distractions.