A critical look at the past week in boxing
GOOD
Terence Crawford provided a reminder of what many of us strongly believe: He’s the best boxer in the world.
Boxing Junkie’s No. 1 fighter pound-for-pound took his time gauging his range against Kell Brook on Saturday in Las Vegas, had just begun to pick up his work rate and then – as a result of one big right hand — knocked out Brook in Round 4 to retain his welterweight title and place at the pinnacle of the sport.
The victory cannot be described as sensational because of the opponent. Brook looked fit and said all the right things beforehand but it’s reasonable to believe he was damaged coming into the fight after brutal knockout losses to Gennadiy Golovkin and Errol Spence Jr., both of which left him with broken facial bones.
Still, Crawford got the job done in emphatic fashion, as he has always done in his remarkable career. That’s all he could do.
Now we wait … and hope.
The one frustrating downside to Crawford’s career has been his inability to lure a top 147-pounder into the ring, which can be attributed at least in part to the insidious politics of boxing. And he’s 33 now, not young by boxing standards.
Things could change next year one way or another. Crawford said he wants to fight Manny Pacquiao next, which would be a dream come true for fans dying to see him face a legitimate challenge. His promoter, Bob Arum, said investors in Middle East remain interested in bringing that fight there.
Crawford also could end his relationship with Top Rank, according to reports, and jump ship to Premier Boxing Champions. That’s where his prime welterweight rivals reside, including Pacquiao and Errol Spence Jr.
Whatever it takes … do it.
To say that Crawford has earned the right to fight the best possible opponents is a gross understatement. If there is any justice at all in boxing – and maybe there isn’t — it’ll happen before it’s too late.
***
BAD
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman means well. He just tries too hard sometimes.
Sulaiman has announced the creation of an 18th division between cruiserweight and heavyweight, with a limit of 224 pounds. He’s calling it “bridgerweight,” named after a boy who was wounded protecting his sister from a dog attack. It might end up being called “super cruiserweight.”
Sulaiman subsequently said that he plans to lower the cruiserweight limit from 200 pounds to 190 at some point.
The idea behind “bridgerweight” isn’t complicated: Smaller heavyweights, those who weigh between the cruiserweight limit of 200 and roughly 220, have been deemed too small for modern behemoths like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
It makes some sense. Small heavyweights could use a comfortable place to do their work, although many would chose to fight against the big men because of the money and glory involved.
However, there are problems.
One, small heavyweights have had success. Evander Holyfield is the best example but there are others. Look what Alexander Povetkin, a relatively small heavyweight, just did to Dillian Whyte. And Deontay Wilder, the biggest puncher in the sport, is small in terms of weight.
And, two, there are too many divisions as it is. Many of those who love the sport dream of reverting back to eight weight classes, not moving up to 18. Remember: If we allow each of the four major sanctioning bodies one champion in each division, 18 of them would produce 72 “champions.”
Can anyone argue that that’s not absurd?
I have three suggestions for Sulaiman.
One, if you’re intent on adding another division, then remove one that currently exists. The obvious choice is to do away with strawweight, which has a 105-pound limit. The littlest boxers would have to fight at 108.
At least then no one can complain that you’re increasing the number of divisions.
Two, don’t stick with the name “bridgerweight.” It’s a nice gesture but inconsistent with the names of the other divisions. And, if you go another direction, be sure to leave out the word “heavy,” which would diminish the sport’s traditional glamour division ever so slightly. “Super cruiserweight” works fine.
And, three, you might want to consider not doing it at all.
***
WORSE
I don’t know whether Joshua Franco’s swollen eye was caused by a head clash or a punch (or punches) from Andrew Moloney on the Crawford-Brook card, which was the crux of controversy. No one knows for sure.
One thing is certain, though: Nevada officials didn’t handle the situation well.
The fight was stopped after two rounds and ruled a no-decision because referee Russell Mora believed the injury was the result of an accidental foul and the fight didn’t go four complete rounds. Had the eye been damaged by punches or the fight gone four, Moloney would’ve won by technical knockout.
Where did the officials go wrong?
First, according to Moloney, Mora never told him or his cornermen about his ruling. Had Moloney been aware that the injury was the result of a head clash, he said, he would’ve stayed away from the eye for a few rounds.
However, to be fair to Mora, he indicated to officials multiple times during and after the first round that the swelling was the result of a head clash. Moloney was busy fighting, which might explain why he was unaware. It’s more difficult to understand how the Aussie’s cornermen missed it.
Second, the video review took almost a half hour, which seemed like half a day. Thoroughness is laudable but a half hour borders on ridiculous.
And, three, repeated replays on ESPN failed to provide reasonably clear evidence that a clash of heads caused the eye injury. In fact, network technicians found a jab that seemed to be a more likely culprit. In the end, many fans were left unsatisfied that officials made the correct decision.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission might be wise to issue a news release explaining its actions and include a video clip of the accidental foul in question to control any damage caused to its reputation.
As it is now, too many people believe the commission unjustly deprived Moloney of a victory.