Editor’s note: This article was originally published on DAZN.com.
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Terence Crawford doubled down on moving on from a potential unification bout with fellow welterweight titleholder Errol Spence Jr.
The WBO welterweight champ made it clear at the Vergil Ortiz-Maurice Hooker fight Saturday that the potential showdown between the undefeated pound-for-pound fighters isn’t going to happen.
“I’m not even worried about Errol Spence anymore,” Crawford told DAZN’s Chris Mannix before the Ortiz-Hooker fight at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. “I already told everybody that fight is history for me. I’m not thinking or worried about Errol Spence anymore.
“That fight is behind me.”
🗣️ "That fight is history."@TerenceCrawford says he has no plans of fighting @ErrolSpenceJr any time soon. pic.twitter.com/4GG3XZZnzv
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) March 21, 2021
During the same interview, Crawford (37-0, 28 KOs) also seemed to dismiss the possibility of facing Ortiz (17-0, 17 KOs) next.
“I just laugh at it,” Crawford said. “Right now, I’m on bigger and better things. Who knows what the future may hold? Maybe me and Vergil may get it on … if he wins.”
Well, not only did Ortiz win Saturday night, he won emphatically in the stiffest test of his young pro career. With growing confidence, Ortiz used the moment to express his desire for a crack at Crawford’s crown.
“I would love that opportunity,” Ortiz said after his victory. “Crawford is possibly the No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world, definitely top two, so if they give me that opportunity … I’m looking at you, Bud, I’m looking at you. If you want to make this happen, I’m more than willing to do it.
“I don’t care if I’m ready or not,” he added, “I want that fight.”
Oscar De La Hoya backed his young charge with the following tweet.
"I'M LOOKING AT YOU BUD!"@VergilOrtiz would LOVE a fight against @TerenceCrawford next 🍿 pic.twitter.com/TSE41vozYm
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) March 21, 2021
In addition to Crawford, Spence was in attendance at the Dickies Arena.
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