Terence Crawford out to hand Jeff Horn first career loss Saturday night in Las Vegas
By Leo Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 07 Jun 2018
Unbeaten multiple world titlist Terence Crawford is out to snatch Jeff Horn?s WBO welterweight belt and hand him his first career loss Saturday night (Sunday in Manila) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Crawford, who is unbeaten in 32 outings, is confident he will prevail over the equally unbeaten Australian opponent in his first attempt to move up to the 147 pound welterweight limit.
The 30-year-old orthodox fighter from Omaha, Nebraska has been unbeaten in the light welterweight limit where he holds multiple titles that include the IBF, WBO, WBC, WBA and The Ring lineal welterweight titles between 2015 and 2017.
Horn, who is unbeaten in 19 pro fights, is fresh from his first defense title victory against Gary Corcoran of England via TKO at the Convention and Exhibition Center in Brisbane, Australia on December 13, 2017.
Horn previously outpointed eight-division world titlist Manny Pacquiao in a controversial title fight in July 2017 at the Suncorp Arena in Brisbane, Australia to win the WBO welterweight title.
Barely three days before fight night, betting odds haven?t changed much since the fight was announced in January. Crawford was favored to win right after the official fight announcement.
In most cases bettors look at the credential of the fighters and for this particular match, Crawford has a better credential.
While both fighters are of the same age and at their prime, Crawford is highly skilled especially on defense and can fight with exceptional hand speed and power. Aside from having more fight experience as a pro, Crawford can switch as a southpaw to an orthodox fighter with ease.
Crawford and Horn face the Las Vegas media Wednesday.
Crawford (32-0-0, 23 KOs), turned pro in 2008 with a knockout win against Brian Cunnings in Denver, Colorado. Since then he has not lost in any of his 32 pro fights, scoring 23 KOs in his pro career.
At 30, Horn has a record of 19 professional fights since turning pro in 2013. Like Crawford, he also won his first pro fight via TKO at the Grand Star Receptions in Melbourne, Australia.
Like Crawford, Horn has not lost a fight in his pro career but he had a draw against Rivan Cesaire due to a technical decision in August 2013 in Gold Coast, Australia.
Horn (18-0-1, 12 KOs), is known for being an aggressor with an awkward fighting style that usually surprises and hit the opponent from multiple directions. Horn is a powerful puncher with a good foot and hand speed.
Crawford stands 5?8? with a reach of 70 inches while Horn stands 5?9? with a reach of 68 inches. The disparity in height and reach seems negligible but the fighter who has the edge in reach could use it to his advantage. In this situation Crawford has the advantage in reach.
Despite the odds favoring Crawford, fight fans are doubtful about his performance in the 147 pound welterweight limit. It will be Crawford?s first fight over and above the light welterweight limit where he has reigned supreme over the past couple of years.
More poundage would definitely affect the mobility of the boxer in the ring. In the case of Crawford, he could find himself wanting in speed on fight night as a result of the added weight and Horn would definitely take advantage of it.
And while Horn remains the underdog three days before fight night, he definitely has a fighting chance to pull off the upset.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Leo Reyes.
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