Arum to Crawford: "I've been called many things, but racist is nonsense"

Bob Arum claims that he can be accused of many unpleasant things, but one accusation with which he does not agree is the accusation of racism.

Earlier this year WBO welterweight title holder Terence Crawford sued his former promoter and Top Rank for violating their contract. The boxer and promoter parted ways last November after Crawford knocked out Sean Porter in the 10th round. The lawsuit, whose existence was first revealed in the gossip section of the NY Post, received a lot of attention because, in addition to contractual disputes, it accused Arum of racism.

Arum, who is Jewish, was especially annoyed by this claim of discrimination.

“These accusations are stupid,” Arum said in an interview with FightHype. — I don't even pay attention to them. You can call me by different names. You can call me cheap, you can call me greedy if you like - there is some debate about this. But calling me a racist? It's fucking stupid."

Arum believes that Crawford (38-0, 29 KOs) is being misled by his inner circle. Arum did not name specific individuals who allegedly gave advice to the boxer, but Crawford's preparation and career is led by Brian McIntyre. Arum says he is also being advised by Daniel Kinahan, the alleged leader of an Irish drug cartel and founder of MTK Global, a boxing company.

“Terence is being advised by the wrong people,” says Arum. “The best thing that could happen after the end of our contract is if we parted ways without any disputes.”

The 90-year-old promoter noted that while he held Crawford in high regard as a fighter, he was disappointed with the Omaha, Nebraska native's marketing skills.

“Regarding Top Rank, as far as I understand, Terence is a great boxer, one of the best boxers without a doubt, but it didn’t help us in any way with his promotion, because he was a kind of fighter who somehow leaked everything,” said Arum. “He prepared like hell and worked very hard, but this to some extent prevented us from promoting his fights. That is why the results we got in promotions left much to be desired. What he did in the ring was amazing because he always entered the ring fully prepared and focused."