Terence Crawford, the dignified boxer from Omaha, Nebraska, has named Teofimo Lopez as the one fighter he'd like to face outside the ring. Crawford shared this unusual sentiment during a recent Instagram Live session with Bernie Davis.
'Bud' Crawford has built a reputation for letting his fists do the talking. The switch-hitter boasts an impressive 41-0 record and has claimed world titles in four divisions. He's also achieved the rare feat of becoming undisputed champion in two weight classes, cementing his place at the top of most pound-for-pound lists.
Crawford typically shows respect to his opponents and avoids unnecessary drama. He explained his usual approach during the live stream:
"I never disrespected [Errol] Spence when I called him out. I never disrespect Canelo when I call him out. I always acknowledge them. I always acknowledge their skills. I'm a fan of Spence still. I'm a fan of Canelo still."
However, Crawford's attitude changes when it comes to super-lightweight world champion Teofimo Lopez. The Omaha native expressed his frustration with Lopez's behavior:
"This little motherf***er [Lopez] just disrespectful. I seen him at the fight, he looked at me and he's playing because he thinks everything is a game. But he don't understand that I will beat the f**k out of him and his daddy."
Crawford explained that he doesn't use security guards or travel with a large entourage. He doesn't bother anyone or pretend to be something he's not. He only "wigs out" when he has a reason.
The tension between Crawford and Lopez escalated at a recent Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez versus Edgar Berlanga fight in Las Vegas. Lopez laughed and asked Crawford when they would fight. The situation got worse when Lopez's father got involved. Crawford recounted:
"I said if you ever put your motherf***ing hands on me again I'm gonna beat your ass."
Lopez's father replied that they just wanted the fight. The exchange heated up when Lopez asked, "You wanna fight outside?" Crawford responded:
"Yeah we're gonna fight outside, motherf***er. What you talking about? Your dad hit me outside the ring. Yeah I'm gonna beat your ass outside the ring."
Despite Lopez's attempts to secure a fight, Crawford isn't likely to accept the call out. He's more interested in a potential clash with Canelo or a super-welterweight unification bout against Sebastian Fundora.
Crawford's impressive record and achievements speak for themselves, making him one of the most respected fighters in the sport. His uncharacteristic response to Lopez shows just how much the younger fighter's antics have gotten under his skin.
