Bob Arum questions Terence Crawford’s selling power!
When it comes to Terence “Bud” Crawford (37-0, 28 KOs), there is no doubt about his skills and in-ring ability. A champion in three weight divisions, the Omaha, Nebraska native is a top five pound for pound fighter. However, his ability to pull in big numbers as a PPV headliner are in question. Fans and Crawford’s own promoter, Bob Arum, alike, share this sentiment.
This pertains to a potential fight between himself and former IBF and WBC Welterweight champion Shawn “Showtime” Porter (31-3-1, 17KOs). A fight between these two men would be an absolute war! The question is, what platform would a potential fight be on? Probably not on ESPN due to the money both fighters would be requesting. PPV is very possible. However, how would the numbers look? Both are great fighters. The problem is they just aren’t fighters that move the needle without a major co-star.
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Bob Arum told The Athletic the following regarding Crawford’s ability, or lack thereof, to sell.
“We could make a big fight vs Porter, but who’s going to pay for it? There’s a limit to what I can get out of ESPN.
And on PPV, Crawford’s never done anything on PPV. Nothing against him. It is what it is.”
NUMBERS DON’T LIE!
In his two career pay-per-view fights as a headliner, his numbers did not bode too well. His first PPV fight against Vitor Postol in 2016 only did 50,000 PPVs. His second PPV against Amir Khan did a lot better, selling 150,000 PPVs.
The statement by Arum is surely going to make his top fighter feel some way, even if it is the truth. Crawford is in need of a big fight. Whether or not he gets one remains to be seen.
By: Jerrell Fletcher
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