Ryan Garcia and Terence Crawford Call for Changes to Boxing
High-profile fighters Ryan Garcia (23-1, 19 KOs) and undisputed welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) suggest boxing could be in big trouble following news that Showtime will no longer carry boxing after the end of this year. But are fighters like Garcia and Crawford part of the problem?
The two fighters were not shy to give their take on the matter and the sport at large. Garcia went to social media calling for other fighters to unite for the sport’s greater good.
Compared to other mainstream professional sports like the NFL, NBA, and Major League Baseball, boxing needs to catch up from a marketing standpoint. But both Garcia and Crawford ignore vital factors about how the sport can improve its image and ultimate financial standing.
Boxing is a sport that thrives when the best are fighting the best consistently. A common complaint from fans over the years is that fighters are unwilling to test themselves against elite boxers.
ALL SIZZLE NO STEAK
Garcia is a household name because of his social media following more than any accomplishment in the ring. For much of his career, the Californian has been a protected fighter. It’s galling of him to get on his high horse when he’s yet to prove himself as a fighter of substance.
The most significant fight of his career was a seventh-round stoppage over former world title challenger Luke Campbell in January 2021. Over the years, Garcia had repeated opportunities to face reigning unified lightweight champion Devin Haney.
A battle with Haney has yet to occur, and many in the boxing community put the blame squarely on Garcia’s shoulders. When boxing’s social media darling finally faced a high-caliber opponent in April 2023, he was knocked down twice and ultimately stopped by Gervonta “Tank” Davis.
NOT DOING HIS FULL PART
Crawford is currently ranked number one in the 3kingsboxing.com Top Ten Fighter rankings. His last outing was a dominant ninth-round stoppage win over Errol Spence to become the undisputed welterweight champion in July 2023.
Bud is blessed with supreme skills. But for much of his career as a pro, the Nebraska native has been difficult to promote.
His former promoter, Bob Arum, openly admitted he lost money promoting his fights. It wasn’t until the Spence fight that the 36-year-old was willing to do the necessary things outside the ring to gain mainstream appeal.
Context is critical. Garcia and Crawford’s arguments only carry so much weight. In this instance, they are guilty of a certain level of hypocrisy.
