From MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada Terence “Bud” Crawford moved up in weight to challenge Jeff Horn, for his WBO Welterweight Title.
Crawford, the former undisputed junior welterweight champion, came in looking to make a statement. Horn walked into the ring as both champion and underdog, making the second defense of his title.
Crawford started out fighting from the southpaw stance, controlling the distance and picking Horn off as he leaped straight forward. In the second round it was Crawford coming forward having success landing his shots. Horn was game jumping forward landing his right hand a few times but Crawford was clearly landing all the clean punches.
The challenger got more aggressive taking charge in the third round, landing big shots on Horn throughout the round. The difference in skills started to show as Crawford was outboxing Horn taking complete control of the bout. The champion showed tremendous heart, but his opponent stepped his foot on the gas as the fight went on.
By the midway point Crawford was putting on a masterpiece, slowly and methodically picking Horn apart. Also beating him on the inside, outside and midrange, breaking him down slowly.
Horn to his credit kept coming but it was Crawford landing all the meaningful punches in the seventh round. Crawford landed a beautiful left hook, followed by an uppercut in a dominating eighth round. He hurt Horn for about the entire last minute of the round, wobbling him at the end of the round.
Horn went down in the ninth but was able to continue. Shortly after the referee stepped in and put a halt to the bout giving Crawford the ninth round TKO victory.
With the victory Terence Crawford improved to 33-0 with 24 KO’s. It was a brilliant performance by the new champion. Jeff Horn (18-1-1,12KO’s) showed heart but was clearly outmatched
By: Wilson Urena
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