Don’t we all agree that the boxing world is in turmoil following the recent cancelation of the highly anticipated fight between Errol Spence Jr. and Sebastian Fundora? As the search for a suitable opponent for Fundora intensifies, new updates emerge from all directions. Fans and critics alike are buzzing with theories and suggestions, each presenting their own list of potential fighters.

With every new name thrown into the mix, the debate grows louder. Amidst the noise, Terence Crawford couldn’t resist stepping in to remind everyone that not all voices should be taken seriously, especially when it comes from those who lack the necessary insight or understanding of the sport.

The disrespect is “crazy” for Terence Crawford

Bud Crawford has always been outspoken about the issues facing the world of boxing. Recently, in a candid declaration, he lamented, “There’s a lot of great fighters that don’t get the respect from y’all and that’s crazy to me. These fighters putting their lives on the line to entertain y’all, and you people be so disrespectful.” His words come at a time when both fans and boxing politics are in frustration over the canceled fight.

Though it may not seem readily apparent, there is a chance Terence Crawford’s comments may be a remark on the canceled fight between the former unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. and the unified light middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora. The fight was delayed multiple times, most notably in October last year.

The fight was then rescheduled for March 29, 2025, in Las Vegas, but complications arose when the new WBO president ultimately declared, “The WBO would not sanction Fundora/Spence due to the latter being (1) inactive for 1 year & 5 months; (2) a TKO loss in last bout; (3) not rated in 154 lbs., & 4) has never fought in 154 lbs. Ruling otherwise would be a disservice to the rest of the 154 world-rated contenders.” Despite being a widely popular name, Spence Jr. could not get the fight he wanted. Whereas other ranked fighters, no one wanted to see opposite Fundora.

This under-appreciation of skillful contenders may be nipping at the heels for Bud. Many boxers, especially those who don’t have the same promotional backing, struggle for respect in the ring and from fans. For the 37-year-old, it’s about acknowledging the skill and sacrifice of fighters who don’t necessarily headline pay-per-view cards but still put their lives on the line every time they step into the ring.

This isn’t the first time Terence Crawford has spoken out in support of lesser-known boxers.

Still batting for the underdogs

Remember the Tim Tszyu and Bakhram Murtazaliev fight for the IBF super welterweight title on October 19, 2024? Well, Tim Tszyu, the son of boxing legend Kostya Tszyu, was a heavy favorite heading into the bout. Despite his loss to Fundora back in March, most fans and analysts alike were convinced that the Sydney native would easily defeat the then relatively unknown Murtazaliev who had 22-0 before his fight with the Soul Taker. Even before the fight, most had already counted out the Murtazaliev.

However, in a shocking upset, the 30-year-old was knocked down by the Russian three times just in the second round before the eventual brutal knockout in the third, a result that no one had predicted. Bakhram Murtazaliev thus became the IBF Super Welterweight champion.

Following the fight, Terence Crawford took to social media, offering a pointed message to the fans. He declared, “This why you can’t listen to these fans. They don’t know boxing at all. Just because you never heard of a fighter doesn’t mean he’s a bum. Now everyone is high on Murtazaliev. Y’all need to stop downing fighters just because y’all don’t pay attention to them.”

The Tszyu-Murtazaliev upset serves as a cautionary tale, showing that in boxing, anyone can win on any given night, and dismissing a fighter can lead to unforeseen consequences. As fans, we should be careful not to reduce athletes to mere figures for our entertainment. In light of this, what do you think? Is it time for a shift in how we view and appreciate fighters who aren’t household names? Do share your thoughts with us below!