London (14 January) – The next super-star of boxing Terence Crawford’s WBO World Super-Lightweight title defence against Hank Lundy on Saturday 27th February at the iconic Madison Square Garden, will be televised exclusively live on BoxNation.
Crawford, a two-time and two-weight World Champion, a big favourite with UK fans’ on The Channel of Champions, returns to action as he looks to elevate into the position of boxing’s main man with Floyd Mayweather retired and Manny Pacquiao soon to be, many experts believe the exciting 28-year-old from Omaha can be that man.
A hero in his hometown, Crawford, who sits inside the top ten of boxing’s Pound-for-Pound best rankings, now looks to make that transition when he makes his debut at MSG, known as the “Mecca of Boxing”, where the immortals of the sport have all plied there trade.
Undefeated in 27 fights with 19 knockouts, 12 coming inside three rounds, the big-hitting and dangerous Crawford, 28, could have been a potential final opponent for Pacquaio, who instead wisely opted to go for a third fight against rival Timothy Bradley.
Crawford, began his title reign when he totally out-classed Scotland’s Ricky Burns in his own backyard in March 2014 to win the WBO World Lightweight title. He then saw off undefeated Cuban Yuriorkis Gamboa, a former Olympic Gold medallist, in nine rounds in the first title defence in June before outpointing tough Mexican and former world title challenger Raymundo Beltran in November in his second title defence.
“Bud” started 2015 by stepping up to super-lightweight and destroying number two ranked contender Thomas Dulorme to capture the Vacant WBO Crown with a sixth round stoppage in April, followed by a first title defence against the tough Puerto Rican based Frenchman and number two ranked challenger Dierry Jean in ten rounds last November.
His challenger, Lundy, hails from the mean streets of Philadelphia and brings the old school fight mentality of the greats who have come out of the fighting city like Bernard Hopkins and Joe Frazier, into his showdown against Crawford.
Never to shy away from a fight, his challenger “Hammerin” Lundy has defeated former world champions including David Diaz and Richar Abril as well as contenders Olusegan Ajose, Patrick Williams, Dannie Williams and Angelo Santana in his 32-fight career with 26 wins, five losses, one draw and 13 knockouts. In his last fight he captured the WBC Continental Lightweight title with a fifth round stoppage of Carlos Velasquez and is rated number eight in the world by the organisation.
At the recent fight announcement Crawford and Lundy clashed and both are promising an exciting fight.
“I will show the world I am the best fighter at 140 pounds,” Said Crawford.
He added, “Lundy runs his mouth too much. He’s about to get hurt real bad. But Lundy can fight. He will battle.”
Lunday retaliated, “This is the type of fight I have been waiting for. The last couple of fights I have beaten guys but didn’t get the fair shake. If you’re a true fan of boxing, you know I belong in the ring with the best fighters in the world. I’m the type of guy that no one wants to fight, because I am the real deal. On February 27th, I am coming to Madison Square Garden to fight Terence Crawford, and on the 28th I’ll be leaving with his belt.”
Also on the exciting card another potential boxing super-star Felix Verdejo aims to break through into the mainstream when he defends his WBO Latino Lightweight title against big-hitting Brazilian Williams Silva in his return to MSG.
The red-hot undefeated talent known as “El Diamante” fights out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and aims to become the next big name fighter from the famous fighting island that has produced countless greats like Miguel Cotto, Felix Trinidad, Wilfredos Gomez and Vasquez, Hector Camacho and many more.
Fire-fisted Verjdejo has stopped eight of his last ten opponents inside the distance and this will be the third defence of his title. He won the belt with a fifth round knockout of Marco Lopez in April 2014 and then outpointed undefeated contender Ivan Najera in his first defence. Last time out in December he smashed Josenilson Dos Santos inside two rounds.
The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546, TalkTalk 415 and Freeview 255. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com or watch online at watch.boxnation.com and via iPhone, iPad or Android and Amazon devices.
