Via Chris Williams: Jermell Charlo made it clear today that he sees Terence Crawford as just power-hungry PBC fighters and he doesn’t want to fight anyone.
Given Crawford’s advanced age, 35, he could come over the hill when he has a world title opportunity at 154. He didn’t look good during his title defense last Saturday night, when he started to slow down.
Crawford recently commented that he will beat undisputed middleweight champion Jermell (35-1-1, 19 KOs) as he moves up to 154.
But despite Crawford’s brave words, he gave up when given the chance to fight Errol Spence, and instead chose to defend his welterweight WBO belt against David Avanesyan.
Crawford (39-0.30 KO) may have permanently ruined his chances of fighting Spence after he disappeared unannounced during their recent negotiations.
Spence (28-0, 22 KOs) had no time to waste trying to negotiate with fighters who wouldn’t stay to fight together.
“I didn’t get to see his game. I have never heard of what he did. I’ve never heard of his opponent,” Jermell Charlo said today opening press conferencereacts when informed that Terence Crawford says he will defeat him “easily” when they finally fight.
“I just focus on what I have in front of me and I’m not even aware of it. Everyone said they would beat one or the other. All I see is him riding in the name of PBC warriors,” Jermell continued of Crawford. “He didn’t even try to fight anyone.
Jermell is defending against WBO mandatory Tim Tszyu (21-0, 15 KOs) on January 28 on Showtime Championship Boxing at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.
“The people here are a completely different football field,” said Jermell. “Do you know what I am saying? He is playing in the AFL. I’m playing in the NFL. I am the superior. I’ve got all the rings. I’m Tom Brady. The black one.
“I want it in its current position. I want it to be indisputable,” Charlo said when asked what kind of legacy he wants to leave behind. Now, I want to protect them. When you think about Jermell Charlo, I’m a ferocious animal coming into the ring. I am real about every action I take.
“I am very smart in the ring, smart in the ring and make a living on my own. I built more of my boxing legacy around me. There are people who try to get in the game and change their lives. Put down their guns, put gloves on their hands. Do some of the same things as Jake Paul.
“There are a lot of good boxers out there who don’t get that opportunity,” Charlo said.
