Gervonta Davis’s Skepticism
Gervonta Davis, known for his electrifying boxing style and unapologetic candor, has expressed significant doubts about the success of Terence Crawford in recent years. In a recent interview with ESNEWS, Davis questioned how Crawford, a boxer who was notably hurt by Yuriorkis Gamboa in 2014, has managed to look so dominant without being "clipped" again. Davis’s skepticism is rooted in the observation that Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) has faced a string of opponents who are far from the top tier of boxing. The insinuation that Crawford’s involvement with SNAC, a controversial supplement company, might have played a role in his sustained performance adds a layer of suspicion to his perfect record.
The Weakness in Crawford’s Resume
One of the most striking points in Davis’s criticism is the weakness of Crawford’s opposition since 2014. The list of fighters Crawford has faced reads like a who’s who of the boxing world’s has-beens and bit players. From Israil Madrimov, who has shown flashes of talent but lacks significant wins, to ex-champions like Errol Spence, David Avanesyan, and Shawn Porter, many of these fighters were either past their prime or never truly stood out in the first place. Davis argues that every fighter on Crawford’s resume would easily be defeated by rising stars like Jaron Ennis and Vergil Ortiz. Not only would these younger, more dynamic fighters have a better shot at the unbeaten record, but they would likely accumulate more knockouts and attract a larger fan base due to their entertaining styles.
The Luck Factor
Crawford’s career trajectory, according to Davis, has been significantly influenced by sheer luck and opportunistic scheduling. The emergence of Turki Alalshikh, a wealthy boxing enthusiast and promoter, has been crucial. Alalshikh’s financial backing allowed Crawford to land lucrative fights, such as his bout against Israil Madrimov, which reportedly netted him a substantial payday. More importantly, it has secured Crawford a high-profile fight against Canelo Alvarez on September 13th. Davis suggests that without Alalshikh’s intervention, Crawford would not have been able to secure such significant bouts. He believes that no promoter in their right mind would risk the financial stability of a PPV event on a fight featuring Crawford, given his track record of underwhelming opponents and limited draw power.
The Financial Incentives
The financial aspect of Crawford’s upcoming fight against Canelo Alvarez is a point of contention. Davis argues that the match, which was largely made possible by the massive financial incentives offered by Alalshikh, does not guarantee a large viewer base. Crawford’s last fight against Madrimov reportedly garnered between 75,000 and 100,000 buys on DAZN PPV, a number that is far from impressive considering the stacked card. For a match of this caliber, the PPV buys need to be substantially higher to justify the payout. Davis’s critique is not just about the quality of opposition but also the broader financial and promotional landscape that has enabled Crawford’s rise.
The SNAC Controversy
Davis’s most explosive allegation is his reference to SNAC, the supplement company associated with Crawford’s performance. He believes that SNAC, and its founder Victor Conte, who has a history of legal troubles related to performance-enhancing drugs, might be the reason behind Crawford’s sustained success. Conte’s past, which includes time behind bars for his involvement in the BALCO scandal, casts a shadow over the legitimacy of the fighters he works with. Davis suggests that the combination of weak opposition and potential performance-enhancing aids has artificially inflated Crawford’s achievements and contributed to his unbeaten record.
The Future of Crawford’s Career
Despite Crawford’s perfect record and upcoming high-profile bout, Davis’s criticism raises important questions about the future of his career. If the opposition continues to be subpar, and if the SNAC allegations gain traction, Crawford’s reputation and credibility could be severely tarnished. Davis’s suggestion that Alalshikh should focus on pairing Canelo with more formidable opponents like David Benavidez is a clear indication that he believes Crawford’s current standing in the boxing world is largely a result of favorable circumstances rather than genuine skill. The boxing community and fans will be watching closely to see if Crawford can back up his record and reputation against a true champion like Canelo Alvarez.
