'On another level': Crawford cements status with brutal TKO
Terence Crawford left boxing fans in awe after retaining his WBO welterweight title with an exhilarating 12th-round knockout of Jose Benavidez.
Crawford (34-0) was dominant throughout at the CHI Health Center in his hometown, and his first defence of the title ended in victory in the final round.
The American was the aggressor from the outset, dictating to Benavidez, who suffered his first loss in 28 fights.
Crawford’s decisive blow arrived with just seconds remaining, knocking out Benavidez with a huge uppercut.
The manner of the victory left fans hailing the American as one of the greatest fighters on the planet, with many demanding a showdown against IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence.
Terence Crawford just dominated and stopped another unbeaten fighter to defend his world title… the guy is just on another level. Jeff Horn needs to go after the other titles before Crawford gets them all. https://t.co/X5RbbCCud3
— Chris Garry (@ChrisGarry7) October 14, 2018
Terence Crawford not only beat this man up physically and mentally he enjoyed it and he wanted to inflict pain upon him and all that kid did with all that Jaw Jackin' is Pump Bud up and get his ass thoroughly whipped so who's next #CrawfordBenavidez @budcrawford402
— Solomon Izeal (@DennisGriffin2) October 14, 2018
Terence Crawford dominated Jose Benavidez Jr throughout that entire fight. Now if we could only see Crawford vs Errol Spence. Bout time Bud gets a big fight!!! #CrawfordBenavidez
— Shantelle Chand (@Shantelle_Chand) October 14, 2018
#TerenceCrawford with last round #knockout – good fight to watch – good fight by Benavidez – Crawford skill set is impeccable.
— Highpozt (@Highpozt11) October 14, 2018
Both fighters made a relatively tentative start – perhaps surprising given the animosity in the lead-up – but Crawford tried to dictate early with his jab.
Crawford’s body shots were the main blows landed in the opening rounds and the American was becoming more aggressive as the fight wore on.
Benavidez – who continually shook his head to play down his opponent’s shots – enjoyed his best round in the fourth, but Crawford responded, his speed giving him control of the bout.
Crawford’s biggest punches were missing, but he continued to be the busier of the two fighters.
Benavidez struggled to land any meaningful combinations throughout, keeping his distance from Crawford.
Perhaps tiring, Benavidez retreated to the ropes for much of the 10th round as Crawford looked for a knockout blow.
And that arrived in the final minute, Crawford sending Benavidez to the canvas with a huge right uppercut, before the fight was stopped after another flurry of blows moments later.
With Omnisport