For multiple years, boxing fans have been looking forward to a unification fight between the World Boxing Organization (WBO) champion (39-0) Terence “Bud” Crawford and then the World Boxing Association (WBA), International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Council (WBC) champion (28-0) Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. In July 2023, over 19,000 boxing fans came from near and far to finally see Crawford and Spence decide who was the best in the high-profile welterweight division. Just as you might have expected, the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas was filled with the anticipation you would expect of a high-profile championship title fight.
It didn’t take long for Crawford to show dominance in this widely anticipated match-up. In an awesome display of boxing brilliance, Crawford showed how he was the more cerebral, stronger, faster, and the most prepared fighter that night. Not only did Crawford drop Spence in the second round, he also used a remarkable 50% connect rate to drop Spence twice in the seventh round, which Spence had no response for. This led to a stoppage in the 9th round, making Crawford the first undisputed welterweight champion of the four-belt era.
“They talked bad about me. They said I wasn’t good enough, and I couldn’t beat these welterweights,” said Crawford. “I just kept my head to the sky and kept praying to God that I would get the opportunity to show the world how great Terence Crawford is. Tonight, I believe I showed how great I am.”
The Omaha, Nebraska native’s greatness doesn’t show up only in the ring. Many people who make it to the pinnacle of their chosen field, often leave their small-town residence for the bright lights of the big city. Crawford could’ve done this years ago. Yet, despite being shot while growing up in North Omaha, Crawford decided to stay in his hometown and become an example for the youth of Omaha of what you can become if you remain focused on your goal.
The B&B Sports Academy in Omaha is the home gym of Terence Crawford. The community-based athletic center’s mission is to ‘build body, mind and character. Expert, caring coaches help members reach goals inside and outside the ring. Positive, structured activities teach confidence, discipline, and healthy habits for a lifetime.’
Shortly after becoming the undisputed four-belt champion of the welterweight division, the City of Omaha hosted a victory parade to share in the monumental victory with their local champion. During the ceremony, they showed video congratulations from NBA Champion Shaquille Oneal, rap moguls Rick Ross and E40, and his young protégé Shakur Stevenson. The mayor of Omaha and the Governor of Nebraska were also in attendance to show their support for Crawford’s achievement.
“You show young athletes who look up to you the value of hard work and dedication,” says Mayor of Omaha Jean Stothert. “They learn what is possible with hard work. Your genuine interest in the young people of Omaha shows your real strength is preparing the next generation for success in competition of all types.”
“At B&B Sports Academy, you’re teaching the rules of the game, good sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership, and respect for others. These life lessons are always important,” adds Mayor Stothert.
Understanding that it takes a village to raise the youth of America, Crawford is notorious for working in his community and for his guidance and the support he shows the youth of Omaha. Because they do not have an NFL, NBA, or MLB team, Crawford’s efforts and achievements are even more pronounced in Omaha.
“I’m staying there to try to make a change,” says Crawford, “Give back to the youth. Give back to my community to show them there is hope that you can make it.”
“I always say I’m an overachiever. Because my dream was only to win one title,” said Crawford. “I just want everybody to know I appreciate all of y’all for coming out to support me and my team. Like I’ve always said, it’s not just me winning, we all win together. With hard work, dedication, and belief, anything is possible, and I’m a living testament to that.”
“We know your dream is to help more young people participate at B&B Sports Academy. But we know your gym is running out of room,” says Mayor Stothert. “We would like to help you build on your success. It just so happens, that the City of Omaha owns the property north of the academy. So, with the City Council’s approval, and I think I can get it, we’re going to offer you this land for the bargain price of $1.00.”
“You see how God works. You see how God works when you put him first,” says Crawford after being made this generous offer from the Mayor of Omaha.
