Teddy Atlas believes there is a clear winner should Terence Crawford and Vergil Ortiz Jr meet in the super-welterweight ranks.
Crawford won the WBA World Title in his first fight in the division, defeating Israil Madrimov. Madrimov is now slated to face Ortiz next year – though he must first get through Serhii Bohachuk on December 21.
Should Ortiz keep his perfect record, he has a good argument to face ‘Bud’. There’s little doubt that the fight would be all-action. Ortiz, who until his controversial points win over Bohachuk had 100% knockout rate, is relentless in his pressure and punching. Crawford can shine under that sort of attack and counter from either the orthodox or southpaw stance.
Speaking on his podcast, famed trainer and analyst Teddy Atlas backed ‘Bud’ should the fight materialise.
“I’m not going against Crawford. I love his style, his tenacity, his body punching, his power. I love all of it. Although he didn’t explode in his last fight against Bohachuk, but I still love the way the guy goes about his business. His confidence and the way he behaves like a fighter and thinks like a fighter.
But I can’t go against Crawford, I’m sorry. Until somebody knocks the king off of his throne. For me, him, Inoue and Usyk have earned it. Those guys are the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world, and Beterbiev’s up there too, and Tank Davis. Until somebody knocks Crawford off of his throne, I ain’t going against the guy. I think he’s got those special traits.”
Crawford is currently looking to move away from 154 pounds for a fight against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez at 168. If he can’t land the fight many in the sport feel he may retire. If he doesn’t, Ortiz is as good an opponent as any.
