“Channeling His Inner Floyd Mayweather”- Terence Crawford Might Win Over Canelo Alvarez’s Mexican Fans With One Move

The fight is set and locked. On September 12, Terence Crawford will face Canelo Alvarez. Now, while he is completely focused on the ring, Crawford knows that the upcoming war, probably the biggest boxing world has seen since the 2015 Mayweather-Pacquiao showdown, is as much about hearts and minds. It’s an altogether different playing field, and he needs to establish his dominance.

So, like any intelligent man, Crawford seemingly anticipated and chalked out a fine blueprint to make his pitch. Increasingly many believe that Bud Crawford, who moves up two divisions, may have the wherewithal to inflict a third career loss on the Mexican superstar. Crawford is not one to rest on his laurels. He will keep working hard to achieve the unthinkable at the Allegiant Stadium. But like any good general, Crawford knows. The most crushing defeat would be when his opponent’s fans cheer for him. And to achieve his objective, he made his first move.

Terence Crawford: A multi-front battle

On his Instagram post, urging Mexican fans to check out the limited edition ‘Viva Mexico’ TBC shirts, Terence Crawford wrote, “I have a special treat for all my Mexican fans!!!” The post featured images of four t-shirts in two sets of colors, black and white, having common logos and captions.

It’s not that Crawford will be the first fighter to reach out to the Mexican fans, supporting and screaming for Canelo. Back in 2007, when he faced Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather did a walk-in wearing a Mexican sombrero. But rather than enticing the Mexican fans or taunting De La Hoya, he did the cameo to pay homage to his uncle, the great Roger Mayweather, who once wore a black sombrero during the face-off against the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez.

Crawford knows that he faces a daunting task. Canelo may have received a rap on the knuckle for the William Scull fight. But he still presents a formidable challenge. Crawford will have to put in his all if he wants to score a historic win.

From encouragement to taunts and pure wit, the response to Crawford’s post had been a myriad mix. Let’s check out a few.

Let’s join the party!!

This fan was quite enthusiastic about the initiative. They said, “Definitely gonna grab 2.” Given the historic significance of the fight, merchandise such as the ones offered by Crawford and others is likely to become memorable collectibles.

A taunt followed. “Wonder if Canelo is making Omaha shirts ,” said this user. For those in the know, Canelo is already big-time on merchandise. A first-rate businessman, the undisputed champion has a dedicated website through which he offers a variety of products, including t-shirts, hats, jackets, hoodies, and accessories like sticker packs and headbands.

The Mayweather connection, nevertheless, made its mark. “Channeling his inner Floyd Mayweather,” said this fan. It’s amazing to see how, years ago, as a young boxer, Mayweather could understand and utilize cultural symbolisms to his advantage.

June 10, 2018 – Las Vegas, Nevada, United States of America – Undisputed Junior Welterweight champion Terence Crawford defeats WBO Welterweight Champion Jeff Horn via KO in the Ninth round of their WBO Welterweight title fight on June 9, 2018 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Terence Crawford KO s Jeff Horn To Win WBO Welterweight Title – ZUMAt114 20180610_zap_t114_524 Copyright: xMarcelxThomasx

Of course, quite a few were gung-ho about Crawford defeating Canelo. Like this fan said, “Go get it and come back with it, Bud!” Though cognizant of the risks involved, many fans would love to see Crawford score a win in what could be the biggest fight of his career. He could become boxing’s first three-division undisputed champion among men.

But the ‘other side’ was equally prepared: “Canelo gonna boil that crawfish .” The standard narrative persists. Crawford is entering the super middleweight king’s den. The Mexican knows his domain very well and hence remains an overwhelming favorite to win.

It’s great to see how a big fight starts catching up the crowd’s imagination, particularly when the stakeholders themselves get involved.

Whether Crawford’s new venture gains success, time alone will tell. But it deserves appreciation. Beyond pure economics, his attempt to reach out and gain the confidence of people as he proceeds to square off against their biggest icon is a template others could follow.

Do you think Crawford has a chance against Canelo when they meet in September?

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