Byron Nelson
In the world of combat sports, the disciplines of wrestling and boxing are often seen as distinct pursuits, each with its unique set of skills and strategies. However, for boxing sensation Terence Crawford, wrestling and boxing go hand in hand, ingrained in his family history and ultimately shaping his journey as a world-class fighter. While his early exposure to wrestling was through his father, grandpa, and uncles, who were all accomplished wrestlers and boxers, Crawford’s true passion and destiny lay in the world of boxing.
Terence Crawford, also known as “Bud,” is a highly decorated professional boxer hailing from Omaha, Nebraska. Throughout his illustrious career, Crawford has earned multiple world titles in different weight classes and is widely regarded as one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the sport. But before he laced up his gloves and stepped into the boxing ring, wrestling was a prominent presence in his family.
In an interview with Scoop B Radio’s Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson, Crawford reflected on his family’s wrestling background, stating, “My dad wrestled, my grandpa wrestled, my uncles wrestled, but they were all boxers as well, so that was just something that was in my blood.” The influence of wrestling in his family’s lineage created a strong connection between the two combat sports, instilling in Crawford the discipline, determination, and physicality that are common threads in both wrestling and boxing.
Despite the wrestling legacy in his family, Crawford revealed that he initially resisted following the same path. He candidly admitted, “Me personally, I really didn’t want to wrestle, but they tried to put it on me.” While he may not have pursued wrestling, the wrestling ethos and work ethic were ingrained in him from an early age, laying the foundation for his future success as a boxer.
As Crawford continued to grow and develop as a fighter, his focus shifted exclusively to boxing, and it was in this discipline that he found his true calling. Embracing his passion for boxing, he honed his skills and climbed the ranks, eventually becoming one of the most dominant and respected champions in the sport.
While boxing became his primary pursuit, the influence of wrestling remained present in his fighting style. The lessons learned from his family’s wrestling background undoubtedly contributed to his ability to control opponents in the ring, employ effective footwork, and utilize grappling techniques to his advantage.
As Crawford’s boxing career soared to new heights, he remained grateful for the wrestling legacy that preceded him. Despite not actively pursuing wrestling, he acknowledged the profound impact it had on shaping him as an athlete and a person.
In addition to acknowledging the connection between wrestling and boxing, Crawford also spoke about his favorite wrestlers growing up. Although he didn’t watch wrestling himself, he undoubtedly heard stories of legendary wrestling figures from his wrestling-inclined family. These tales likely included names of iconic wrestlers who exemplified the tenacity and determination he would later incorporate into his boxing style.
As Terence Crawford continues to leave a lasting legacy in the world of boxing, his story serves as a reminder that the paths to greatness in combat sports are varied and diverse. Whether it’s wrestling, boxing, or any other discipline, the values of hard work, dedication, and passion are the common threads that lead to success.
Crawford’s journey is a testament to the influence of family, the fusion of diverse backgrounds, and the resilience to carve one’s path. While wrestling and boxing may be distinct, for Terence Crawford, they have become intertwined, propelling him to the pinnacle of the boxing world and solidifying his status as an inspiring figure in combat sports.
