Terence Crawford’s prowess in the boxing ring is widely acknowledged, but few are aware of his background in wrestling.
Hailing from a family with a wrestling legacy, Terence “BoMac” Crawford Sr., Crawford’s father, was a proficient wrestler in his own right. The expertise passed down from father to son played a pivotal role in molding Terence Crawford’s athletic journey, infusing him with both physical prowess and mental resilience.
Driven by his own experiences, Crawford envisioned a wrestling foundation for his children, recognizing its capacity to establish a solid athletic base. Fresh off his commanding TKO victory over Errol Spence Jr., Crawford took part in a casual wrestling sparring session with a fan. This encounter revealed Crawford’s adeptness in grappling, exemplified by his masterful collar tie and two-on-one techniques.
MMA journalist Ariel Helwani shared the video on Twitter, igniting fascination among fans, who marveled at Crawford’s showcased skills. One enthusiast remarked:
“His wrestling is better than that of half the UFC fighters.” Another admirer offered a pragmatic view:
“His boxing skills are astounding, and as an athlete, with dedicated training, he could likely hold his own in the UFC or Bellator within a year. Maybe not in the top 20, but his adaptability is remarkable.” Yet another enthusiast speculated:
“Terence Crawford would shine as an MMA star.” Peruse some of the captivating reactions below:
In an interview with LA Times, Crawford elaborated on his distinctive aspirations for his progeny, differing from his own boxing journey.
Rather than steering his three sons – Terence Crawford III, Tyrese, and Tacari – toward boxing, Crawford envisions a path of wrestling. He values wrestling’s potential to lay a strong athletic foundation and views it as a safer alternative to boxing’s inherent risks.
Despite his lucrative boxing career, Crawford refrains from advocating boxing for his children due to the sport’s physical hazards. Crawford articulated:
“I don’t want my kids to box. No way! Boxing is a dangerous, cruel sport. I love the sport, but I don’t want to see my kids in the ring, potentially being hurt, with me not being able to do anything to help them. Whenever my kids have a tournament, or something going on, I make it a point to make sure I’m there for them every step of the way. That’s real important to me.”
As speculation swirls around the prospect of Crawford’s potential transition to MMA, his dedication to fostering his children’s future while safeguarding their well-being underscores his multifaceted approach to life beyond the boxing ring.