Boxing: Terence Crawford, Amir Khan struck low blows to expectations

New York City served as the ideal backdrop for a big-time fight between two of boxing’s biggest stars but yet another low blow was dealt to the sports’ fanbase.

Amir Khan challenged undefeated WBO welterweight champion Terence Crawford this past weekend from the legendary Madison Square Garden arena. The pay-per-view bout was highly anticipated and garnered plenty of attention for taking place in New York City.

Crawford was making his second defense of the title and was on a mission to prove he is the best pound for pound fighter in the world. Khan is a seasoned professional with past titles and a silver medal from the 2004 Olympics serving resume wise as the perfect big-name opponent for Crawford. The two names were more than fitting for the main event level hype it was receiving in the weeks leading up to the bout l.

Each boxer showed both intensity and mutual respect during the pre-fight weigh-in playing to a raucous crowd.

The fight itself however didn’t quite satisfy fans due to a controversial ending. An accidental low blow delivered by Crawford to Khan caused him to be unable to continue the fight. The referee called for a stop to the contest in the sixth round due to Khan’s injury awarding the win to Crawford by TKO. A stunned and disappointed crowd showered the decision with some boo’s as it appeared Khan was showing signs of life up to that point in the bout.

After the fight, Khan shared his thoughts with the media expressing his disappointment in the decision.

"“I was hit below the belt and I can feel it in my stomach and I can’t continue,” Khan said. “I have never been hit below the belt before. I’m a warrior [but] I could feel it in my stomach. My legs kind of seized. I couldn’t move and I couldn’t continue. I’m not one to give up in any fight. I’ll fight to the end and you have to knock me out in any fight. I’m not one of those fighters [who gives up].”"

Crawford improved his undefeated record to 36-0 disagreed with the alleged low blow in his statement to reporters.

"“First of all, it wasn’t a low blow and second of all, Virgil (Hunter) knew the fight was going in a bad direction and he saved his fighter before anything bad happened to him,”"

The controversial decision spoiled the overall effect of this bout for many fans. The popularity of boxing like many other sports relies on compelling performances and undisputed decisions. This fight was yet another example of the importance of delivering for the fans and not taking the excitement out of the sport.

Boxing’s large crowds and big pay-per-view buying days are changing because of uncertainty with results. If it’s not a confusing judge scoring card then it’s a fight being stopped prematurely and everyone including the fighters are left disappointed and unfulfilled.

As for what’s next. the undefeated Crawford (35-0, 2g KO) has his sights set on another big-time fighter. He wants a bout with undefeated IBF Welterweight Champion, Errol Spence Jr (26-0, 21 KO). Maybe that fight can give boxing some of the credibility it lost over the weekend.