Tonight, Saturday May 20, from the world renowned Madison Square Garden in New York City, one of boxing’s best, Terence Crawford (30-0, 21 KOs), will be defending his WBO/WBC Super Lightweight titles against former Olympic Gold medalist Felix Diaz (19-1, 9 KOs) of the Dominican Republic in HBO’s “World Championship Boxing” main event of the evening.
The domestic broadcast is slated to begin at 10:15 PM ET/PT, with a special Lightweight attraction, featuring perennial contender Raymundo Beltran and Jonathan Maicelo in an IBF title eliminator.
Although many ringside experts are dubbing the scheduled twelve round title fight Crawford’s toughest test to date, active money is overwhelmingly being placed in favor of the Omaha, Nebraska native.
The 29 year old phenom from the United States is currently sitting as an 18 to 1 betting favorite (Terence Crawford, -1804), while the crafty title challenger is listed as a 10 to 1 betting underdog, (Felix Diaz, +1002) heading into this evening’s prizefight.
Is the switch-hitting enigma really that good? Are the Race and Sports Books’ figures accurately depicting the landscape of this intriguing match-up?
Fight fans seem to think so.
Most industry insiders and boxing aficionados believe Crawford to be the next great American superstar and the potential heir apparent to Floyd Mayweather’s distinction as the best pound for pound fighter in boxing. But to earn this coveted moniker, “Bud” absolutely has to focus on the task at hand, and cannot get distracted by media rumblings of a future fight with Manny Pacquiao. Without an impressive and show-stopping performance against Felix Diaz in the main event at the historic “MSG”, there is no superfight with the legendary Pacman later this year.
An impressive showing against a genuine spoiler and crafty technician like Diaz will be anything but easy.
With big victories over Adrian Granados, Sammy Vasquez, and an eye-opening performance against former titlist Lamont Peterson, the Dominican born pugilist is more than just a live underdog. Diaz has the potential to defeat any top Junior Welterweight fighter on any given day…including Terence Crawford.
Will fight fans witness what most would consider to be a massive upset this evening in New York City?
Anything can and often does happen in the ring.
While the Crawford vs Diaz odds don’t necessarily reflect the competitive nature of tonight’s primary HBO match-up, the Book action does seemingly depict the probable outcome.
Yes…T.C. is that good. Yes…Crawford is indeed a special fighter, worthy of the attention and general accolades he’s currently receiving.
Although Terence will more than likely pull out a competitive but decisive victory this evening, the humble and soft-spoken “Corn-husker” should be commended for taking on an ostensibly avoided fighter like Felix Diaz.
The recognized best in boxing become the recognized best by fighting the perceived toughest challenges available…which is what Crawford will be doing in tonight’s main event on HBO.
Comparing Crawford vs Diaz odds with betting lines for a few of Terence’s previous fights Dec 2016: -5000 vs John Molina Jr (Crawford won TKO 8) Jul 2016: -650 vs Viktor Postol (Crawford won UD 12) Jun 2014: -210 vs Yuriorkis Gamboa (Crawford won TKO 9)
