Terence Crawford was delighted at ringside as he watched Keyshawn Davis stop Denys Berinchyk to become world champion.
‘Bud’ was ringside to watch his friend and stablemate Davis challenge for a world title for the first time against rugged Ukrainian champion Berinchyk.
Mikey Williams/ Top Rank
The American had the home crowd on his side, and stakes were extremely high particularly given the needle between the pair during fight week.
And it was Davis who had his hand raised, as he delivered on the world stage with one of the most spectacular KOs of the year so far.
He found his mark in the third round dropping the Ukrainian with a clubbing body shot, which left the champion on his knees.
And in the stanza that followed, Davis found the exact same shot, a brutal left hook to the liver which left the champion stumbling to the canvas.
Berinchyk was doubled over and folded in half, with the referee waving off the contest as the champion was left unable to fight on.
Crawford rose to his feet at ringside as the shot landed, with Berinchyk being counted.
And he looked visibly delighted and applauded his rival with a beam on his face after the fight was called to a halt.
It is extremely useful having the support of a four-weight world champion, given Crawford’s experience at the top level.
So it turned out to be, with the American revealing he actually instructed Davis to change his work and attack the body.
Crawford said: “He looked at me, and I said, ‘Good body shot. Start going down to that body.’
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“He started going down to the body and slowing him down. His punches were sharp. I said, ‘Everything is under control.’
“My guy handled business. I’m proud of him. I’m happy. He went in there and did what he had to do, and now he’s a world champion.
“He was calm, composed, and ready. I told him, ‘Go out there and enjoy the moment. Just go out, have fun, and be a man.’
“I knew Berinchyk couldn’t handle his power. So I told him, ‘You know what?
“Don’t rush, take your time. You’re younger, physically stronger. Just go out there, enjoy the moment, and have fun.”
It was a breakout moment for Davis under the brightest of lights, securing a world title strap in his 13th professional contest.
Mikey Williams / Top Rank
The only way is up now for ‘The Businessman’ who will hope to secure some big named fights in the future.
Naturally fans have thrust him into a dream unification clash with Gervonta Davis, a boxing superstar who currently holds the WBA belt.
Crawford believes his friend would be able to beat his namesake handing him a first career defeat.
He added: “Tank might have a little more power, but Keyshawn has power, too.
“It would be a great fight, and I think Keyshawn would win. We’re different in a lot of ways.
“He has his style, and I have my style. We both have great styles, and Keyshawn is going to be around for a long time.”
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