Terence Crawford vs. Kell Brook - November 14, 2020

[Ruthless-RKO]

Eddie Hearn Reacts To Kell Brook Questioning His Loyalty

Promoter Eddie Hearn was a bit annoyed when former welterweight champion Kell Brook questioned his loyalty.

Hearn, who promoted Brook for many years, was not involved in the negotiations for Brook's deal to face Crawford.

Brook is also entering the bout without the services of his longtime trainer, Dominic Ingle.

Brook has made allegations that Hearn was bitter, over not being involved in the fight, and pursued payback by derailing the Sheffield boxer's attempt to have Sky Sports broadcast the world title fight with Crawford.

“I’ve done a lot with Kell and I thought I was going to rise above it. But then I started getting people on Twitter saying, ‘It’s bang out of order what you’ve done to Kell Brook’. I have so many problems on my plate right now getting fights for people who are with me and I thought, you know what, I’m going to let you know the truth," Hearn told The Sun.

“It wasn’t like they came to me and said, ‘Let’s work a deal’. They were whoring themselves to everyone else first. They tried BT, ITV, Channel 5, DAZN . . . I think they tried everybody and got turned down. And then they came to me asking for money!

“What was so disheartening for me was when he questioned my loyalty. I went way above and beyond trying to help Kell. I flew to Fuerteventura when he was in hospital after getting stabbed, sorting out all his medical insurance, lots of things. We’ve had some good times and it’s sad really. I feel really sorry for Dominic Ingle also because he has done everything for him from day one and they have got a big cash fight and got rid of him for it.

“I don’t think he wasted too much time chasing the Amir Khan fight, I think he wasted too much time away from the gym. Lots of times I had to drive up to Sheffield to help keep him on track. But now people are accusing me of hanging him out to dry — but he’s making $2 million to fight Crawford and just didn’t want to pay me. That’s all.”

[Enlightened-One]

The bookmakers aren't at all impressed with Kell's chances of overcoming Terrance Crawford, Bob Arum, Bob Bennett, the referee and 3 judges.

They're barely giving Brook a 1/10 chance

Richard Dwyer on the other hand thinks the odds are a mistake and that it's a hard bet to refuse.

Whilst I have a lot of respect for Dwyer, I think he's wrong.

I agree with your belief about Dwyer being wrong.

And let's not forget that Richard Dwyer predicted Roberto Guerrero to beat Floyd Mayweather Jr. He said Canelo had a terrible defence. And he expected Mike Tyson to beat Lennox Lewis.

And there are lots reasons why Kell Brook should be considered a massive underdog for the Crawford fight:

• The last time Kell Brook defeated a universally recognised top-ten world-rated welterweight was 6½ years ago.

• Brook hasn't won a bout at 147lbs for 4½ years. One of the reasons the Brit cited for his defeat to Spence Jr. was due to having cut so much weight. He isn't a welterweight.

• Kell has also been inactive, because he's only fought three times within the last 3½ years, against less-than-stellar opposition.

• Brook recently admitted that he'd stopped training and ballooned up to more than 210lbs earlier on this year, which means he doesn't live the life of an elite-level athlete between bouts.

• As a cost-cutting exercise, Kell isn't employing the services of a credible trainer or promoter for the Crawford bout. He might be able to get himself in decent physical shape, but not fighting condition (fitness and mind-set).

• Brook won't have an experienced hand on his team helping him to formulate a gameplan and to manage the blueprint (during training camp and the fight itself) to optimise his performance for the Crawford bout.

• The man from Sheffield is also 34 years of age, which means he's already past his physical prime.

• Brook also appears to have an issue with his orbital bones, he's broken both of them during his defeats to Golovkin and Spence Jr. That's a permanent physical flaw, which means the same injury could reappear during the Crawford fight.

• The only reason why Crawford is facing the Brit, is due to Top Rank’s inability to work with the PBC or orchestrate decent opponents for their charge. In fact, last year Bob Arum stated the following: “Kell Brook means nothing anymore… [won’t fight Terence Crawford]”. So it seems that even Bud's handlers feel that this is blatant a mismatch.

[Thomastearns]

"So it seems that even Bud's handlers feel that this is blatant a mismatch."


Which is the only reason Kell is getting this fight.

Everything seems stacked against him. Everything.

This would be the upset of the century if Kell Brook could stop Terrance Crawford.

You know he cannot get the decision.

[Onetimeonly]

Why couldn't he get a decision?

[bobcatbox]

Why couldn't he get a decision?

I also believe he could go the distance with Crawford and don’t understand the overhype of a Crawford KO possibility. There’s plenty to get into but suffice to say that Brook is tougher and has a better chin than he’s being given credit for and that Crawford hasn’t knocked out someone with Brook’s resume at 147.

It does seem logical that if Brook is going to get the upset he’d have to knock out Crawford. Can’t see him winning a majority of rounds or outboxing Crawford, but I also don’t see him getting stopped.

[lazboy]

I think Crawford hits harder than Spence but is not as active. Brook has looked vulnerable recently, I remember zerafa had him wobbled. Going to depend on Brooks form really. But I see him being hurt at the least.

[Onetimeonly]

Why couldn't he get a decision?

I also believe he could go the distance with Crawford and don’t understand the overhype of a Crawford KO possibility. There’s plenty to get into but suffice to say that Brook is tougher and has a better chin than he’s being given credit for and that Crawford hasn’t knocked out someone with Brook’s resume at 147.

It does seem logical that if Brook is going to get the upset he’d have to knock out Crawford. Can’t see him winning a majority of rounds or outboxing Crawford, but I also don’t see him getting stopped.

He was insinuating Brook would get screwed on the cards if it was close. Personally, I see bud stopping him 7 or 8.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Why couldn't he get a decision?

I also believe he could go the distance with Crawford and don’t understand the overhype of a Crawford KO possibility. There’s plenty to get into but suffice to say that Brook is tougher and has a better chin than he’s being given credit for and that Crawford hasn’t knocked out someone with Brook’s resume at 147.

It does seem logical that if Brook is going to get the upset he’d have to knock out Crawford. Can’t see him winning a majority of rounds or outboxing Crawford, but I also don’t see him getting stopped.

Not just about Crawford knocking Brook out. He mentally and physically breaks his opponents down. Have you see a Crawford fight? If he doesn’t get the KO early, he does surely get it later on. Last time he won a decision was against Postol wasn’t it? Even that fight, he KD’d Postol twice.

[DrDuke]

I'll be surprised, if Crawford won't KO Brook.

[Thomastearns]

Why couldn't he get a decision?

What, in the MGM in Vegas against Top Ranks protected heavy A side favourite?

With grandpa Bob pulling ALL the strings, including the wining and dining and paying of the judges?

I'm afraid Vegas boxing just doesn't work that way. There's more chance of proven Covid vaccine being released by Christmas.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Why couldn't he get a decision?

What, in the MGM in Vegas against Top Ranks protected heavy A side favourite?

With grandpa Bob pulling ALL the strings, including the wining and dining and paying of the judges?

I'm afraid Vegas boxing just doesn't work that way.

Arum will save money on having to pay anyone off.. if it goes to decision, Crawford will win a deserved decision.

[Onetimeonly]

Crawford has never had a close fight, Brook got the Dec over Porter. Seems to have been plenty of surprisingly fair decisions without crowds. Not surprising when the judges can see better without screaming.

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Enlightened-One]

Perhaps I’m being harsh, but Kell Brook facially appears to be rather emaciated and I doubt he’s achieved his official fighting weight yet.

Maybe I’m overreacting, because he’s an older fighter and will inevitably look a little different to photos from a few years ago, but I really can't help thinking he’s looking gaunt.

I know I probably sound like a Brook hater, because it’s been a while since I’ve said anything good about him, but he’s looking terrible in this photo and I reckon he’ll have at least another 15lbs to lose within the next nine days.

[Jeff_lacy_ko]

Yeah he looks spent. Hopefully he has something left but i doubt it. Dropping a class late in a career is usually a death wish

[lazboy]

Crawford would beat Kell at his best. My prediction....pain.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Brook: There's No Rehydration Clause In Contracts For Crawford Fight

“He’s come [up] from lightweight,” Brook told Boxing Scene. “I’m a natural welterweight. I’ve fought Golovkin at middleweight. I’ve boxed at light middleweight. I’m a big, strong welterweight, and I’ve had plenty of preparation to make sure that I’m coming in this fight healthy at welterweight.

“And there’s no 10-pound rehydration clause, like before with the IBF. So, basically, I weigh in and then I become a beast. I’m not saying that I’m gonna go up 30 pounds or whatever. But it’s just gonna be something in my mind I don’t need to worry about. I just need to worry about Terence. I need to worry about this fight.”

“The things I’ve had to go through in previous fights,” Brook said, “you know, getting ill and not being great with the weight and not being as fit as I should be, and I still go out and beat these guys, and [fought] the Golovkins and Errol Spences of the world. So, imagine what happens what I’m like now mentally. This is a mental game, as well as physically being fit and everything. This is the best position I’ve ever been in for a fight weight-wise, fitness-wise, and I’m just drawing confidence from that.”

[Cent0089]

I think this fight going to distance. Crawford take it with Brook have his moments. I am somewhat excited for this

[Ruthless-RKO]

I think this fight going to distance. Crawford take it with Brook have his moments. I am somewhat excited for this

Or a Championship round stoppage?

[Cent0089]

I think this fight going to distance. Crawford take it with Brook have his moments. I am somewhat excited for this

Or a Championship round stoppage?

Maybe? I dont know man, hopefully Brook bring some fire in this

[Thomastearns]

Brook: There's No Rehydration Clause In Contracts For Crawford Fight

“He’s come [up] from lightweight,” Brook told Boxing Scene. “I’m a natural welterweight. I’ve fought Golovkin at middleweight. I’ve boxed at light middleweight. I’m a big, strong welterweight, and I’ve had plenty of preparation to make sure that I’m coming in this fight healthy at welterweight.

“And there’s no 10-pound rehydration clause, like before with the IBF. So, basically, I weigh in and then I become a beast. I’m not saying that I’m gonna go up 30 pounds or whatever. But it’s just gonna be something in my mind I don’t need to worry about. I just need to worry about Terence. I need to worry about this fight.”

“The things I’ve had to go through in previous fights,” Brook said, “you know, getting ill and not being great with the weight and not being as fit as I should be, and I still go out and beat these guys, and [fought] the Golovkins and Errol Spences of the world. So, imagine what happens what I’m like now mentally. This is a mental game, as well as physically being fit and everything. This is the best position I’ve ever been in for a fight weight-wise, fitness-wise, and I’m just drawing confidence from that.”

That's what you call pure tunnel vision.

It's almost the mantra in boxing.

Anyway, I hope Kell does step into the ring with a big weight advantage.

All of the other advantages, maybe barring experience are definitely with Crawford.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Brook recently fired an insult in Khan’s direction regarding Amir’s controversial low-blow stoppage defeat to Crawford.

He told Sky: “I’ll give it my all, I won’t be looking for no way out.”

Rather than respond bitterly, Khan told Seconds Out: “I know he’s got his hands full against Terence Crawford.

“I wish him nothing but the best, I wish Kell all the very best, go out there and put a stop to his reign. And he can do that.

“Kell’s a good fighter and I’ve always respected him.

“Look, as a Brit, we have to support our own fighters and we have to support each other.

“Even though we’ve not looked eye to eye for many years, end of the day, I am gonna be rooting for him.”

[ValMar]

Crawford is two levels above Brook. This is a mismatch, I have no doubts.

[DrDuke]

Crawford is two levels above Brook. This is a mismatch, I have no doubts.

Sounds about right. Crawford has more of class, but also Brook is pretty shabby now.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Watch Live: Crawford / Brook Presser Live Stream

Crawford-Brook and Joshua Franco-Andrew Moloney 2 to headline ESPN telecast starting at 10 p.m. ET – Undercard Fights on ESPN+ at 7:30 p.m. ET

Press Conference:



The knockout king of the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble, junior welterweight southpaw Elvis “The Dominican Kid” Rodriguez, hopes to put an exclamation point on his 2020 Prospect of the Year campaign.

Rodriguez will fight an opponent to be named in an eight-rounder Saturday, Nov. 14, on the world title doubleheader undercard featuring WBO welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford against former welterweight world champion Kell Brook.

The co-main event will showcase the WBA super flyweight world title rematch between champion Joshua “El Profesor” Franco and the man he defeated to win the title, Andrew “The Monster” Moloney.

Crawford-Brook, Franco-Moloney 2, and the return of Rodriguez will be broadcast live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, with undercard action to stream live on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

“No prospect in boxing has shown more this year than Elvis Rodriguez, who keeps knocking out opponents in devastating fashion. It’s getting harder and harder to find people who will fight this kid,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.

“With two world title fights, plus a bunch of our top young fighters in action, Nov. 14 is a stacked card from top to bottom.”

Rodriguez (10-0-1, 10 KOs) has won all five of his 2020 bouts by stoppage, including four knockouts in three rounds or less inside the MGM Grand Bubble since July 2.

He last fought Oct. 9 and knocked out veteran Cameron Krael in three rounds, only the second time Krael had been knocked out in 37 pro bouts. The Freddie Roach-trained Rodriguez has won eight in a row since an accidental headbutt-induced technical draw in his third pro bout.

“This is going to be my fifth fight in ‘The Bubble’ and my sixth of the year. I feel grateful for the opportunities Top Rank has given me and the great effort of my team to keep me fit and ready,” Rodriguez said. “I would like to be recognized as Prospect of the Year.

"It would be a great recognition of my talent, effort, sacrifice, and discipline that I have dedicated to this sport for the last 12 years of my life. It would be a great recognition for my team and my country because I would be the first Dominican boxer named Prospect of the Year.

"Representing the Dominican flag is a source of pride for me. I am committed to bringing a world title to my country.”

In undercard action on ESPN+:

Joshua Greer Jr. (22-2-1, 12 KOs) vs. Edwin Rodriguez (11-5-1, 5 KOs)
8 Rounds, Bantamweight

Greer saw his 19-bout winning streak come to an end on June 16, when he was knocked down twice en route to a 10-round majority decision defeat to “Magic” Mike Plania. The Chicago native, who is still ranked in the top 10 by two of the major sanctioning organizations, hopes to return to form in his second Bubble appearance.

Rodriguez’s record belies his talent, as he is 3-1-1 in his last five bouts, all against previously undefeated foes. He last fought in August 2019, upsetting the then-unbeaten Saul Sanchez via 10-round split decision.

Tyler Howard (18-0, 11 KOs) vs. KeAndrae Leatherwood (22-7-1, 13 KOs)
8 Rounds, Middleweight

“Hercules” Howard, from Crossville, Tenn., returns after more than a year away from the ring. He is 4-0 with two knockouts since inking a promotional deal with Top Rank and is seeking his first stoppage since a one-round demolition of Isiah Seldon in November 2018.

Leatherwood is a 12-year pro who has fought former world champions, Andy Lee and Caleb Truax. He last boxed in December 2019 and was stopped by top prospect Christian Mbilli in eight rounds.

Raymond Muratalla (10-0, 8 KOs) vs. TBA
8/6 Rounds, Lightweight

Muratalla, from Fontana, Calif., aims for his sixth consecutive knockout win and second inside The Bubble. The younger brother of unbeaten bantamweight prospect Gabriel Muratalla, he last fought Aug. 29 and knocked out Cesar Valenzuela in the seventh round.

Duke Ragan (2-0, 1 KO) vs. TBA
4 rounds, Featherweight

Ragan, a former U.S. amateur star from Cincinnati, Ohio, made his professional debut Aug. 22 with a first-round knockout and followed that up with a decision victory over former UFC title challenger John Moraga on Oct. 3.

Vegas Larfield (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Juan Alberto Flores (2-0-1)
4 Rounds, Bantamweight

Larfield, from Brisbane, Australia, trained with Andrew and Jason Moloney for this bout and is coming off a first-round stoppage on Aug. 26 in his professional debut. Flores has won two consecutive bouts since a four-round draw in his professional debut.