Madison Square Garden played venue to the HBO world championship boxing broadcast featuring WBO Super Lightweight Champion Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford vs. ‘Hammerin’ Hank Lundy. Regarded by many as the best 140 lb. boxer in the world, the contest for Crawford was merely further vindication of his dominance in class. Still, like many before Hank Lundy vowed to upset the capacity crowd by halting the seemingly unstoppable Crawford. The Top Rank Promotions card also presented a co-feature with rising star Felix Verdejo in a contest with an undefeated William Silva.
Main Event
Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford vs. ‘Hammerin’ Hank Lundy Super Lightweight
A pair of hard lefts by Lundy lit the fuse to a seat shifting 1st round for the capacity crowd. Crawford would heed the advice of his corner by “not letting him do that” claiming control in the 2nd and 3rd with his signature straight right. Still, Lundy managed to land on Crawford but with no where near the effectiveness he found in the opening round. The ring brilliance of Crawford ultimately shined in the 5th, when the straight right was followed by a full overhand left that had Lundy sprayed into the corner and on the canvas. Lundy regained his feet but only momentarily as the ensuing onslaught by Crawford forced a stoppage. The reign of WBO Super Lightweight champion Terence Crawford continues, as he wins via TKO5 over Hank Lundy and plows his way to 28-0.
Co-feature
Felix Verdejo vs William Silva Lightweight 10rd.
The speed of Verdejo proved a clear advantage through the opening rounds over Silva. Verdejo would circle Silva like a heavy bag, while landing lightning jabs through the defense of Silva. Silva attempted to counter and apply pressure, but the agility of Verdejo allowed him to evade repeatedly. The stout chin of Silva forced Verdejo to slow his pace late in the fight but his control of the affair was never relinquished. An exciting final round saw Verdejo swing for the fences, in hopes of capping an almost flawless performance with a knockout. However, his moon shot landed on the warning track and his win came via unanimous decision. Scored 100-90, 100-90, 99-91 Felix Verdejo remains undefeated at 19-0.
Boxing Reads 