by Cliff Rold

After a bit of a slower week, boxing is all over the place this weekend. Where one won’t find a single mega-event, there are a slew of good, meaningful fights in multiple divisions across multiple continents.

Arguably the most meaningful will take place on HBO (10:15 PM EST/PST). One of the sports clearest divisional kings, Jr. welterweight Terence Crawford, makes his 2017 debut and he could have his hands full.

By all rights, southpaw 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Felix Diaz should still be undefeated. A couple of judges saw him lose to Lamont Peterson in 2015; many others felt they saw something different. Diaz has won two fights since that debatable outcome and finds himself in the sort of fight few knew they wanted to see until it was suggested.

Once made, it sounded pretty good.

Let’s go to the report card. 

The Ledgers

Terence Crawford

Age: 29

Title: Lineal/TBRB/Ring/WBC World Jr. Welterweight (2016-Present, 1 Defense); WBO light welterweight (2015-Present, 4 Defenses)

Previous Titles: WBO lightweight (2014-15, 2 Defenses); Lineal/TBRB/Ring lightweight (2014-15)

Height: 5’8 

Weight: 139 ¼ lbs.

Hails from: Omaha, Nebraska

Record: 30-0, 21 KO

Record in Major Title Fights: 8-0, 5 KO

Current/Former World Champions/Titlists Faced: Ricky Burns UD12; Yuriorkis Gamboa TKO9; Viktor Postol UD12

Vs.

Felix Diaz

Age: 33

Title/Previous Titles: None

Height: 5’5 

Weight: 139 ¼ lbs.

Hails from: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Record: 19-1, 9 KO

Record in Major Title Fights: 1st title opportunity

Rankings: At 147 lbs. - #8 (BoxingScene), #9 (TBRB, ESPN)

Current/Former World Champions/Titlists Faced: Lamont Peterson L12

Grades

Pre-Fight: Speed – Crawford A; Diaz B+

Pre-Fight: Power – Crawford B+; Diaz C+

Pre-Fight: Defense – Crawford A-; Diaz B+

Pre-Fight: Intangibles – Crawford A; Diaz A

The first question for Saturday is how comfortable Diaz is back at 140 lbs. Given his shorter stature, it probably isn’t an issue but this is his lowest weight since 2014. It his third fight at the weight since 2010 overall and he’s been as high as 150. Diaz is a stocky fighter with a tricky pressuring style. Low on knockouts, he gets his business done with steady action. His game plan has to be about beating Crawford over a full twelve rounds. Could there be any issue with stamina late?

We won’t know until we know. Crawford could always end matters before it gets that far. While not a monster puncher, Crawford has shown the ability to score the stoppage. He’s also comfortable over the distance. A rangy boxer who is comfortable if things get scrappy, Crawford has one of the sports better mean streaks.

It’s not a mean streak in the way he fights as much as the air he fights with. Crawford battles with a chip on his shoulder, exuding toughness with his technique. That toughness could be tested here in ways it hasn’t since Crawford’s memorable fight with Gamboa.

Diaz has a knack for touching foes and keeping close, working to the body and making them work to offset his activity. Diaz has good feet and quickness, even if Crawford is likely the faster man in general. Crawford would be best served trying to keep Diaz at a distance, making him earn every inch to get close to him.

The more exciting the fight is, the better Diaz’s chances will be. In terms of intangibles, both men have come through strong so far. Diaz is a two-time Olympian and, as noted, could well be undefeated. He gave Peterson all he could handle and flat handled undefeated Sammy Vasquez. Crawford has risen to every occasion so far. Will he be asked to find his next level this weekend?    

The Pick

Crawford is the sort of fighter it’s hard to pick against. He’s been very good, and steadily improved over the last few years. His domination of Viktor Postol last year showed a poise and steadiness Diaz has to rattle. The challenger is a live underdog here but to see him win, one has to assume Crawford will wilt. Crawford hasn’t shown that sort of bend yet. He’s taller, longer, quicker, and can win more ways. The thinking here is Diaz gives him hell and wins his share of rounds over the first eight but Crawford pulls away when it counts for a decision victory under the lights at the Garden.

Report Card Picks 2017: 12-7

Cliff’s Notes…

On Showtime, expecting Gary Russell (27-1, 16 KO) to have his way with challenger Oscar Escandon (25-2, 17 KO), winning a decision or scoring a late stoppage to retain the WBC featherweight belt…Earlier in the day, going with the upset special in the UK. Gervonta Davis (17-0, 16 KO) is talented but he’s young and Liam Walsh (21-0, 14 KO) is the sort of sound, mature challenger who can make a moment on his home floor. The pick is Walsh to snag the IBF 130 lb. title via decision.

Cliff Rold is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene, a founding member of the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America.  He can be reached at roldboxing@hotmail.com