Terence Crawford’s coach, Bernie ‘The Boxer’ Davis, denies that they’re using 135-pounder Shakur Stevenson to prepare for Bud’s title fight against undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez.
Fans Question Crawford’s Strategy
Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) is battling Canelo in what Turki Alalshikh has labeled ‘The Fight of the Century’ on September 13 on Netflix at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Terence has no experience at 168 or 160, and isn’t ranked in the super middleweight division. Turki liked the idea of Crawford fighting Canelo. So, he made it happen.
Bernie states that Shakur is “part of the hangout” in training Crawford’s training camp, and he wants to spar with “everybody.” Fans on social media were critical after Shakur boasted on August 19th on X that he had sparred with Crawford, saying, “Good rounds today with the @terencecrawford.”
Fans argue that Crawford shouldn’t waste valuable training camp time sparring with Shakur, given that he was already in a tough spot, jumping up two weight classes for his title shot against Canelo. The former four-division world champion Crawford hasn’t fought in twelve months since August 3, 2024, and he turns 38 on September 28.
No Sparring with Shakur
“You see how stupid people are. We’re not using Shakur Stevenson as a sparring partner. They come out to be part of the camp to be part of the hangout,” said assistant trainer Bernie ‘The Boxer’ Davis to MillCity Boxing, rejecting the idea that Terence Crawford is using lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson as a sparring partner to prepare for Canelo Alvarez.
It’s understandable why fans would assume that Crawford is using Shakur as sparring preparation. When they read Stevenson telling his followers on X that he’s been sparring with Crawford, people naturally assume that he’s one of his helpers to prepare for the Mexican superstar Alvarez.
“Shakur wants to get in there with everybody. Only Bud is using Shakur to get ready for Canelo. What sense does that make?” said Davis. “You do know we got the trainer of the year, right?” said Bernie, talking about Crawford’s trainer, Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre. “Do you think the trainer of the year is going to use a 135-pounder to help us get ready for Canelo, you silly [people]?”
Canelo’s Openness Versus Crawford’s
Bernie chose not to reveal who Crawford’s sparring partners are for this camp. That would have helped if he’d been transparent. For his part, Canelo has allowed pictures of him posing with his spartners, Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and Yoenli Hernandez.
“Canelo is as tricky as hell with a great IQ. Who are you going to get ready for him, talent-wise? You ain’t,” said Davis.
Last Updated on 08/27/2025
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