‘Bud’ Crawford Fights Kell Brook Nov 14; the Winner Could Face Pacquiao (Analysis)

By Carlos Costa

Unbeaten Terence “Bud” Crawford (36-0, 27 KO’s) is set to defend his WBO 147-pound world title against Briton former champ “The Special One” Kell Brook (39-2, 27 KO’s) really soon: on November 14.

The staging of the interesting welterweight battle was revealed by Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, prompting some fans to ponder if the winner would be a good opponent for boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao.

However, it has been widely rumored – though not officially confirmed – that next for the hugely popular Pacman, 40 is a blockbuster boxing match against UFC star Conor McGregor, 32, a clash of titans to unfold somewhere in the Middle East.

The southpaw Pacquiao, who is reigning WBA welterweight “super” champion, hasn’t seen action since edging a split decision win over Keith Thurman in July of 2019.

Meanwhile, “The Notorious,” also a southpaw, scored a sizzling 40-second stoppage win in UFC 246 earlier this year, ravaging the highly regarded “Cowboy” Donald Cerrone with a head kick and punches for a quick a paycheck and TKO victory.

Despite being more active and younger, most analysts believe that McGregor would hardly pose any real threat to the far more experienced, far more skilled boxer, Pacquiao.

Still knowing that the Pacquiao vs McGregor rumble would generate enormous interest worldwide, far more than any attention that could be produced by a fight of Pacquiao against Terence Crawford or Kell Brook.

Importantly, even though Pacquiao is a main draw, the only way to reach spectacular numbers is only when two major superstars collide. It takes two to tango, right? That is why Conor McGregor is the smart, sensible choice.

An undeniable fact is that the flamboyant “Notorious” is the biggest PPV draw in MMA history.

He has starred in 5 out of the 6 highest-selling UFC PPV events.

For instance, McGregor stellar clash against Russian Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 (even though McGregor lost the combat), drew 2.4 million PPV. How about that? That is the most ever for any MMA show.

Plus, Conor’s boxing match against Floyd Mayweather drew 4.3 million PPV buys, the 2nd most in history.

The first one is still Mayweather vs Pacquiao. May-Pac drew 4.6 million PPV buys in 2017. Yes, that was a forgettable disappointing totally snoozer zzzzzz, but created an unprecedented revenue still unmatched.

Coming back to the original question, the winner of Terence Crawford vs Kell Brook would have a chance to face the Filipino icon next?

Possibilities always exist. But, to me, unlikely. Perhaps ahead in the future, if the fighting Senator stays in boxing.

Therefore, would it be better for Pacman to stick to a boxing match against Conor McGregor?

Absolutely yes for two reasons: Pacquiao vs McGregor (Pac-Mac) would an easier fight for the the Pacman (with all due respect to the Notorious), and number two, it would generate much more dinero. Sí, mucho, and that an important part of what pro boxing is all about.

The Pacman better stick to The Notorious. Far the best choice. My humble opinion.

The author Carlos Costa from Panama is a boxing writer living in Cebu. Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com or WhatsApp +639184538152.

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