Terence Crawford’s camp has put up the shutters to Australian media, refusing all interview requests from travelling reporters ahead of his clash with Jeff Horn.
Crawford arrived in Las Vegas on Monday morning (AEST) and checked into his room at the MGM Grand, the same hotel where Horn is staying and where their fight will be staged.
But his outspoken trainer Brian McIntyre gave short shrift to waiting television reporters in the lobby and said Crawford would not be speaking to anyone from the Australian press contingent.
“No Aussies are interviewing him because you will just twist our words,” McIntyre said.
Nicknamed ‘Bomac’, McIntyre has been Crawford’s verbal attack dog for the entire lead-up to the bout and has repeatedly goaded Horn and his trainer, Glenn Rushton.
He has been less than impressed with some of the commentary emanating from Australia – particularly accusations from Horn’s promoter Dean Lonergan that the hand injury suffered by Crawford that saw the fight postponed until June was not legitimate.
The media ban appears to be a direct response to that sort of coverage, rather than any sign that the American’s camp is feeling the heat as fight night draws closer.
McIntyre is convinced Horn doesn’t stand a chance against Crawford and almost every boxing pundit and bookmaker in the country agrees with him.
The Horn and Crawford camps will come face-to-face for the first time on Friday morning (AEST) at the official press conference.
McIntyre – a former professional boxer who was knocked out seven times in 21 fights – should have plenty to say.
He has already threatened Rushton with physical violence and in a recent foul-mouthed video interview released to media last month, he declared Horn was “scared s**tless” of Crawford.
“Terence Crawford, to you Australian fans, is going to whoop Jeff Horn’s butt,” McIntyre said in the video.
“We’re sorry – we’ll bring the belt back over so you guys can look at it and polish it up a little bit, maybe we’ll come over there and shake some hands or something like that.”
Rabbits
Guest
Horn is no Judah. Crawford is on another level. Of the two, he is a realistic chance of equaling and even surpassing what Tszyu did. Time will tell. As for the Crawford v Horn fight. It aint' even close. Horn is tough, no doubt, but that's it. Be real. Horn will take shots all night and and while he might get off a few he will be damaged goods going into the final two or three rounds.
Jason Andrews
Roar Pro
that's an excellent comment
Jason Andrews
Roar Pro
I dont think you have a clue what your on about, just like Tszyu v Jadah, Kostya was the huge underdog and cleared Jadah's clock in under two rounds, History will repeat itself come June 10.
Rabbits
Guest
Crawford is P4P top 3. Horn beat a faded Pacquiao on a split points decision in Brisbane. Horn is not in Crawford's league and he's in Bud's next of the woods. Crawford will hand out a 12 round beating on Horn and his corner might even pull him before the 10th round. Have a look at the level of opposition each man has fought and conquered. Is it getting clearer now, son.
Buttery
Guest
In my day McIntyre would have be called canvas back due to his record of being KO'd 7 times in 21 fights.
km
Guest
unfortunatelu i fear the only way Jeff Horn wins is by knockout ,he is not going to get the decision ,just ask Jeff Fenech
Austin Jones
Roar Rookie
This Crawford clown is not going to know what hit him come Sunday, Horn will annihilate that yank bum into next week.