Terence Crawford and VADA Testing Announcement
In a surprising turn of events, Terence Crawford has announced the arrival of VADA testing, coinciding shortly after he showcased his Power Slap technique against fellow super middleweight Steven Nelson, who found himself on the gym floor. This training method, popularized by UFC president Dana White, is part of Crawford’s preparation for his eagerly awaited match against Canelo Alvarez, scheduled for September 13 in Las Vegas.
Crawford’s Intense Training Session
During a recent sparring session, Crawford, known as ‘Bud’, unleashed a powerful slap on Nelson, a contender with a record of 20 wins and 1 loss. The unexpected strike sent Nelson sprawling, leaving Crawford to joke about the incident when VADA testers appeared shortly afterward.
“I hit Steven so hard, they are here to test me for steroids,”
Crawford quipped, as he stood in the gym, a sample collector by his side.
Despite the lighthearted moment, Nelson plays a crucial role in Crawford’s rigorous training as he gears up for one of the most significant fights of his career. The bout against Canelo is particularly important to Crawford, who will be fighting at his highest weight limit yet.
Promotional Strategies and Challenges
The promotional machinery behind this clash is being spearheaded by White, who is orchestrating a three-city press tour that kicks off soon. The tour includes a special appearance at Fanatics Fest, allowing the fighters to interact with WWE stars under the TKO branding.
In a twist involving the promotion’s logistics, Saudi Arabian matchmaker Turki Alalshikh originally faced hurdles with a Netflix partnership for promoting the bout. Although there were uncertainties regarding White’s involvement, Alalshikh has recently clarified that the promotion is moving forward, with significant investment to ensure Netflix’s continued support for boxing.
The success of celebrity boxing matches, such as Jake Paul versus Mike Tyson, has drawn attention, but traditional boxing fans are expected to be key in attracting subscriptions to the streaming service. With Crawford’s intense preparation evident in the gym, boxing enthusiasts can anticipate a thrilling event as he aims to capture victory in this landmark showdown.
