Ultimate guide to Jeff Horn’s world title fight against Terence Crawford

AUSTRALIA’S least favourite boxing expert expects Jeff Horn to be knocked flat on his back, but the Queenslander has other ideas.

Jai Bednall

@jaibednall

3 min read

June 8, 2018 - 2:45PM

Jeff Horn and Terence Crawford at the pre-fight press conference at the MGM Hotel in Las Vegas. Pic Peter Wallis

DEPENDING on who you ask, Jeff Horn’s win against Manny Pacquiao last year was the biggest win in Australian boxing history.

This weekend he faces an arguably even bigger challenge in American Terence Crawford.

The Queenslander can solidify his place as our nation’s greatest fighter if he can upset a man most consider one of the best three boxers on the planet.

This is what you need to know.

HOW CAN I WATCH?

Horn and Crawford are fighting at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas this Sunday, June 10.

Coverage of the card begins at 10am (AEST) but the headliners are expected to walk to the ring around 12.30pm.

You can watch proceedings by ordering the pay-per-view from Main Event for $49.95 or follow live coverage at news.com.au.

WHAT’S ON THE LINE?

Horn’s career will go one of two ways on Sunday.

If he wins, his fame will rise to the levels of Daniel Ricciardo and Ben Simmons with the Aussie public and he’ll be able to cash in with more big money world title fights.

Lose and his currency will be limited to Australian shores and while he will perhaps chase another opportunity at winning a belt, it will be a Daniel Geale-type career not superstardom.

There’s also plenty on the line for the American, who has dreams of replacing Floyd Mayweather as the face of the sport in the US.

Mayweather has previously anointed Crawford as his successor, rating him as the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter and saying he reminded him of himself when he was younger — but the 30-year-old from Nebraska has a long way to go to match Money’s public profile.

Crawford’s fanbase isn’t anywhere near where it should be considering what he has achieved, having won titles in two weight classes and unified the four major junior welterweight belts last year.

Two of the most powerful organisations in US sport — ESPN and Top Rank — are banking on Crawford to beat Horn and take a major step toward stardom.

WHAT CHANCE DOES HORN HAVE?

Can Jeff Horn shock the world twice? (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard, File)

He’s a massive underdog but he was in the same boat when he fought Pacquiao.

He’s the naturally bigger man and from a strength and endurance point of view should be able to match Crawford.

But on skill it’s a different story. Crawford is one of the most gifted fighters in the sport and because of his success in the lightweight and super lightweight divisions, is ranked near the top of every pound-for-pound list.

In contrast, Horn is still climbing the welterweight rankings, where he currently sits behind the likes of Keith Thurman, Errol Spence Jr, Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia in most estimations.

This will be a major upset if Horn wins.

WHO IS SAYING WHAT?

“Terence is a great fighter, pound for pound, he wiped out the junior-welterweight division. But I can’t wait to get in there and prove the doubters wrong. I’ve heard I’m a chump, I’m a fraud. I’m here to prove people wrong. I’ve heard a lot about Terence and seen a lot of him too and I don’t think he’s fought anyone like me or with the same ability. I’m planning on going out and shocking him and the rest of the world.” Jeff Horn

“He’s nothing that I haven’t faced before in the ring. We have to focus on him coming in with his head and using his elbows. Other than that, it’s just another fight.” Terence Crawford

“Horn is from Australia, also referred to as Down Under, and that’s exactly where he’s going. Down and Under — in five or six rounds, at least in my estimation.” Boxing analyst Teddy Atlas

“If Horn is to be considered truly the champion, he has to beat the best and the best is Crawford. He emerged from obscurity when he beat Pacquiao. Now is his opportunity to show that victory was no fluke.” Top Rank promoter Bob Arum

“There is no-one in the American media who thinks Jeff Horn has a chance, and they are so wrong. This is a two-horse race.” Horn promoter Dean Lonergan

TALE OF THE TAPE