At Madison Square Garden, New York, Crawford vs Lundy was more entertaining than initially expected, but ended in predictable fashion. Lundy made things competitive, most notably in the 1st round, but was carefully measured up by Crawford and finally disposed of in the 5th. For what it’s worth, Lundy, a big outsider in this fight, seemed to land more crisp shots than Crawford’s previous victim Dierry Jean (who lasted 10 rounds in October).
After being caught with several grazing hooks in the opener, Crawford made the transition to southpaw from the 2nd round onwards. Crawford began to size up his lively opponent – who was brimming with confidence – and gradually dominated the action as the rounds progressed. It was in the 5th that Lundy was caught with two thudding lefts upstairs and, following a steady barriage on the ropes, was sent to the canvas off a straight-left to the forehead.
Lundy got back to his feet, but was clearly on rubbery legs. A smiling, satisfied Crawford knew he had his man hurt and ready to be taken out, and with a minute left on the clock there was plenty of time to catch an early ride home.
Crawford, now in predator mode, swarmed a wounded, rope-bound Lundy with a heavy, methodical assault until the referee threw himself in between the fighters to end the beating. Crawford, who made the second defense of his WBO Junior Welterweight title, now improves to 28 wins, 20 knockouts, no losses, while Lundy reduces to 26 wins, 13 knockouts, 6 losses and 1 draw.
In the night’s chief support, Felix Verdejo came out on top in a rangey chess match with savvy operator William Silva. No major fireworks materialized in this cagey apetizer which saw both men employing plenty of movement and intelligence. Silva demonstrated great ability to comfortably hang in there with Verdejo, but paled just about enough in each round to come up short.
This was no classic, but boxing purists will have enjoyed watching Verdejo go about his business in the most scientific of fashions. Verdejo further bulks his unblemished record to 19 wins and 14 knockouts, while Silva falls to 23 wins, 14 knockouts and 1 defeat.
Give us your take on Crawford vs Lundy, Verdejo vs Silva, plus the rest of the undercard in the comments.
