The light welterweight unification clash between Terence Crawford and Viktor Postol is to be screened exclusively live in the UK on BoxNation on July 23. The pair collide at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas with WBO champion Crawford and WBC title-holder Postol putting their belts on the line to determine the lineal world champion at 140-pounds.
Crawford, (28-0, 20 KOs), of Omaha, Nebraska, is a two-division world champion who has won four of his last five bouts by stoppage, will be making his third title defence.
The 28-year-old is regarded as one of boxing’s rising pound-for-pound stars and will be looking to capitalise on a stunning last couple of years that has seen him crowned ‘Fighter of the Year’ in 2014.
Postol, (28-0, 12 KOs), came to prominence with a spectacular upset over the heavily favoured Argentine banger Lucas Matthysse who he knocked out in 10 rounds.
‘The Iceman’ is under the tutelage of Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach and will be looking to defy the odds once again when he steps in against the skilled Crawford.
“This is a great opportunity to show the world I’m the best champion at 140,” said Crawford. “July 23 is going to be a great night of boxing. It’s number one against number two in a unification fight. On paper everyone says it’s a 50-50 fight but in my eyes I’m going in there looking to destroy this man. I’m looking forward to putting on a great performance. After July 23 my record will be 29 wins with 21 knockouts!” he said.
“I have been waiting for this fight for a long time and I want to thank my promoters Elite Boxing and Top Rank for making this fight a reality for the fans. With the help of my team I will be ready come July 23 – may the best man win,” said Postol.
“This has Fight of the Year written all over it,” said Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach. “For the second consecutive time Viktor will be involved in a world title tilt pitting the two best fighters in the division. He’ll be ready.”
“This title unification battle between Terence Crawford and Viktor Postol is evenly matched and both undefeated champions are determined to prevail. This is must-see television,” said legendary promoter Bob Arum.
“We are very excited to be showing this excellent match-up exclusively live on BoxNation,” said Jim McMunn, Managing Director at BoxNation. “BoxNation has already shown some world class fights this year and we are delighted to add another pound-for-pound star to our schedule in Terence Crawford who faces an equally formidable foe in Viktor Postol. This has all the makings of a truly special fight,” he said.