Listen to the article
Since the dawn of civilization, combat sports have mirrored the struggle of life itself—mano y mano, one against one. From the ancient coliseums where gladiators fought for glory, to modern arenas where champions are made and legends fall, the boxing ring remains one of the purest stages of human competition. It is here, under the bright lights and the roar of the crowd, that warriors step forward knowing only one will leave victorious. The question is timeless, as old as sport itself: who will win?
(BALTIMORE – August 30, 2025) – In 1829, Mexico elected a Black president: Vicente Guerrero. Guerrero led his army against the invading Texas Rangers, who crossed into Mexico to kidnap Black people and force them into American slavery. The Rangers also slaughtered thousands of Mexicans. For that reason alone: damn the Texas Rangers, and all praises to Guerrero and Mexico!
Fast forward to modern times: though Argentine and Puerto Rican, Che Guevara and Chicago’s Cha Cha Jiménez (Young Lords) remain forever respected. My admiration for Latinos is deep and unquestionable.
So when I go back and forth about Terence “Bud” Crawford and Saul “Canelo” Álvarez, understand—this is only about sport. I have nothing but love and respect for the Mexican people and for Canelo himself.
September 13th — “Septemberteenth”
On September 13th, Canelo will carry the weight of Mexico. Las Vegas will be painted in red, green, and white—flags waving, songs in Spanish, a sea of Mexican pride. And that’s beautiful.
Crawford, by contrast, is quieter, less “ethnic” in presentation. He comes from Omaha, Nebraska—the same city where Malcolm X was born. Omaha’s colors run blue, yellow, and gold. Crawford’s team often comes out in the red, white, and blue. And yet, for all his African roots, Crawford hasn’t yet chosen to represent the Red, Black, and Green of the African Diaspora. Few Black fighters have.
But here’s the thing: no matter what colors Bud wears—even purple—my support for him remains unshakable. For twelve years, I’ve sung the praises of Team Omaha. I’ll bet the house and car on Bud, every time.
Still, I would love to see Black fighters embrace the Red, Black, and Green during their ring walks. Just as Canelo draws energy from the global Latino community, Crawford could draw from the power of the African Diaspora. Especially now, when forces are trying to drag us back to Guerrero’s era.
Prediction
On September 13th, the fight is more than spectacle—it’s history. Canelo will have a nation behind him. Crawford will have his craft, his discipline, his legacy.
And my call? Crawford stops Canelo in the championship rounds.
