Bernie Davis Blasts Bob Arum For Failing Crawford’s Stardom

Terence Crawford’s coach, Bernie ‘Tha Boxer’ Davis, dredged up the past today, scolding Bud’s former promoter, Bob Arum, of Top Rank, for not promoting Terence more aggressively than he did to turn him into a star while he was still with him.

Why Arum Gave Up Too Soon

Arum had tried for years to turn Crawford into a star, but he’s failed. He wasn’t marketable, and economically, it wasn’t worth keeping him. Crawford didn’t have the charisma outside of the ring to make up for what he lacked inside the ring.

Terence’s performance against Canelo Alvarez on September 13 was a perfect example of why he hasn’t become popular. He’s boring to watch. Winning isn’t enough when you’re a dull fighter, and the larger U.S public doesn’t want to watch you. Errol Spence was more popular for a reason. He was aggressive.

Turki’s Formula vs. Top Rank’s

Arum didn’t have the money to blow like Turki Alalshikh has on Crawford’s career. His hit-and-move fighting style didn’t resonate with the boxing public, who prefer aggressive, come-forward fighters. Turki is in a great position where he can afford to lose money. Arum couldn’t do that, and why should he have to?

There aren’t enough fans in the U.S who enjoy watching Crawfrord’s Tom and Jerry style. His close friend, Shakur Stevenson, has the same problem. Fans don’t like watching his dull safety-first style.

Top Rank Couldn’t Monetize Crawford’s Wins

“The question is, ‘Do we want to keep him?’ I could build a house in Beverly Hills on the money I’ve lost on him in the last three fights. A beautiful home,” said Bob Arum about Crawford.

Bernie’s whole argument is that Crawford is winning. So, his promoters should be promoting him everywhere. The problem is, it’s not just about winning. Promoters want to make money from their events to get a return on their investments.

Bob Arum and Top Rank promoted Crawford for many years, but he failed to bring in the revenue until he fought Errol Spence in 2023. By then, Crawford was no longer with Arum. That was the one successful PPV fight that Crawford was involved in, and it was because of Spence, not him.

“There are more fighters ready to take your spot, like Shakur Stevenson. He’s ready to take your spot,” said coach Bernie Davis to MillCity Boxing about his belief that Shakur Stevenson is ready to take Gervonta Davis’ spot as #1 at 135 after he retires.

“I’d Keep Shoving Crawford Down Their Throats”

“Why wouldn’t you double down on Bud Crawford if you’re Bob Arum? I’m going to keep shoving him down their throats. I put Crawford in a fishing commercial. I’m going to keep putting on Crawford, because he whoops a** when he get up under them lights. So, I’m putting Crawford everywhere I can put Crawford.”

Arum Was Right Not to Double Down

If Bernie were the one losing money on Crawford’s fights, he’d think differently. He’d have pulled the plug just like Arum did when he started losing money repeatedly.

“I bet they [Top Rank] are biting their a** now, you silly. Shout out to Turki Alalshikh,” said Bernie.

Crawford’s two fights on Turki Alalshikh’s events haven’t produced the numbers that we saw from Jake Paul. His headliner against Israil Madrimov last year on August 3, 2024, brought only 75,000 to 100,000 pay-per-view buys on DAZN. Moreover, it failed to sell out the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, even with a stacked undercard.

Crawford can’t sell, and Bob Arum did the right thing by not “doubling down” by re-signing him. Despite the massive amount of money Turki poured into the Canelo Alvarez vs. Crawford event, it brought only 41 million viewers on the streaming platform Netflix compared to 108 million viewers for Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson.

Written by Nation Vegas, a Boxing Analyst covering world title fights since 2013.