Crawford Tabs Mayweather, Roy Jones as Style Influences

Terence Crawford (28-0, 20KOs), who holds the WBO super lightweight championship, will soon be up against his biggest test: undefeated Viktor Postol of Ukraine, which is regularly churning out title contenders.

Postol also is 28-0, with 12 knockouts, and owns the WBC title. Their matchup on July 23 in Las Vegas is one of the more anticipated upcoming fights.

Postol is somewhat of an unknown in the United States, but he has won his last three outings in the U.S., including knocking out Lucas Matthysse to earn his title.

If it is up to Crawford, there will be plenty of action in this fight. He believes his speed and versatility will be decisive against the European style employed by Postol.

“I am going to give a 100 percent performance because I know he is going to give 100 percent,” Crawford says. “That’s going to make it a good show for everyone.”

Crawford’s boxing idols are Roy Jones and Floyd Mayweather. He has copied some of their repertoires – Jones’ power and Mayweather’s canny approach – and is thrilled when someone mentions any sort of resemblance to those champions.

“Of course I learned from watching them,” he says. “They were the masters of offense and defense, and I have tried to take a little of both from them. You would be foolish not to.”

Crawford hopes he can be as big an attraction as Jones and Mayweather. He knows a decisive win over Postol is a must.

“A lot of people want to see me fight now,” he says. “But ask me after the next fight about (more popularity). But I think I am already getting there.”