Beltran Once Again Hits The Road In Search of Glory

By Jake Donovan

Terence Crawford gets the best of all worlds for the next defense of his lightweight belt—not only fighting at home in Omaha, Nebraska, but also being closed to his loved ones for the holiday season.

Raymundo Beltran’s odyssey is quite the opposite, as he once again finds himself in an opponent’s hometown, hopeful that his in-ring achievements will be enough to receive justice by night’s end.

The unbeaten Crawford fights in his hometown for the second straight time, though neither appearance can be classified as a showcase. A Fight of the Year contender came of his 9th round knockout of Yuriorkis Gamboa this past June, and an equally difficult night’s work is expected in his next bout, as he faces tough-as-nails Beltran on November 29 at the CenturyLink Center.

The bout will air live on HBO.

An added storyline comes of the fight, which the winner will be recognized by BoxingScene.com as the World (lineal) lightweight champion. Crawford won his alphabet title with a well-earned decision over Ricky Burns this past March in Glasgow, Scotland. His trip overseas came six months after Beltran traveled to the same city versus the same titlist, sans the favorable outcome.

“By now we all know the story of Ray Beltran,” Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum recalled of the challenger’s ill-fated title challenge during Tuesday’s press conference in Omaha to formally announce the November 29 showdown. “He traveled to Scotland, beat the hell out of Ricky Burns. He knocked him down, broke his jaw and won the fight, only for it to be called a draw.”

Beltran’s consolation prize was a spot on the undercard of Manny Pacquaio’s win over Tim Bradley in their pay-per-view headlining rematch this past April. Appearing in supporting capacity, Beltran won a 12-round decision over Arash Usmanee, in part setting up his forthcoming title fight with Crawford.

Ever the sportsman, Beltran offers gratitude for another shot at glory rather than carry resentment over a hard-luck past.

“I went to Scotland and didn’t get the decision. But now I get to fight Terence Crawford,” Beltran (29-6-1, 17KOs) remarked in appreciation during the press session. “This fight is even bigger (than versus Burns). Not just because it’s for the world title, but it comes against a dangerous fighter.

“One day the fans and the boxing world will remember me for fighting anyone they put in front of me.”

He already has that respect from his next opponent.

“He believes this is his title; he’s going be fighting with a chip on his shoulder,” Crawford (24-0, 17KOs) acknowledges. “I can’t let (the upset) happen, though. We’re both going to train hard and give it 150% to deliver the best show we can. Let’s get it on and may the best man win.”

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com, as well as the Records Keeper for the Transnational Boxing Ratings Board and a member of Boxing Writers Association of America. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox