Maurice Hooker on Sparring Crawford, Eyes Canelo Undercard

By Ryan Burton

Roc Nation Sport's super lightweight prospect Maurice "Mighty Mo" Hooker is set to return to the ring on Saturday on the Andre Ward-Alexander Brand undercard.  Hooker will face Ty Barnett (23-4-1) for the WBO NABO title in the co-featured bout at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif.

A lot of Hooker's training camp took place with WBO/WBC super lightweight champion Terence Crawford.  Hooker was one of Crawford's sparring partners that helped him prepare for his fight on July 23rd against Viktor Postol. 

The 26-year-old Hooker is very grateful for the experience.

"He took away his jab. He had no jab. He took it away with the right hook when he turned southpaw. Postol didn't know what to do. I think he gave up. Crawford was too much for him. He couldn't cut the ring off," said Hooker when asked about Crawford's performance.

The time in camp with the champion from Omaha, Nebraska was very good for Hooker. He said he learned a lot by seeing how Crawford prepares for a fight.

"Crawford trains hard. I see why he is champion. He is very smart in the ring and out of the ring. He is a very good guy. I am glad I went to camp with him. I learned a lot," Hooker explained.

As for his plans after the Barnett fight, Hooker said that he would like nothing more than a homecoming bout on the Canelo Alvarez-Liam Smith undercard. The fight takes place just outside of his hometown of Dallas, Texas in Arlington at Cowboys Stadium.  Hooker said he is willing to face any of Golden Boy's fighters.

"There is a fight coming up in Dallas, Texas with Canelo and I would love to fight on that card. I would fight anybody they have.  That is the card I want to be on," Hooker told BoxingScene.com.

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