Glenn Rushton, trainer for WBO welterweight champion Jeff Horn (18-0-1, 12 KOs), is getting his fighter prepared for the biggest fight of his career.
On April 14th at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Horn has agreed to face mandatory challenger Terence Crawford (32-0, 23 KOs) - who is widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
Horn captured the title last July with a big upset decision over heavily favored Manny Pacquiao at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.
And Horn then won a voluntary defense in December, with a stoppage victory over British contender Gary Concoran.
Crawford became the mandatory challenger after unifying the entire junior welterweight division and announcing a move to welterweight last year.
Rushton views Crawford as a very tough opponent with a massive upside if they win.
If Horn wins that contest, on American soil, Rushton believes he should be considered as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
“Jeff Horn is now regarded as one of the best boxers in the world but our boxing club at Stretton is not a one-man team,” Rushton said to Courier Mail.
“Originally Jeff was due to face Crawford on April 21 in Las Vegas so we went ahead planning the April 7 program in Brisbane. Even though the date for Jeff’s fight has changed I still have a commitment to the other fighters and I will honour that commitment before joining Jeff in New York.
“Jeff beat a living legend in Pacquiao and if he can overcome Terence Crawford in his home country there is every reason to believe that he will be regarded as the best boxer in the world pound for pound.
“We’re well aware of what’s at stake and the challenge ahead. We both have 11 weeks of hard work in front of us and a tremendous opponent to overcome. But this is a huge opportunity for us and for Australian sport.”
