quick thoughts on crawford and benavidez

That was an interesting fight in which people we will find what ever it is they're looking for. For some the difficulties crawford had at times with the formerly bright prospect but unheralded, 20-1 underdog benavidez is a sign of weakness, and proves that he is in danger when facing the top fighters in the division. Others will say that in his first title defense he dominated a very large and game benavidez in his first title defense at 147 and never once looked troubled or in danger of losing. Its an interesting fight that shows a few things but ultimately leaves more questions open than it settles. Crawfords excellent performance against something of an unknown quantity in Benavidez. Is Benavidez a welterweight (fringe/solid) contender at now at 26 with a bum knee? Or a just a gatekeeper type? For my money crawford showed all the skills he proponents say that he has- if he can exert his influence the way he did in this fight against some of the other title holders then its clear is truly top 2/3 p4p for a while.. and I'll be watching benavidez next fight very closely.