LAS VEGAS – One of the stories of the week is that the big winner in Las Vegas on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena could be lined up to land a bout with Terence Crawford.
But Crawford is not just in the sights of the main-event victor of the unified super welterweight bout between Tim Tszyu and Sebastian Fundora. He is also a target for one of the fighters in the co-main event, a junior welterweight clash between Rolando Romero and Isaac Cruz.
At 36, Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) remains one of the best fighters in the world. Romero, who this week talked about stepping up in weight beyond 140 – despite claiming how comfortable making weight has been – wants to fight the man from Omaha, Nebraska.
“I want 147. I want Terence Crawford. Craw-fish, yeah!” barked Romero ahead of today’s final press conference.
Then, asked about making weight for Saturday’s opponent, Romero said: “Does it look like I’m struggling right now? I look happy. You should see the other guy.”
Romero (15-1, 13 KOs) is one of the most divisive figures in the sport today. A 28-year-old from Las Vegas, “Rolly” doesn’t care whether he is the hero or villain. And despite the smack talk between him and “Pitbull” Cruz, Romero was staying professional ahead of their meeting on stage Thursday.
“Michael Corleone said it best: It’s nothing personal, son, it’s strictly business,’” Romero said of his feud with Cruz.
Then, asked about whether he is loved or hated, Romero offered an interesting take.
“I like what likes me,” he said. “I’d tell it like this: They loved Jesus, they hated Jesus. But guess what? He’s the most well-known figure in history.”
It is thought that Cruz will bury his head on Romero’s chest and make Romero work throughout their fight. Does Romero have the power to put a dent in Cruz?
“I will probably put a dent in his forehead,” Romero said.