Henry Crawford: Anytime, Anyone, Anywhere

Posted on | June 1, 2008 | No Comments

By Terrell James

MyWorldofSports.com

I had a chance to catch up with rising welterweight contender Henry Crawford at the P.A.L. boxing gym in Passaic, New Jersey. Despite being under the weather, the Patterson native still managed to show up for an interview and an intense workout with his trainer Nettles Nasser. Although Crawford does not have a definite date for his next fight, he expects to land a fight within the next couple months. Regardless, Crawford is a gym rat who is always in tremendous shape, whether he is preparing for a fight or not. His discipline and determination are unmatched and have propelled Crawford to a flawless 18-0 record. Crawford is fresh off a victory against Jerome Ellis in March—an impressive feat considering he took the fight on a few days notice. Crawford touched on everything from an encounter in the amateurs with Miguel Cotto, to a possible future in modeling after his boxing career ends.

Terrell James (TJ): First off, congratulations on your last fight. What’s up next for Henry Crawford?

Henry Crawford (HC): We’re trying to take a step up … so, anybody in the top ten. Just small steps; I’ve been a pro for three years so I’m in no rush.

TJ: Against Ellis, you got hit with some hard shots and Nettles gave you a love tap to get you re-focused. What did you learn from that experience?

HC: I took the fight on a four-day notice so I wasn’t prepared mentally but I am always in physical shape. And the guy was strong. He is a natural junior middle-weight who’s been fighting at that weight his entire career. But I never back down and I just put my heart into it. It was a nice test.

TJ: Everyone knows your division is loaded. Anyone in particular you’ve got your eyes on?

HC: Whoever my promoters put in front of me, I’m going to fight. Anytime, anyone, anywhere. I’ve never turned down a fight.

TJ: As a three-time golden gloves champ of New Jersey, you have an extensive amateur background. Describe that experience.

HC: It was a lot fun. Traveling, competing in national tournaments and gaining experience at the same time.

TJ: Did you fight anyone in the amateurs who is still fighting today?

HC: I fought (Miguel) Cotto in the amateurs and look at him. I also fought Brock Allen.

TJ: What was it like fighting Cotto in the amateurs?

HC: I lost the fight but I didn’t have too much experience then but I definitely learned from it.

TJ: Nettles mentioned you’ve sparred against him recently. Are there any similarities between the Cotto you fought in the amateurs and the one you’ve sparred with?

HC: Not really. In the amateurs, he was more of a boxer who moved around a lot but now he is relentless and he wears guys down.

TJ: Does watching how Cotto progressed from the amateurs motivate you?

HC: Of course. If he can do it, so can I.

TJ: A lot of fighters are nurtured by fighting hand-picked opponents close to home. However, you’ve fought tough competition all over the U.S. How has that helped you?

HC: It has helped a lot. If you look at my background, I’ve fought guys that were undefeated or had one loss. I knew that I didn’t have the same amateur background as other fighters, so I was trying to get noticed.

TJ: Everyone sees the glitz and glamour of the game, such as the championship belts and the HBO and Showtime contracts. What are some things the average fan doesn’t know that they should know?

HC: How tough it is to make it to that level. It’s not like football or basketball where you get a big signing bonus. It’s all about getting noticed and making your way to the belts and the contracts. If you don’t have a good amateur background, you have to take the hard way up—and that’s what I am doing.

TJ: Did you ever feel like quitting?

HC: The business aspect of it, but I love boxing—I love what I do.

TJ: What are two things people don’t know about you that they should?

HC: I’m humble and I’m dedicated.

TJ: What fighter did you watch growing up?

HC: Sugar Ray Leonard, definitely one of the greatest to ever do it. He mastered the art of hitting and not getting hit. A lot of fighters talk about how tough they are and that’s cool, but I want to have a life after boxing.
Nettles Nasser: He has to protect his face. He wants to get into modeling. (Laughter from Crawford and Nettles)

TJ: What do you want to say to your fans?

HC: Watch me grow. I’m on my way up and I’m going to make it.

Nettles Nasser: Don’t blink you might miss it.

For inquiries or comments, contact Terrell James at terrell_james81@yahoo.com.