Before 42-0: The boxer who handed Terence Crawford his last amateur defeat speaks out

Gonzalez claims he should have won all three meetings with Terence Crawford before the future champion turned professional

Miguel Gonzalez says he had Terence Crawford’s number before the future Hall of Famer entered the professional ranks. Gonzalez believes he deserved victory in all three amateur meetings, including the final bout that officially stands as Crawford’s last amateur defeat.

The two met three times before Crawford turned professional. Gonzalez lost the first two contests by narrow decisions before earning a convincing 32-23 victory in their third and final meeting, making him the last fighter to defeat Crawford.

“The first time I fought Bud [in 2006], I came from a two-year layoff, and I thought I smoked Bud,” Gonzalez said to FightHype. “They gave it to him by two or three points.

“The second time I boxed Bud [in 2007], I smoked Bud. They robbed me by one point. I was so angry. They ended up taking a point from me and gave him the decision. I was blowing him out every round.

“The third time I fought Bud [2007], it was all-out. I smoked his ass for sure. Blew him out the water.”

Despite his frustration over the first two decisions, Gonzalez praised everything Crawford accomplished after leaving the amateur ranks.

“I take my hat off to Bud. Big ups to Crawford. His whole career, I never felt like he took any wrong paths. The way he did his career, I respect it.”

Crawford’s amateur career hinted at his potential but gave little indication of the greatness that would follow. He compiled a reported 25-11 record with two knockouts, scoring victories over future world champions Danny Garcia and Mikey Garcia. However, he also lost three of his final five amateur bouts before turning professional.

Neither Crawford nor Gonzalez ultimately secured the United States’ welterweight berth for the 2008 Olympic Games. That honor instead went to Sadam Ali, who defeated both men during the Olympic Trials.

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