Bringing a message of perseverance and hope, World Boxing Organization (WBO) Welterweight title holder and Omaha's own, Terence “Bud" Crawford, visited Boys Town recently. He was joined by his friend and professional boxer and sparring partner, also from Omaha, Steven Nelson.
Crawford is the first boxer in history to unify all four world titles at Junior Welterweight and has been named among the world's best, pound for pound, including reaching the No. 1 ranking by ESPN in February of 2021. He remains undefeated in his career at 37-0 with 28 knockouts. Nelson is also undefeated at 18-0, with 15 knockouts. Nelson has held the WBO-NABO Super Middleweight title since January of 2020.
Crawford and Nelson sat down and talked with the youth at the Boys Town Hall of History and toured the athletic facilities at Palrang Fieldhouse.
Crawford's message included advice on growing up and staying out of trouble.
“You only got one life, cherish it – with your own life," Crawford said. “You only got one. It's easy to get in trouble, but it is so, so hard to get out of it. Make the right decision. The choice is yours."
Crawford told the youth he understands how difficult it is growing up in tough situations. He told them to persevere and work through their problems.
“It's cool to get disappointed, we're human," Crawford said. “But at the same time, recognize why you are disappointed and fix the problem. Struggle now. You can live greater later."
Nelson echoed that advice and added his own by saying to always attempt to control your emotions.
“Don't let your emotions dictate your actions," Nelson said.
While visiting the Fieldhouse, Crawford took time to share his basketball skills with the youth. He surprised some of them with his talent.
“I played all the sports growing up," Crawford said. “I played basketball, football, I wrestled. Boxing was just the right sport for me. It's given me opportunities I would have never imagined. It just shows that you can do whatever you set your mind to do."
