Terence Crawford faces Egis Kavaliauskas this weekend (Photo: Mikey Williams – Top Rank)

By Chris Robinson

This weekend, one of boxing’s top fighters, WBO welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford, returns to the ring, where he will defend his title vs. unbeaten #1 contender Egis “Mean Machine” Kavaliauskas. The fight will take place from Madison Square Garden on Saturday evening and air on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET.

Crawford (35-0, 26 KOs) is looking for a third defense of his welterweight crown against Kavaliauskas (21-0-1, 17 KOs), but it’s admittedly not the fight that he prefers at the moment. Crawford is looking for unification matches, and the biggest names possible at this point.

Recent conversation has come up regarding Crawford’s status in the pound for pound landscape, and where he ranks.

“It’s a blessing because it motivates me and adds fuel to the fire,” Crawford explained. “I like proving people wrong. That’s more joy for me.”

This fight marks Crawford’s second consecutive appearance at Madison Square Garden, and he feels right at home.

“[New York] is one of the big stages,” said Crawford. “Vegas is a big stage. I do my thing in the ring, and every time I fight, I send a message to all the welterweights out there. Everyone poses a threat. [Kavaliauskas] is a good fighter. He is a two-time Olympian for a reason. He’s undefeated, strong and hungry.”

Chris Robinson can be reached at CRobinson@hustleboss.com