In the lead-up to a highly anticipated boxing match between Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez, controversy has emerged as Crawford faces allegations from former opponent David Aonanan. Aonanan, who fought Crawford in a bout earlier this year, claims that he was cheated during their encounter, raising questions about the integrity of the fight.

The showdown between Crawford and Alvarez is expected to take place in September, likely in Saudi Arabia, following Alvarez’s scheduled fight in May. As fans eagerly await this matchup, Aonanan’s recent statements have added a layer of intrigue and concern regarding Crawford’s conduct in the ring.

In a recent interview, Aonanan expressed his belief that he was unjustly treated during his fight against Crawford. He recounted a troubling incident where Crawford’s gloves appeared to be defective. According to Aonanan, Crawford’s gloves began to fall apart in the final round, with padding flying out during the fight. The referee intervened to check the gloves but allowed the match to continue. Aonanan stated that Crawford knocked him out shortly thereafter, leading him to feel that the circumstances of the fight were unfair.

Aonanan’s accusations extend beyond the incident with the gloves; he claims that Crawford entered the ring with his gloves not properly secured. He described a scenario where Crawford’s gloves were “literally still open, not tied with tape,” a situation he had never witnessed before in his boxing career. This revelation has reignited discussions about potential misconduct in boxing, particularly regarding how different situations are perceived and handled by officials.

The incident has drawn comparisons to other controversial moments in boxing, highlighting a perceived inconsistency in how allegations of foul play are treated. Aonanan’s claims raise questions about the standards upheld by referees and the potential impact of equipment issues on the outcome of fights.

As the boxing community reacts to these allegations, it remains to be seen how they will affect the upcoming bout between Crawford and Alvarez. While Crawford is no stranger to scrutiny, with Canelo Alvarez himself having faced his share of accusations in the past, the focus now shifts to how these controversies will be navigated as both fighters prepare for their highly publicized clash.

Crawford, who is known for his prowess in the ring, has not publicly responded to Aonanan’s allegations as of yet. Meanwhile, fans and analysts alike are left to ponder the implications of these claims and whether they will cast a shadow over what is expected to be a thrilling encounter between two of boxing’s elite. As the fight date approaches, all eyes will be on both fighters, eager to see how they will respond to the growing narrative surrounding Crawford’s reputation in the sport.