Omaha’s Own: Terence “Bud” Crawford and the Community That Built Him

When Terence “Bud” Crawford steps into Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on September 13, 2025, to face Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, the world will be watching. For Omaha, Nebraska, it’s not just another fight — it’s the culmination of decades of sweat, discipline, and loyalty to a community that raised him.

Who is Bud

Crawford is an undefeated, multi-division world champion. He is one of boxing’s pound-for-pound greats, but for Nebraska, he’s more than belts and accolades — he’s proof that greatness can grow in North Omaha and shine worldwide without ever forgetting home.

“He’ll never leave. He wears Omaha on his shorts, and he stays in the gym. Fighters come from all over to train there because he’s made it world class.”
— Grover Wiley, retired pro boxer

What He Means to Nebraska

Crawford’s name is stitched into Omaha’s fight culture. He never left town for bigger-name trainers. Instead, he stayed loyal to coach Brian “Bomac” McIntyre and to his city. Grover Wiley, who famously defeated Julio César Chávez in 2005, remembers Crawford as a 12-year-old sparring partner who shocked seasoned pros.

“We always knew he was gonna be a world champion. He just had that determination. We just had to keep him out of trouble and keep him alive.” — Grover Wiley

For local fighter Jake Kurtz, Bud’s decision to stay in Omaha makes him a pillar of the community:

“Most guys reach a certain level and go off to famous trainers, but Bud never left. He and Bomac opened their own gym in North Omaha. He’s something to show you there’s good in the hood.” — Jake Kurtz

His Impact on the Community

Bud’s B&B Sports Academy is more than boxing. It’s wrestling, jiu-jitsu, MMA — a hub where kids from North Omaha find structure, discipline, and role models. Fighters who cross over into MMA feel his presence as well.

“Everybody knows and respects him. Kids in Nebraska can look at Bud and see what he did in combat sports, and whether they decide on MMA or boxing, they can still look to him for his success, his path, and his commitment.”
— Train, owner of Dynasty Combat Sports

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For former MMA fighter Javon Gasper, Crawford’s impact was personal. Backstage before a fight, nerves were overwhelming — until Bud spoke:

“I was sitting alone before my walkout, eyes closed, when I heard: ‘Aye man, you ready?’ In that moment, all the nerves left. I felt like I was floating as I walked out to the cage.” — Javon Gasper

That night, Gasper scored a 40-second knockout — with Crawford waiting backstage to congratulate him.

How the Community Supports Him

Crawford has given Omaha his loyalty, and the community has given it back. His fights unite boxing and MMA fans alike. This week in Las Vegas, Omaha was there too.

“I’m in Vegas right now, and every billboard has him on it. It’s surreal, because I always knew he was gonna be a world champion. But to see the world finally know what we always knew — it’s incredible.” — Grover Wiley

“Whether it’s MMA, boxing, or kickboxing, athletes here now have a figurehead from Nebraska who started where they started and is at the top of his profession.” — Train

From the gyms of North Omaha to the bright lights of Las Vegas, Crawford carries his city with him. And as he steps into the ring against Canelo, Omaha carries him too.

Good luck, Bud. All of Nebraska is in your corner.