Boxing fans remember it well: when Jeff Horn stepped into the ring in 2018 to defend his WBO welterweight title against a rising, undefeated Terence “Bud” Crawford, few gave Horn much of a chance. But what happened that night didn’t just cement Crawford as a pound-for-pound star — it may have awakened something far more dangerous.

Fast forward to today, and whispers across the boxing world are growing louder:

“Horn woke up the monster. Crawford hasn’t looked human since.”

The Turning Point: Crawford vs. Horn (2018)

Back then, Jeff Horn was fresh off his controversial win over Manny Pacquiao and full of confidence. He tried to bully Crawford with pressure and rough tactics. It didn’t work. Crawford dismantled him in nine rounds, showcasing surgical precision, footwork, and power that seemed to evolve during the fight.

But here’s the thing: that performance changed Crawford. It was no longer about just winning — it became about dominating. Since Horn, Crawford hasn’t just beaten opponents — he’s punished them.

“Something flipped after Horn,” said one longtime trainer. “Crawford went from elite to downright terrifying.”

The Monster Within: What We’ve Seen Since

Let’s take a look at Crawford’s path since Horn:

TKO over José Benavidez Jr. — Dropped him in the 12th after a dominant showing.

KO over Kell Brook — Crawford walked through the former champ like it was sparring.

TKO over Shawn Porter — Became the only man to stop Porter, forcing a corner stoppage.

Destruction of Errol Spence Jr. — In what was supposed to be a 50/50 fight, Crawford turned it into a masterclass, dropping Spence three times en route to a 9th-round TKO.

Why Crawford is Now “Dangerous”

Crawford has always had the tools: switch-hitting, IQ, timing, and slick defense. But what makes him truly dangerous now is his killer instinct. He doesn’t just look to win — he looks to break opponents down mentally and physically.

He downloads data in the early rounds and then unleashes hell. Fighters who once believed they had a shot walk out looking like they went through a car crash.

And it all started… with Jeff Horn.

“Horn didn’t just lose,” a boxing analyst said. “He woke up the Crawford that no one wanted to meet.”

Who Can Stop Him?

That’s the million-dollar question. With Crawford now moving up to 154 pounds, eyes are on future matchups:

Jermell Charlo

Sebastian Fundora

Tim Tszyu

Each brings a different style, but none have faced a fighter like Crawford — a monster created in the ashes of that 2018 fight.

Conclusion

Terence Crawford isn’t just chasing greatness anymore — he’s hunting legacy.
And if the version of him that Jeff Horn woke up is here to stay, the entire boxing world may very well be in danger.

Beware the monster. 👾