Today at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Nebraska, Top Rank held the first press conference to announce the Terence Crawford vs. Dierry Jean (29-1, 20 KOs) bout for October 24.
This will be the first title defense for Crawford’s WBO world super lightweight title, and the third time Top Rank has traveled to Omaha in two years.
Jean was not present at today’s press conference as he couldn’t locate his passport to travel. His trainer, Mike Moffa, and manager, Camille Estephan were present and able to say a few words for Team Jean, and a poster board with Jean’s picture was present as well.
“Jean asked for this fight with Crawford, so that just shows he’s not afraid of him,” said Camillie Estephan who also added a special message from Jean.
“Crawford is a hell of a fighter, but I’m his match. I’ve come to Omaha a few times, and I’m always successful here. We will be successful again on October 24.”
“You live in a beautiful city Terence. The people are amazing, your sports, everything about Omaha is beautiful. And on October 24th it’s going to be even more beautiful when he [Dierry Jean] heads back home with your belt,” said Mike Moffa, Jean’s trainer.
Of course the press conference animosity reached a new level after that, but things always go up a notch when Crawford’s trainer and manager Brian McIntyre steps up to the dais.
Better known as “Bo-Mac,” he grabbed the poster of Jean and crossed out his face. He also threw the poster on the floor and had some choice words for the challenger.
“Jean is not a factor in this fight. Y’all asked for this fight, but y’all also asked for an ass whoopin,” said McIntyre.
Jean’s team responded with stating it was bad karma for Bo-Mac to throw the picture on the floor, and now it’s personal. At one point you could hear Moffa yell out in anger. “Let the kids do the trash talking, keep this professional.”
Carl Moretti also engaged in the trash talking when he laughed at the poster of Jean on the floor. “He has yet to go down, but he has yet to face Terence.”
Crawford approached the dais with the usual big smile on his face and chuckled throughout.
“This is going to be a fun one, I can see it now,” said Crawford who kept it classy but made his point known. “Mark my words, he will lose.”
Tickets for Crawford vs. Jean are on sale now through Ticketmaster. Tickets prices start out as low as $27 then range from, $52, $77, and $127 for ringside seats.
All photos by Chris Farina/Top Rank
