Omaha is getting behind its local boxing hero Saturday as undefeated Terence Crawford trades gloves with heavy hitting John Molina Jr.
The matchup is no longer a championship fight, because Crawford’s opponent missed the weigh-in by nearly four pounds.
That's not taking away from fan excitement downtown.
Every fan we spoke says championship fight or not, they are always excited to watch the local legend box.
“It’s exciting for me because I'm out here in the cold,” said Fan Destiny Atkins. “I wouldn't be out here if I didn't believe in him.”
While the cold can't stand a chance keeping people away from watching their hometown hero fight, the fact that it's no longer a title fight isn't keeping people away from CenturyLink.
"You still got a good fight going on,” said Fan Andrew Smith. “The guy weighed over so it's not a championship fight, but at the same time, we still get a quality-level opponent and you get to see Terence Crawford at the same time."
Lots of confidence in Crawford Saturday.
"Crawford is going to win anyway you know?" said Thanh Nguyen, who drove from Lincoln to see the Omaha fight.
To fans, Crawford shines when he's in Omaha, regardless of circumstance.
"On the world stage Nebraska really hasn't had much representation,” Nguyen said. “To have someone from our own backyard to do it, at a world-level, it's something to be proud of."
Crawford's fan base reaches beyond the sport itself.
"I’m not into boxing but for Terence Crawford, I will be here,” Atkins said. “I mean he's from Omaha, Nebraska, he's representing so I'm making sure I'm here to support him.”
If John Molina Jr. defeats Crawford, he can’t win the title because he’s in a different weight class.
