By Victor Salazar

NEW YORK -- Undefeated World Junior Welterweight Champion and top pound for pound fighter TERENCE "Bud" CRAWFORD will make his 2017 debut, Saturday, May 20, at the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden.  This will also be his debut headlining in the big room -- a testament both to his talent and his growing popularity.  Photos by Ed Mulholland.

Crawford will be defending his unified World Boxing Organization (WBO) / World Boxing Council (WBC) / Ring magazine titles against former Olympic gold medalist and top-rated contender FÉLIX DÍAZ in a marquee all-action fight.  It will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing, beginning at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.    

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with DiBella Entertainment, Tecate and Madison Square Garden, tickets to the Crawford vs. Díaz world championship event will go on sale Tomorrow! Wednesday, April 5, at 10 a.m. ET / 7:00 a.m. PT.  Priced at $250, $150, $100, $75, $50 and $35, tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at and .

"Crawford vs. Díaz was made for The Garden and I anticipate a battle between these two warriors worthy of its moniker as the Mecca of Boxing," said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum.    

 "Come May 20, I will be ready for whatever Félix Díaz brings to the ring that night," said Crawford.  "It’s going to be a great experience fighting at Madison Square Garden in the big arena where all the greats have fought.  I’m looking forward to that night."

"We’ve got our work cut out for us fighting against another Olympic gold medalist," said Brian McIntyre, Crawford's trainer and co-manager.  "It’s an honor to fight in the arena at Madison Square Garden.  It’s a step up going from The Theater into the big room."