The former world champion wasted no time in overpowering fellow boxing star.
Terence Crawford is among a host of boxing’s biggest names to have travelled to Egypt for Oleksandr Usyk’s heavyweight showdown with Rico Verhoeven this weekend.
Much of the attention has centred on Saturday night’s spectacle at the Pyramids of Giza, where Usyk and Verhoeven are set to meet against one of sport’s most iconic backdrops.
However, the famous setting has already witnessed a different kind of contest before fight night has even begun.
Crawford found himself at the centre of a light-hearted but eye-catching moment involving Australia’s cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia.
In footage shared from the fighters’ gathering, the retired American could be seen effortlessly lifting Opetaia off the sand in a show of surprising strength, despite the considerable size difference between the two men.
The moment drew amused reactions from those in attendance, with Crawford appearing completely unfazed as he hoisted the Australian into the air.
Although Terence Crawford has stepped away from professional boxing, the display served as a reminder of the physical conditioning and functional strength that underpinned his decorated career at the highest level.
The 38-year-old, widely regarded as one of the finest pound-for-pound fighters of his generation, also has a wrestling background — a factor that perhaps helps explain the ease with which he managed to lift the naturally bigger Opetaia.
For many fans online, the exchange provided an entertaining sideshow ahead of one of the most iconic heavyweight events of the year.
BUD X OPETAIA 🤼
Just Terence Crawford and Jai Opetaia having a tussle in front of the Pyramids of Giza 😂
Glory in Giza | May 23rd | LIVE on DAZN 🥊 pic.twitter.com/CXaV0rSgbm
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) May 22, 2026
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