"No matter what he does, they never gonna give him his credit," Sparks said.
David “Flat” Sparks didn’t hold back when addressing Terence Crawford’s latest headline-making moment.
On the MRECK TV podcast Let the Sparkz Fly, Jake Paul's sparring partner said the champion’s recent run-in with police is proof that it may be time to walk away from the sport.
“When you a superstar like that and you go back to your hometown, you a target,” Sparks said.
He argued that Crawford’s upset victory over Canelo Álvarez was “bigger than boxing” and has made the Omaha native an even bigger symbol of pride—and resentment: “This Black kid made it from the hood to be the biggest boxer in the game right now, and they feeling some type of way.”
Sparks praised Crawford’s approach to the sport and his character, calling him a “true Black king” and noting that his quiet, grounded lifestyle doesn’t shield him from scrutiny. “It’s something about Bud that’s unmovable, unbreakable,” he said. “He represent that warrior type energy.”
Sparks believes that very image makes him a target outside the ring as much as inside it. His advice was direct: “Ride off into the sunset.”
Crawford’s trainer, Brian “BoMac” McIntyre, has previously said the undefeated champion has two or three fights left before retirement. Sparks suggested now is the right time, warning that no matter what Crawford accomplishes, he will continue to attract negative attention. “No matter what he does, they never gonna give him his credit,” Sparks said. “He’s always going to get a certain level of hate because of what he represents.”
The conversation came just days after Crawford, fresh off his win against Álvarez, was honored with a parade in his hometown. Hours after the celebration, however, he found himself surrounded by Omaha police officers during a tense traffic stop.
According to police, the incident occurred shortly before 1:30 a.m. on Sunday near North 12th and Capitol Avenue. Officers reported observing a vehicle driving recklessly and initiated a stop at Cass Street.
Video later circulated online showing Crawford carefully stepping out of the car with his hands raised, unbuckling his seatbelt, and telling officers, “I ain’t reaching for no gun.”
Police said one officer noticed a firearm on the floorboard, leading them to order all four occupants out of the vehicle at gunpoint. Everyone in the car, including Crawford, was later determined to be legally licensed to carry firearms.
A member of his security team also had a firearm, which was permitted. Crawford requested a supervisor and a lieutenant to be present on the scene. He was issued a citation for reckless driving while the others were cleared.
The stop came hours after Crawford had been celebrated in Omaha with a parade and a birthday party that drew city leaders and fans alike. The juxtaposition of a champion receiving a key to the city and then being placed at gunpoint on the same day fueled the broader conversation around the incident.
Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert and Police Chief Todd Schmaderer have announced an internal affairs review of the traffic stop. “Trust between law enforcement and our community is important,” Stothert said, adding that she had spoken directly with Crawford. Schmaderer also pledged a complete and transparent investigation into the officers’ actions.
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