Crawford vs Indongo: Julius Indongo says he is under no pressure ahead of Terence Crawford bout

By Neel Khagram

Image: Julius Indongo says that representing Africa is giving him extra motivation

Julius Indongo believes he is "under no pressure" ahead of his fight with Terence Crawford on August 19.

The 'Blue Machine' added the WBA super-lightweight title to his IBF strap when he beat Ricky Burns in April, and will aim to become the undisputed champion at 140lbs when he faces WBC and WBO titlist Crawford at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Nebraska, live on Sky Sports.

Indongo will be fighting away from home for the third fight in succession, but the Namibian is confident of retaining his unbeaten record and becoming the lineal champion in the American's hometown.

Image: Terence Crawford, also undefeated, holds the WBO and WBC super-lightweight world titles

"I'm under no pressure at all," Indongo said.

"I'm going to Nebraska, USA, to wrestle those titles away from Crawford and it does not bother me that I'm going into his own backyard.

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"As a team, we have a strategy and perfect game plan for Crawford, so I'm really not concerned with what my opponent has in store for me or the pressure of fighting in the States."

Image: Indongo impressed when defeating Ricky Burns to add the WBA world title to his IBF strap

Crawford is an undefeated two-weight world champion and regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. He last fought in May when he defeated Felix Diaz in New York, and holds notable victories over Ricky Burns and Yuriorkis Gamboa.

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But Indongo admits the responsibility of representing his continent has given him extra motivation to succeed on the night.

"Fighting at this level is not only about me but it's about my country and Africa at large," he said.

"So, I have to beat Crawford for Africa and for my country. Not many African boxers get this opportunity and that's why I have to inspire my fellow African boxers."

Image: Terence Crawford v Julius Indongo - live on Sky Sports
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