In his next fight, Crawley scored an impressive ten-round decision over future jr. welterweight champion Gene Hatcher on national television in October 1982. He defended his ESPN lightweight in December 1982 with a tenth round stoppage of Anthony Murray, but lost his ESPN title in a close 12-round decision to Melvin Paul in his next fight in February 1983.
Crawley's subsequent match showcased his skills as he secured a ten-round victory over future junior welterweight champion Gene Hatcher on national television in October 1982. He successfully defended his ESPN lightweight title with a tenth-round knockout of Anthony Murray, but ultimately lost the title to Melvin Paul in a closely contested 12-round decision in February 1983.