By: Sean Crose
It could very effectively be the most effective matchup in a yr full of nice matchups. WBO welterweight champion Terence Crawford might be placing his belt on the road Saturday night time in Las Vegas towards WBC, WBA, and IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence, who could have his personal belts on the road, as effectively. There has been a lot speak this week of whether or not or not the winner of this throwdown might be thought to be the most effective pound for pound fighter on earth. Maybe. Maybe not. What followers might be sure of, nonetheless, is the actual fact this might be an undisputed title combat in a prime division that can see the most effective going through off towards the most effective. In an period of pay per view overkill, Crawford-Spence is definitely pay per view worthy.
So, whose going to win?
It’s a troublesome query, one which needs to be rigorously thought over earlier than responding. Both males are undefeated energy punchers who’ve primarily cleaned out their accessible friends (the exception being Keith Thurman, who at this level may truly be semi-retired). Both are additionally of their early thirties and have been within the highlight earlier than. In different phrases, they’re used to the pressures that include excessive stage and extremely promoted matchups.
The 28-0 Spence has stopped all however six of his opponents. He’s crushed the likes of Kell Brook, Shawn Porter, Mikey Garcia and others. He’s massive for a welterweight, however the 33 yr previous’s best asset is definitely his energy. To watch Spence combat is to actually witness the person thudding on his competitors. His physique work is completely brutal. Spence can be in a position to make use of an efficient excessive guard and has a capability to select his pictures effectively.
As for the 35 yr previous Crawford, the Nebraska native boasts a 39-0 file with thirty knockouts. He, too, has bested males like Kell Brook, and Shawn Porter. He’s additionally defeated such notables as Amir Khan and Jeff Horn. What actually makes Crawford rise above the crop, nonetheless, is his confidence. He actually exudes gunfighter cool whereas in the course of the motion within the ring. What’s extra, Crawford is an ambidextrous fighter with pinpoint accuracy and a killer intuition. He has an efficient probing jab and infrequently fights out of a crouch, whereas Spence primarily fights upright.
And that, actually, ought to make all of the distinction within the combat. Bottom line – Spence appears simpler to hit than Crawford does. Great as he’s – and Spence is nothing if not a terrific fighter – Spence is relatively stationary. Against the extra fluid stylings of Crawford, that’s a recipe for hazard. Of course, Spence’s energy can finish issues in damaging style, however Crawford is probably going too good a fighter to go away himself so susceptible. The odds are that he’s going to rigorously work in on Spence earlier than going for the end.
Prediction: Crawford by ninth spherical TKO.
*Crawford-Spence is scheduled for 12 rounds and might be taking place Saturday night time (7/29/23) on the T-Mobile area in Las Vegas. It would be the predominant occasion of a Showtime Pay Per View card.
**Image: Showtime
