Terence Crawford vs. Errol Spence Jr. | TNT Sports PPV - 29 July 2023

[Ruthless-RKO]

This guy from BLH gave his prediction..

John Hansen (64-28)
Never trust a man from Omaha. Spence UD-12

That's all he wrote..

He linked the 1909 Omaha anti-Greek Riot article from Wikipedia.

[big lennox]

This is really fascinating encounter. Big fans of both. May the best man win. I'm leaning towards Crawford as I think he is just that bit too precise and calm. That said, I can still make a case for Spence, especially with his body shots.

[MightyWarrior]

Looking at their records, it’s noticeable Crawford hasn’t fought anyone close to Spence’s level, which is pretty amazing after all this time.. a lot of bad ass names on there but no one near a P4P list. ( same true of Spences record too of course, but less surprising )

You might even argue that some of the far fewer world-class operators the Texas man has faced, are actually better quality than Crawfords. I wouldn’t die on the hill of that particular opinion, but it’s close.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Here’s how the experts see it:

THE RING

DOUG FISCHER: CRAWFORD TKO
“It’s one of the best matchups to be made in boxing and I’m glad we’re finally getting it. Despite their age and inactivity, the fight should deliver due to their styles. Spence is a busy, come-forward technician with heavy hands. Crawford is a versatile switch-hitting boxer-fighter with a mean streak and a frightening killer instinct. If the bout goes the full 12, it will be hard for Crawford, who usually starts slow and fights in spots, to earn a decision. Spence is not only the busier fighter, he’s the house favorite. And these guys are in Las Vegas. You all know how it is in boxing. Crawford knows this, so I expect him to really gun for the KO over the second half. I think he’ll find the right punch at the right time and force a stoppage sometime after Round 9. Crawford by late TKO.”

ANSON WAINWRIGHT: CRAWFORD MD
“I go back and forth on this one and change my mind multiple times a day, I don’t know anyone who is confident in their prediction in this fight. It’s the most anticipated fight in boxing for many years and is so evenly poised. Spence figures to have advantages in size and strength, while Crawford may be the more adaptable and creative with his offense. Both are too good not to have moments. However, I feel this may be a high-class chess match for a few rounds with both giving the other different looks. That will allow Crawford to download the necessary data and start to inch ahead, I think Spence comes back at him in the middle-rounds but Crawford will do the better work in the later rounds and edge home by 12-round decision, maybe majority decision.”

DIEGO MORILLA: CRAWFORD PTS
“Finally, a true, bonafide 50-50 fight in boxing that will resonate in history. And just as it has happened before in such cases, expecting an all-out war in the Hagler-Hearns mold is not a good idea. And we’ve seen unexciting performances from both of these fighters before, so I am counting on at least six rounds of a highly tactical game of chess, with the action starting to pick up as the pieces start being moved off the board and someone starts looking more seriously for the other’s mistakes. Spence has made a few. Crawford? Almost none. If it comes down to the guy who made the least mistakes throughout the fight, it will be Crawford, no doubt.”

MARTY MULCAHEY: SPENCE UD
“Up until Errol Spence’s clash with Yordenis Ugas I was firmly in the camp of people who favored Terence Crawford in this showdown. However, the physicality and way Spence worked through and outmaneuvered Ugas’ changed my thought process. While it will not be easy, since both men are expert at negating foes best traits, I don’t see Crawford mounting enough consistent offense for the judges to reward him in the close rounds either. The forward momentum should be Spence, and even if he walks into some big counter shots by Crawford he has shown the chin to ride those out. The only negative I can find for Spence is his recent lack of ring activity, but again it did not seem to affect him in the Ugas fight. The fights goes the distance, and because both are undervalued defensively I could see this being a rather uneventful clash in the vein of Trinidad-De La Hoya. Final scorecards should read in the 116-112 range in favor of Spence.”

NORM FRAUENHEIM: CRAWFORD UD
“At his best, Crawford is The Sweetest Scientist in his era. His pound-for-pound run has been marked by a high-ring IQ, quicksilver-like versatility, precision and power. He calculates early, adjusts midway and finishes late. It’s a process, as deadly as it is dynamic. For Errol Spence, the task is to interrupt it just as it begins. Spence has the ability to force Crawford to scramble before he can calculate. He’s bigger, stronger. Spence’s fundamental skill set is imposing. It’ll have to be if he hopes to alter a proven process that allows Crawford to get into a rhythm and then attack weaknesses throughout the middle rounds. Don’t be surprised if an aggressive Spence lands some big punches early. Don’t be surprised by a knockdown. But don’t be surprised if Crawford survives the assault. Guess here: His proven smarts are durable. He’ll adjust in ways we’ve yet to see in a bout that will test both with challenges they’ve never encountered. In the end, Crawford figures to think through the adversity for a narrow victory on all three scorecards.”

BOXING INSIDERS

DUKE MCKENZIE (FORMER THREE-DIVISION TITLEHOLDER/TV ANALYST): SPENCE TKO 12
“The fight we’ve been waiting for is fast approaching. Spence versus Crawford is as good as it gets, the two best fighters’ pound-for-pound go head-to-head. While many experts pick Crawford to win with his switch-hitting style, I see Spence winning this exciting battle between two undefeated champions. While Crawford has moved through weight divisions to cement his legacy as a pound for pound great, Spence is a career welterweight and as the old saying goes a good big one beats a good little one. Crawford won’t be able to keep Spence at bay for 12-rounds. I feel Crawford will get off to a good start and may even be ahead after four or five rounds. Spence is an excellent body puncher and an excellent finisher. Spence will almost certainly dominate Crawford on the inside and his southpaw jab will work overtime. I believe we will see a different side to Spence, a rough-house fight is the order of the day! Spence wins this late 12th round TKO.”

SERGIO MORA (FORMER JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLEHOLDER/ COMMENTATOR): SPENCE PTS
“This is the type of fight where too much respect will be at hand and both will be careful not make mistakes. I slightly favor Spence because he’s naturally bigger, maybe stronger fighter, plus always coming forward! In a close fight the fighter pushing the fight usually gets more credit in close rounds. Spence by close decision.”

BRAD GOODMAN (MATCHMAKER/ TOP RANK): CRAWFORD PTS
“A fight I can’t wait for. This is what makes boxing great. When two of the best face each other and put it all on the line to see who really is the No. 1 welterweight. I know Crawford and his team have been wanting this fight for the longest and I’m sure Spence and his team have wanted it as well. Both guys have advantages over each other in certain categories and I think it comes down to who’s game plan works on this night because that’s how even up this fight is. It’s so hard to call. Does Spence’s build up an early lead and keep up that relentless pressure and try to eventually break Bud down or does Bud go out like he does in all his fights and figure out a way to start landing his counter shots once he starts closing the distance and start doing damage? It’s so damn hard to pick and that’s why it’s such a great fight. Both guys are such class acts, I’m happy they finally got their dream fight. I know how much this means to Terence as I’m speaking on a personal level now and I know how competitive he is as an individual. There is something special about him. He wanted this fight for years and was always confident in it. Crawford by decision.”

TOM GRAY (FORMER MANAGING EDITOR FOR THE RING): CRAWFORD UD
“I’ve always liked Crawford in this matchup, and to simplify it, I just believe he’s the better fighter. Spence is brilliant, don’t get me wrong, but Crawford is the one sprinkled with magic dust. He can do it all: box, fight, lead, counter, and switch. He can turn it on early or he can turn it on late. He can take you out with head shots or he can take you out with body shots. I don’t think you know how good Crawford is until you’re in there with him. Unfortunately for Spence, I don’t think natural size is the equalizer here. In fact, he may have overstayed his welcome at 147 pounds and that could come back to haunt him. I like “Bud” big in this fight.”

JOE ROTONDA (MATCHMAKER, MAIN EVENTS): CRAWFORD TKO
“This fight couldn’t be more complicated to pick a winner, both of these guys are so good in so many different areas. Spence is tremendous at measuring distance in the ring and not getting hit too much. Crawford has next-level killer instinct and an incredible fight IQ; he’s pulled off so many stoppages in the second half of fights due to his ability to figure guys out. Two guys with such contrasting styles, I think it simply comes down to who wants it more, and I believe Crawford has a chip on his shoulder and will win quite impressively via TKO late in the fight.”

KATHY DUVA (PROMOTER, MAIN EVENTS): CRAWFORD TKO
“While this fight is the type that is so competitive on paper as to be inherently unpredictable, if forced to choose, I will go with Crawford. I believe that, in the end, his experience and punching power will carry the day. I can’t base this on much more than a gut feeling, but I will go out on a limb and say that I would not be shocked if Crawford stops Spence in the championship rounds.”

MARC RAMSAY (TRAINER): SPENCE MD
“I was hoping so much that I was not asked my opinion on this fight but what a matchup. I mentioned it several times…before his car accident I considered Spence as the best pound-for-pound boxer and even if the last performances were good, you do not get out of an accident like that without leaving a little something. The two boxers can challenger each other in all departments… speed… ability…strength, technique. I see a very high-level fight and Spence cross the line narrowly before Crawford. Spence majority decision.”

CAMILLE ESTEPHAN (PROMOTER, EYE OF THE TIGER): CRAWFORD
“what an exciting fight for boxing! It will be a war and I see Crawford coming out on top. I don’t know if he will maintain his knockout streak but I see him winning for two major reasons. Firstly inactivity on the part of Spence will weigh against him as inactivity is a boxer’s worst enemy, secondly I think Crawford’s offence, speed, reach will give Spence quite a bit of trouble to solve.”

RAUL MARQUEZ (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/ COMMENTATOR): SPENCE TKO 10
“I’m very excited about this fight glad it’s finally happening. It better live up to all the hype. It’s a 50/50 fight. Two high level fighters. Spence is naturally the bigger man. He is a grinder gets better as the fight goes. Crawford has to box, box and box. Stay very disciplined. Crawford gives Spence some problems early on but in second half of the fight Spence breaks him. Referee jumps in and save’s Crawford from further damage in round 10.”

ALEX STEEDMAN (COMMENTATOR): CRAWFORD PTS
“Like many of the best fights in boxing (take note current heavyweights) this is a few years past it’s sell by date but it’s still a cracker. Stylistically it’s a great match up too. Spence brings intimidating, intelligent pressure while Crawford loves decoding then breaking down opponents. In a way, they’re made for each other and because of the styles, the ingredients for scoring controversy are there. Spence might capitalize on the Crawford slow start, remember that revealing interaction in Terence’s corner during the Porter fight so TC might have to start in a higher gear and earlier if he’s to win. The style of Spence will be easier to reward on the scorecards and might be the percentage call but Crawford is so good, so clever and on this night of nights I think he will produce the performance that his talents deserve. Crawford by decision.”

RUDY HERNANDEZ (TRAINER): CRAWFORD UD
“It’s about time they’re fighting, but as far as I’m concern, I don’t care to watch a fight that should’ve happened several years ago. Why. Because we’re getting an older version of what we could’ve had. Greed on both sides. I understand them wanting to get paid, but when fighting only once a year or two. And expect to be that fighter who demands millions and millions. Maybe I’m too old school and am greedy since I saw great fights in the past. I’m picking Crawford because I believe he has a little bit more of a bite in him as a person and a fighter. He’s also better at taking care of his body by being a professional. I really, really hope that it’s a great fight because boxing needs it. Crawford by unanimous decision in a close fight.”

ROBERT DIAZ (MATCHMAKER): SPENCE UD
“WOW! How exciting has 2023 become mainly because we finally witness this can’t miss classic. I respect and admire both these champions. Spence Jr. vs. Crawford is today’s Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns and just like Leonard vs. Hearns was so evenly matched, so is this. A true 50/50 undefeated vs. undefeated, champion vs. champion. They match up very well Spence a great inside fighter, Crawford who can switch stance and will look to use the ring more and stay outside. I believe if history repeats itself and this will be no different, while both have their moments in a back-and-forth battle, we will see like we saw in 1981 Leonard come from behind to beat Hearns, in 2023 Leonard is Spence Jr and Hearns is Crawford. Ladies and gentlemen, the winner and undisputed welterweight king from Dallas, Texas, Errol Spence Jr. by 12-round unanimous decision.”

JOHN SCULLY (TRAINER): CRAWFORD PTS
“I think it’s a high-level, very intense fight, and I’ve got Terence Crawford, being more versatile and trickier than Errol Spence and utilizing those advantages to win a solid 12-round decision.”

BOB SANTOS (MANAGER/ TRAINER): SPENCE
“Super, super tough fight. Realistically, it’s a pick ’em fight but I think in the end Spence physicality will lead him to a close decision win.”

RUSS ANBER (TRAINER/ CUTMAN): CRAWFORD
“I think I like Bud here. I can see Spence getting an early lead but if he doesn’t get Bud out of there I see Bud coming on down the stretch. Probably a points win in a highly competitive and exciting fight.”

WAYNE MCCULLOUGH (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/ TRAINER): SPENCE PTS
“For me, Spence is the bigger man naturally having started his career in this division. Crawford who started his career as a lightweight winning a world title before moving up and winning a belt at junior welter and welter along the way has grown into this welterweight division. I think the rounds are going to be very close and hard to score. Crawford might start a little faster than Spence and pick up the early rounds with his speed using right jabs and quick right hooks. Spence I think will step it up a little after first four rounds using long southpaw right jabs to score well and start winning rounds. This fight might come down to the last few rounds with Spence slightly edging the final two to win on points 7-5 in rounds.”

Final Tally: Crawford 13-8

[big lennox]

Here’s how the experts see it:

THE RING

DOUG FISCHER: CRAWFORD TKO
“It’s one of the best matchups to be made in boxing and I’m glad we’re finally getting it. Despite their age and inactivity, the fight should deliver due to their styles. Spence is a busy, come-forward technician with heavy hands. Crawford is a versatile switch-hitting boxer-fighter with a mean streak and a frightening killer instinct. If the bout goes the full 12, it will be hard for Crawford, who usually starts slow and fights in spots, to earn a decision. Spence is not only the busier fighter, he’s the house favorite. And these guys are in Las Vegas. You all know how it is in boxing. Crawford knows this, so I expect him to really gun for the KO over the second half. I think he’ll find the right punch at the right time and force a stoppage sometime after Round 9. Crawford by late TKO.”

ANSON WAINWRIGHT: CRAWFORD MD
“I go back and forth on this one and change my mind multiple times a day, I don’t know anyone who is confident in their prediction in this fight. It’s the most anticipated fight in boxing for many years and is so evenly poised. Spence figures to have advantages in size and strength, while Crawford may be the more adaptable and creative with his offense. Both are too good not to have moments. However, I feel this may be a high-class chess match for a few rounds with both giving the other different looks. That will allow Crawford to download the necessary data and start to inch ahead, I think Spence comes back at him in the middle-rounds but Crawford will do the better work in the later rounds and edge home by 12-round decision, maybe majority decision.”

DIEGO MORILLA: CRAWFORD PTS
“Finally, a true, bonafide 50-50 fight in boxing that will resonate in history. And just as it has happened before in such cases, expecting an all-out war in the Hagler-Hearns mold is not a good idea. And we’ve seen unexciting performances from both of these fighters before, so I am counting on at least six rounds of a highly tactical game of chess, with the action starting to pick up as the pieces start being moved off the board and someone starts looking more seriously for the other’s mistakes. Spence has made a few. Crawford? Almost none. If it comes down to the guy who made the least mistakes throughout the fight, it will be Crawford, no doubt.”

MARTY MULCAHEY: SPENCE UD
“Up until Errol Spence’s clash with Yordenis Ugas I was firmly in the camp of people who favored Terence Crawford in this showdown. However, the physicality and way Spence worked through and outmaneuvered Ugas’ changed my thought process. While it will not be easy, since both men are expert at negating foes best traits, I don’t see Crawford mounting enough consistent offense for the judges to reward him in the close rounds either. The forward momentum should be Spence, and even if he walks into some big counter shots by Crawford he has shown the chin to ride those out. The only negative I can find for Spence is his recent lack of ring activity, but again it did not seem to affect him in the Ugas fight. The fights goes the distance, and because both are undervalued defensively I could see this being a rather uneventful clash in the vein of Trinidad-De La Hoya. Final scorecards should read in the 116-112 range in favor of Spence.”

NORM FRAUENHEIM: CRAWFORD UD
“At his best, Crawford is The Sweetest Scientist in his era. His pound-for-pound run has been marked by a high-ring IQ, quicksilver-like versatility, precision and power. He calculates early, adjusts midway and finishes late. It’s a process, as deadly as it is dynamic. For Errol Spence, the task is to interrupt it just as it begins. Spence has the ability to force Crawford to scramble before he can calculate. He’s bigger, stronger. Spence’s fundamental skill set is imposing. It’ll have to be if he hopes to alter a proven process that allows Crawford to get into a rhythm and then attack weaknesses throughout the middle rounds. Don’t be surprised if an aggressive Spence lands some big punches early. Don’t be surprised by a knockdown. But don’t be surprised if Crawford survives the assault. Guess here: His proven smarts are durable. He’ll adjust in ways we’ve yet to see in a bout that will test both with challenges they’ve never encountered. In the end, Crawford figures to think through the adversity for a narrow victory on all three scorecards.”

BOXING INSIDERS

DUKE MCKENZIE (FORMER THREE-DIVISION TITLEHOLDER/TV ANALYST): SPENCE TKO 12
“The fight we’ve been waiting for is fast approaching. Spence versus Crawford is as good as it gets, the two best fighters’ pound-for-pound go head-to-head. While many experts pick Crawford to win with his switch-hitting style, I see Spence winning this exciting battle between two undefeated champions. While Crawford has moved through weight divisions to cement his legacy as a pound for pound great, Spence is a career welterweight and as the old saying goes a good big one beats a good little one. Crawford won’t be able to keep Spence at bay for 12-rounds. I feel Crawford will get off to a good start and may even be ahead after four or five rounds. Spence is an excellent body puncher and an excellent finisher. Spence will almost certainly dominate Crawford on the inside and his southpaw jab will work overtime. I believe we will see a different side to Spence, a rough-house fight is the order of the day! Spence wins this late 12th round TKO.”

SERGIO MORA (FORMER JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLEHOLDER/ COMMENTATOR): SPENCE PTS
“This is the type of fight where too much respect will be at hand and both will be careful not make mistakes. I slightly favor Spence because he’s naturally bigger, maybe stronger fighter, plus always coming forward! In a close fight the fighter pushing the fight usually gets more credit in close rounds. Spence by close decision.”

BRAD GOODMAN (MATCHMAKER/ TOP RANK): CRAWFORD PTS
“A fight I can’t wait for. This is what makes boxing great. When two of the best face each other and put it all on the line to see who really is the No. 1 welterweight. I know Crawford and his team have been wanting this fight for the longest and I’m sure Spence and his team have wanted it as well. Both guys have advantages over each other in certain categories and I think it comes down to who’s game plan works on this night because that’s how even up this fight is. It’s so hard to call. Does Spence’s build up an early lead and keep up that relentless pressure and try to eventually break Bud down or does Bud go out like he does in all his fights and figure out a way to start landing his counter shots once he starts closing the distance and start doing damage? It’s so damn hard to pick and that’s why it’s such a great fight. Both guys are such class acts, I’m happy they finally got their dream fight. I know how much this means to Terence as I’m speaking on a personal level now and I know how competitive he is as an individual. There is something special about him. He wanted this fight for years and was always confident in it. Crawford by decision.”

TOM GRAY (FORMER MANAGING EDITOR FOR THE RING): CRAWFORD UD
“I’ve always liked Crawford in this matchup, and to simplify it, I just believe he’s the better fighter. Spence is brilliant, don’t get me wrong, but Crawford is the one sprinkled with magic dust. He can do it all: box, fight, lead, counter, and switch. He can turn it on early or he can turn it on late. He can take you out with head shots or he can take you out with body shots. I don’t think you know how good Crawford is until you’re in there with him. Unfortunately for Spence, I don’t think natural size is the equalizer here. In fact, he may have overstayed his welcome at 147 pounds and that could come back to haunt him. I like “Bud” big in this fight.”

JOE ROTONDA (MATCHMAKER, MAIN EVENTS): CRAWFORD TKO
“This fight couldn’t be more complicated to pick a winner, both of these guys are so good in so many different areas. Spence is tremendous at measuring distance in the ring and not getting hit too much. Crawford has next-level killer instinct and an incredible fight IQ; he’s pulled off so many stoppages in the second half of fights due to his ability to figure guys out. Two guys with such contrasting styles, I think it simply comes down to who wants it more, and I believe Crawford has a chip on his shoulder and will win quite impressively via TKO late in the fight.”

KATHY DUVA (PROMOTER, MAIN EVENTS): CRAWFORD TKO
“While this fight is the type that is so competitive on paper as to be inherently unpredictable, if forced to choose, I will go with Crawford. I believe that, in the end, his experience and punching power will carry the day. I can’t base this on much more than a gut feeling, but I will go out on a limb and say that I would not be shocked if Crawford stops Spence in the championship rounds.”

MARC RAMSAY (TRAINER): SPENCE MD
“I was hoping so much that I was not asked my opinion on this fight but what a matchup. I mentioned it several times…before his car accident I considered Spence as the best pound-for-pound boxer and even if the last performances were good, you do not get out of an accident like that without leaving a little something. The two boxers can challenger each other in all departments… speed… ability…strength, technique. I see a very high-level fight and Spence cross the line narrowly before Crawford. Spence majority decision.”

CAMILLE ESTEPHAN (PROMOTER, EYE OF THE TIGER): CRAWFORD
“what an exciting fight for boxing! It will be a war and I see Crawford coming out on top. I don’t know if he will maintain his knockout streak but I see him winning for two major reasons. Firstly inactivity on the part of Spence will weigh against him as inactivity is a boxer’s worst enemy, secondly I think Crawford’s offence, speed, reach will give Spence quite a bit of trouble to solve.”

RAUL MARQUEZ (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/ COMMENTATOR): SPENCE TKO 10
“I’m very excited about this fight glad it’s finally happening. It better live up to all the hype. It’s a 50/50 fight. Two high level fighters. Spence is naturally the bigger man. He is a grinder gets better as the fight goes. Crawford has to box, box and box. Stay very disciplined. Crawford gives Spence some problems early on but in second half of the fight Spence breaks him. Referee jumps in and save’s Crawford from further damage in round 10.”

ALEX STEEDMAN (COMMENTATOR): CRAWFORD PTS
“Like many of the best fights in boxing (take note current heavyweights) this is a few years past it’s sell by date but it’s still a cracker. Stylistically it’s a great match up too. Spence brings intimidating, intelligent pressure while Crawford loves decoding then breaking down opponents. In a way, they’re made for each other and because of the styles, the ingredients for scoring controversy are there. Spence might capitalize on the Crawford slow start, remember that revealing interaction in Terence’s corner during the Porter fight so TC might have to start in a higher gear and earlier if he’s to win. The style of Spence will be easier to reward on the scorecards and might be the percentage call but Crawford is so good, so clever and on this night of nights I think he will produce the performance that his talents deserve. Crawford by decision.”

RUDY HERNANDEZ (TRAINER): CRAWFORD UD
“It’s about time they’re fighting, but as far as I’m concern, I don’t care to watch a fight that should’ve happened several years ago. Why. Because we’re getting an older version of what we could’ve had. Greed on both sides. I understand them wanting to get paid, but when fighting only once a year or two. And expect to be that fighter who demands millions and millions. Maybe I’m too old school and am greedy since I saw great fights in the past. I’m picking Crawford because I believe he has a little bit more of a bite in him as a person and a fighter. He’s also better at taking care of his body by being a professional. I really, really hope that it’s a great fight because boxing needs it. Crawford by unanimous decision in a close fight.”

ROBERT DIAZ (MATCHMAKER): SPENCE UD
“WOW! How exciting has 2023 become mainly because we finally witness this can’t miss classic. I respect and admire both these champions. Spence Jr. vs. Crawford is today’s Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns and just like Leonard vs. Hearns was so evenly matched, so is this. A true 50/50 undefeated vs. undefeated, champion vs. champion. They match up very well Spence a great inside fighter, Crawford who can switch stance and will look to use the ring more and stay outside. I believe if history repeats itself and this will be no different, while both have their moments in a back-and-forth battle, we will see like we saw in 1981 Leonard come from behind to beat Hearns, in 2023 Leonard is Spence Jr and Hearns is Crawford. Ladies and gentlemen, the winner and undisputed welterweight king from Dallas, Texas, Errol Spence Jr. by 12-round unanimous decision.”

JOHN SCULLY (TRAINER): CRAWFORD PTS
“I think it’s a high-level, very intense fight, and I’ve got Terence Crawford, being more versatile and trickier than Errol Spence and utilizing those advantages to win a solid 12-round decision.”

BOB SANTOS (MANAGER/ TRAINER): SPENCE
“Super, super tough fight. Realistically, it’s a pick ’em fight but I think in the end Spence physicality will lead him to a close decision win.”

RUSS ANBER (TRAINER/ CUTMAN): CRAWFORD
“I think I like Bud here. I can see Spence getting an early lead but if he doesn’t get Bud out of there I see Bud coming on down the stretch. Probably a points win in a highly competitive and exciting fight.”

WAYNE MCCULLOUGH (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/ TRAINER): SPENCE PTS
“For me, Spence is the bigger man naturally having started his career in this division. Crawford who started his career as a lightweight winning a world title before moving up and winning a belt at junior welter and welter along the way has grown into this welterweight division. I think the rounds are going to be very close and hard to score. Crawford might start a little faster than Spence and pick up the early rounds with his speed using right jabs and quick right hooks. Spence I think will step it up a little after first four rounds using long southpaw right jabs to score well and start winning rounds. This fight might come down to the last few rounds with Spence slightly edging the final two to win on points 7-5 in rounds.”

Final Tally: Crawford 13-8

Thanks. Lots of good insight in there.

[Glass Joe]

I haven't been paying much attention to the build up, will just get up at 4am and go back to bed after the winner is announced. Me in my 20s would have been buzzing for this fight but totally different these days

[Nightmare Roy]

I'm telling you now, if it goes the distance Bud is gonna get robbed of the judges, just look at who they have.

[Ruthless-RKO]

When Terence Crawford went viral.

[Ruthless-RKO]

[MightyWarrior]

When Terence Crawford went viral.

That is hilarious

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

Stats and Stakes

Errol Spence

Age: 33
Titles: IBF welterweight (2017-Present, 6 Defenses); WBC welterweight (2019-Present, 2 Defenses); WBA welterweight (2022-Present, 1st Attempted Defense)
Previous Titles: None
Height: 5’9 ½
Weight: 147 lbs.
Stance: Southpaw
Hails from: Dallas, Texas
Record: 28-0, 22 KO
Record in Major Title Fights: 7-0, 4 KO
Last Five Opponents: 154-8-1 (.948)
Press Rankings: #1 (TBRB, Ring), #1 (ESPN)
Notable Outcomes, TBRB and/or Ring Rated Foes: Kell Brook KO11; Lamont Peterson RTD7; Mikey Garcia UD12; Shawn Porter SD12; Danny Garcia UD12; Yordenis Ugas TKO10
Additional Current/Former Titlists Faced: Chris Algieri TKO5

vs.

Terence Crawford

Age: 35
Title: WBO welterweight (2018-Present, 6 defenses)
Previous Titles: WBO Lightweight (2014-15, 2 Defenses); Lineal/TBRB/Ring Lightweight (2014-15); WBO Light Welterweight (2015-17, 6 Defenses); Lineal/TBRB/Ring/WBC Jr. welterweight (2016-17, 3 Defenses); WBA Super Lightweight (2017); IBF Jr. Welterweight (2017)
Height: 5’8
Weight: 146 ¾ lbs.
Stance: Orthodox/Southpaw
Hails from: Omaha, Nebraska
Record: 39-0, 30 KO
Press Rankings: #1 (ESPN, BoxRec), #2 (TBRB, Ring)
Record in Major Title Fights: 17-0, 14 KO
Last Five Opponents: 153-12-3 (.920)
Notable Outcomes, TBRB/Ring Rated Foes: Ricky Burns UD12; Yuriorkis Gamboa TKO9; Ray Beltran UD12; Thomas Dulorme TKO6; Dierry Jean TKO10; Viktor Postol UD12; John Molina TKO8; Felix Diaz RTD10; Julius Indongo KO3; Jeff Horn TKO9; Egidijus Kavaliauskas TKO9; Shawn Porter TKO10; David Avanesyan KO6
Additional Current/Former Titlists Faced: Jose Benavidez TKO12; Amir Khan TKO6; Kell Brook TKO4

[Counter-puncher]

When Terence Crawford went viral.

That is hilarious

[Controversial]

Off topic but you can see how short Mike Tyson is, Crawford and Spence both listed as 5'8" and all look roughly the same height, Tyson probably wearing his customary chunky thick soled trainers too.

https://nyfights.com/news/mike-tyson-co ... ford-show/

[Ruthless-RKO]

We have asked big names from the world of boxing for their opinions on the big fight.

Middleweight Liam Smith: "I'm going to edge towards Crawford but I wouldn't be surprised with any result. They are two elite fighters at the top of their game."

Two-weight world champion Natasha Jonas: "I change my mind with Spence-Crawford all the time. But right now, it's Spence."

Retired heavyweight Mike Tyson: "It's close. I think Crawford will win, if he wins easy I will be totally surprised."

Former featherweight world champion Kid Galahad: "I'm going with Spence - look at the face of opponents after they've fought Spence versus the other welterweight champs."

5 Live boxing analyst Steve Bunce: "I think it might come down to who's the smartest. Some people are convinced that's Spence but I think Crawford might be smarter. The main unknown about this fight is who's got the most left in the tank. I've just got a feeling it might be Crawford. But even though I'm favouring Crawford, I would be stunned if one of them walks away with this fight. I'd be absolutely amazed if there's one master."

Former light-middleweight world champion Hannah Rankin: "I'm going for Crawford with a late stoppage. Both fighters are brilliant and they are made for each other but I think Crawford just has the edge in boxing IQ."

5 Live boxing analyst Barry Jones: "I'm going with Crawford. I just think he has more ways to win. I think the first rounds will be tentative and we could have a war in the final rounds."

Former lightweight world champion Anthony Crolla: "Crawford-Spence, I honestly can't pick a winner. It's probably the best fight that can be made in boxing today. But I'm going Crawford. I just think he'll be a step ahead of Spence in the speed department for most of it. Crawford, for me his biggest strength is his versatility and how he can adapt in there. So I think Crawford on points."

[Oiky]

Best thing about this fight is there is little to no bulls**t talk between the 2,both highly respect each other,fight sells itself on skill level alone, no fake nonsense

[Bigdogsnose]

Just think Crawford has far more in the fplus column than Spence, at this stage.

Errol tight at weight. Crawford looks strong.

Questions over spences inactivity. Crawford has stayed busy.

Car crashes. Spence crashes his car and fcks himself every other week. Crawford doesnt.

Appetite. Spence has talked like a businessman not a fighter for years now. Crawford seems to be meaner and wanted the fight more

That said, i love the old version of spence, just think he looks vulnerable and Crawford is a very special talent who is lights out.

Gotta be crawford for me.

[handsofstone]

I'm dreading a draw, keep thinking it's gonna be all tied after 12, Crawford wins still I reckon

[tiny_acres]

I'm picking Crawford Ko 9.
Hoping for a great fight

[Twinkle Toes]

A few too many question marks around Spence, he looks mega tight at the weight. If he's done it okay then I fancy Spence. He has it all, relentless pressure, knows every shot in the book and a hell of an engine.

[Glass Joe]

plant vs BJS would have been a great build up shame

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Glass Joe]

Alarm roulette will set it at 4am

[Counter-puncher]

Best thing about this fight is there is little to no bulls**t talk between the 2,both highly respect each other,fight sells itself on skill level alone, no fake nonsense

best buildup in years

[MightyWarrior]

Must be pretty terrifying to have a fighter like bud Crawford in front of you ( for mere mortals at least ) the man is as lethal as a rattlesnake.

He is rightly the favourite, but I get the feeling he won’t stop Spence, so I’ll tentatively and just for fun go with the underdog here, Spence to get the decision.