Boxing writers pick their winner of Errol Spence Jr vs Terence Crawford
Boxing writers provided their expert thoughts and predictions on the forthcoming mega-fight between welterweight champions Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and Terence “Bud” Crawford, all set to take place on July 29 in a SHOWTIME PPV from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.
See what the boxing experts had to say about Spence-Crawford below:
Tim Rickson BBN Editor
"Spence has size and youth on his side, plus he's the career welterweight, whereas Crawford has come up from lightweight. I think they are equally powerful although it sounds like Spence hits harder from first-hand accounts.
"For me, personally, I have always admired Crawford more than I have Spence, because I like the way he has come up and conquered three weight divisions, plus I find him more diverse, skillful, slick, crafty and clever in the ring.
"Thinking of the Ugas fight, in round six, where Spence was hurt by a right hand around the ear, then another big straight right sent him backpedalling into the ropes, I think that gives us a glimpse of who may be more vulnerable and susceptible to losing the fight. Whether Spence can be stopped is another question, I think this fight will go the distance as neither man will be willing to lose, both will give it their everything, and if either one gets hurt, they will dig deeper than ever to continue going. There is legacy at stake, so both men want this win like no other in their career before.
"I think Crawford is an excellent counter puncher, he's so quick and fluid, and incredibly hard to nail clean. He can be guilty of waiting too long as he looks to counter most of the time, so this could possibly give Spence an advantage, who is going to be more aggressive, forthcoming and busier. If Spence gets on the front foot and is busier and first to the punch, then he may prevent Crawford from getting into his rhythm, which means he could win the early rounds and then the second half of the fight will just be a war of attrition. It's going to be that kind of close fight where the winner will be the man that gets his game plan perfect on the night, plus it's going to be about who has the stronger iron will too.
"It's obviously a 50-50 pick'em fight that is being likened to Leonard-Hearns, which tells you just how big this event is. Both men are in their prime and unbeaten so far, but I think Spence has shown just the slightest chinks in his armour, whereas I don't think Crawford has… yet.
"I'm going with the more diverse fighter, Crawford, to win on points."
Anish Parekh BBN Writer
"I'm really looking forward to this one.
"Some have bemoaned that it has come too late and whilst both fighters might be past their absolute peak, neither have shown any alarming slippage.
"It's a bit of a chess match early on which begins to heat up nicely into the middle rounds.
"I have a hunch that even if he has success, the more Spence goes on the attack, the more he leaves himself open to hard, crisp counters from Bud, which will eventually wear him down to a late stoppage.
"Crawford by late rounds KO."
Ben Winward BBN Writer
"This really is as close to a 50/50 as you can get and as is the case with most, my opinion on who will come out on top seems to flicker day to day. It is rare to see two fighters matched up who don’t have a single weakness, or ‘bogey’ style between them. Aside from possessing the obvious speed and power, it is the ring IQ of both fighters which stands them apart from their fellow pugilists. We have seen numerous examples from both over the years of minor adjustments being made mid fight, making major changes in the following narrative of the bout. This is what will make the fight so fascinating, watching these constantly evolving minor adjustments counteract each other as the battle unfolds.
"If forced to pick a winner, I can’t help but feel Crawford has always, perhaps bar his fight with Porter in 2019, looked a genuine class above everybody he has fought. Even against ‘Showtime’ heading into the 11th it seemed he flicked a switch, and once he had made his mind up to get him out of there, he did so within the next two minutes.
"With Errol Spence however, we have seen him have trouble in the past against fighters with impeccable timing, such as in the early stages against Kell Brook where he was tagged frequently by sharp lefts and rights, also being giving hell by in his toughest fight by some distance against Shawn Porter.
"When it comes to timing, you won’t find anyone in any weight division superior in this category then ‘Bud’ Crawford, so for me it is these slightest of edges timing and speed which make me lean towards the former undisputed Junior Welterweight champ. On top of this, his constant switch hitting also provides with him with an additional avenue to make those mid fight adjustments. Whilst it may not be a brawl, it will be technical fight of the highest possible standard, which for me make it a sure thing for one of the most entertaining fights of the year. So my prediction, which admittedly lacks significant conviction, is a razor thin points decision win for Crawford."
Picks
Errol Spence Jr: 0
Terence Crawford: 3
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