Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford – Fight Preview, Tale of the Tape, Key Details, and High Stakes

Spence vs Crawford Fight Preview: Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford had a disagreement in 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City. This argument became significant to boxing fans everywhere.

Back then, they were two of the best boxers, and fans were eager to see them fight. However, for various reasons, the match couldn’t happen. Instead, they exchanged fiery words outside the ring while facing different issues preventing the fight.

It’s rare for two undefeated elite boxers like Spence and Crawford to be in the same weight class and at the peak of their careers. But the politics of boxing, with Crawford’s affiliation with Top Rank and Spence with PBC, made it difficult for the fight to be arranged.

Last September, it seemed like a deal was close, but negotiations collapsed at the last moment. Spence even considered moving up to 154 pounds to face another opponent, which would have dashed the hopes of a welterweight showdown with Crawford.

Thankfully, both fighters took the initiative. Crawford made a long phone call in March to push the fight negotiations forward, leading to what could be the most significant boxing match since Mayweather vs. Pacquiao in 2015.

Spence expressed that everyone wanted this fight to happen, and it would determine who the best fighter in the welterweight division and in boxing overall is.

Spence vs Crawford Fight Preview

After five years of debating who the best welterweight boxer is, Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford are eager to stop talking and start fighting in Saturday’s historic four-belt undisputed title match at 147 pounds.

Both fighters are tired of constantly being asked about each other, as evident in their fiery final press conference in Las Vegas. However, they have made a promise to deliver a memorable fight inside T-Mobile Arena, one that will be talked about for years to come.

This bout is being hailed as the biggest fight in boxing since Mayweather and Pacquiao faced off in 2015 after their own prolonged buildup. Spence (28-0, 22 KOs) and Crawford (39-0, 30 KOs) approach the fight with old-school mentalities, evoking memories of classic welterweight unification fights like Leonard vs. Hearns (1981) and Trinidad vs. De La Hoya (1999), creating a nostalgic, big-fight atmosphere.

Both fighters have vowed to do whatever it takes to come out victorious, adding to the anticipation of an explosive showdown. Even the more skeptical fans, who were disappointed with the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight’s defensive nature, are expecting nothing short of fireworks from this clash.

Spence vs Crawford Tale of the tape

What’s at stake?

Similar to the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight in 2015, the upcoming Spence-Crawford match features the two best fighters of their division and era. The winner also has a chance to establish themselves as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the sport right now.

However, what sets Spence-Crawford apart is that all four recognized titles in the division will be on the line for the first time since the four-belt era began in 1988. This will be the 13th welterweight unification overall and only the fourth time in history that two undefeated defending champions will face each other in this division.

Both Spence and Crawford are already considered boxing legends and have secured places in the International Boxing Hall of Fame. However, a decisive victory in this fight is crucial for them to separate themselves historically from each other. This is unlike Mayweather-Pacquiao, where global stardom and dominant success in lower weight classes already set them apart.

Who has the edge?

1. Power: Both fighters possess formidable punching power and are skilled finishers. However, Spence is considered one of the strongest and most physically imposing welterweight champions in history. His ability to change the course of a fight with a single punch gives him an advantage in this category.
2. Speed: While both champions are versatile and adaptable, Crawford is known for his slickness and quickness, both in his footwork and hand speed. This speed enhances his overall boxing abilities, giving him an advantage in this aspect.
3. Defense: Statistically, they match up well in defense. However, due to Spence’s aggressive style, he is more susceptible to getting hit, whereas Crawford’s elusive movement makes him harder to land clean shots on. Thus, Crawford has the edge in defense.
4. Technique: Spence has shown his versatility and boxing skills, even outboxing skilled opponents like Mikey Garcia. However, Crawford’s technique is smooth and fluid, and his ability to switch stances seamlessly makes him a creative and unpredictable fighter. He has a slight advantage in this department.
5. Intangibles: Both fighters have demonstrated exceptional heart, determination, and the ability to perform in crucial moments. However, coaching matters and Spence benefits from having Derrick James, the reigning trainer of the year, in his corner. Additionally, Spence’s imposing size, durable chin, and relentless mentality of breaking his opponents down give him an advantage in the intangibles category.

Overall, both Spence and Crawford are incredible fighters, and this analysis indicates that they have unique strengths and attributes that could play a significant role in the outcome of their matchup.