Errol Spence vs. Terence Crawford - The Superfight of a Generation

Who wins, fight predictions, styles matchup, how you can watch it and more

It’s hard to believe that it is finally happening. On Saturday, July 29, in the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Errol Spence Jr and Terence Crawford will meet head on to decide the king of our era. Belts are on the line, pay-per-view money is to be made and pound-for-pound considerations decided, but the thought of these two going to war for 12 rounds or less is an enticing prospect.

I’ve always been a bit of a Spence fan ever since he supposedly roughed up Floyd in sparring. Therefore, I'm trying to work out where my heart ends and head starts on this one. I hear a lot of people expecting Crawford to just walk through him like a hot knife through butter and I just don’t see that happening at all.

Crawford is a cold cut destroyer. A machine. I agree with all that. But Spence is on a different level to a lot of those former opponents. I envision him being too big and too strong over the 12 rounds.

Stylistically, the jab is a key weapon. It sets the tone for Spence’s output and workrate, especially to the body. Of course, if anybody can upset a rhythm and make an opponent fight his fight, it’s Crawford. If things aren’t going Terence’s way towards the latter end of the fight he can turn things on a dime as we all know. Just ask Shawn Porter.

These are two very proud men. I don’t believe for a second that either man was ducking the other. If I had to guess why the fight was not signed on the 567 other occasions we were teased with a potential date I would say it was likely down to hardball negotiation tactics and stubbornness on both sides. 

Crawford is (perhaps rightfully so) a little bitter at his standing in the fight game and was eager not to enter into another situation where he could be tied down contractually. I reckon he wanted the fight, as did Spence. I think both their trainers wanted it and the same for Al Haymon. Eventually, money talks and all parties reached a place they were happy with. It’s high level business and things take time. 

In boxing, sometimes they take so much time that we never see the fights at all! Thankfully, this time that isn’t the case. (Whispers: I’m still crossing my fingers though that Spence in particular can keep his body taped together and eyeballs in their sockets long enough to make it to the opening bell. In the mind of this old sceptic, every big fight sits in a “believe it when I see it” stasis until the moment both protagonists lock horns).

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SPENCE VS. CRAWFORD : HOW THE FIGHT MIGHT PLAY OUT

As mentioned above, Spence's body work in the early rounds will be key. Using the sharp jab to gain access, Bud will have his own opportunities to counter and land some shots of his own.

Crawford turned pro back in 2008 weighing just 137 pounds. While that has no bearing on the man he has since matured into, Spence is a heavy welterweight with a strong frame and high output. That will cause Bud problems past the midway point and his ventures into range will be fruitful but shall carry consequences if he has defensive lapses. 

I’ve seen a number of varying takes which proves how good of a fight this is. Some reckon Bud needs to get him out of there early, or it's going to be a long painful night for him. Others think he can come on strong late and outpoint or stop a depleted Spence. With many of the promotional cards stacked in Spence’s favour, Terence may wish to dispense with the judges' input if he can manage it.

Former common opponent (albeit years apart and in two different codes) Danny Garcia gave an interesting assessment of the fight. As has Shawn Porter, Andre Ward, Shane Mosley and many others. I believe that Spence's jab, body attack, and work rate will determine the victor in this fight.

Spence’s attacks are so relentless and constant. Can Crawford deal with that kind of pressure? Crawford, meanwhile, hits so hard and accurately, from both stances. Can Spence deal with his versatility and adaptability? Crawford has let rounds drift in the past by not using his excellent jab. He has to match Spence’s jab output to a certain degree or it may be a struggle. Porter backed up both men at times with his own solid rangefinder. Errol must be extremely wary of the Bud check hook. It will do some serious damage if he lands it clean and unexpectedly.

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BOXING FANS MAKE THEIR SPENCE VS. CRAWFORD PREDICTIONS

Ryan Deall

Crawford knocks out Spence in the 11th then calls out Steve Wellington to criticize his resume now.

Dr FMG

I’m also backing Spence for the win but the draw is the best value in town. I reckon we haven’t seen the best of Spence. He’s that good that he can coast through fights with quality opponents. He has been tagged which I put down to losing concentration. You just need to look at his response to being buzzed to see that he has a 6th gear. He can land flush at close range (left hand over the guard). I think he’s better than Crawford at mid range and always seems to have the last say when going at it.

Then there’s the fact that he is Uncle Al’s boy. Added to the confrontation that Crawford had with Haymon about his fight expenses, leaves Crawford needing a knockout/knock downs.

I predict that Spence will get off the canvas to earn a draw.

James

The cynic in me says it will be a draw due to the rematch clause. ( But then I second guess that, as Spence surely has to move up in weight). Crawford stops him in the 11th.

Mikey T

Crawford late stoppage for me in a hard fight; although he's a bit of a slow starter he'll be slightly too versatile and clever for Spence (who also hasn't fought a southpaw in years).

Matt B

As I said on the pod last week, I think that Crawford is a special fighter with multiple gears to go through. I think he has a tendency to start slowly but can move through the gears as he wishes. I always look back to the Porter performance which to me shows that he has that killer instinct - when he knows he needs to hurt his opponent, he will go in for the kill.

I think Spence could take the first few rounds, but Crawford will come back hard and assert dominance in the second half. I think he has a slightly deeper toolbox than Spence, and will be able to pick apart his defence and find his shots.

I did consider the late stoppage - especially considering that Spence was buzzed by Ugas and the questions surrounding the car crash. I just think that Spence is a special fighter, far above the fare that Crawford has already beat at 147. I think Spence will have enough about him to hang on for a decision in a great tough fight.

To avoid confusion I'm saying Crawford points, and a stoppage would be very impressive.

Peter

I predict a no contest after first round head clash!

Kevin

I’m taking Crawford, similarly to others, I think he has more gears to go through than Spence. I think he knows this is his big chance to put down a marker as one of the best. He hates getting hit and anyone who has landed has paid the price with Crawford’s spite. Although I’m not totally ruling out Spence as he’s a formidable fighter, I do think Crawford will show his true grit, skill and will to win. Possible late stoppage but more likely a distance fight.

Joseph

There's very good points for either to win or a draw. It just depends on who can establish themselves first. Not be overcome by the pressure etc and also who can adapt to the situation best. I'm slightly edging towards Crawford at the moment for a couple of reason but I've changed my mind before and I could again. Let's just hope it gives us the boxing brilliance it should do

Final tally:

Spence: 0

Crawford: 6

Draw: 1

No decision: 1

Steve’s final prediction: Spence on points or late stoppage. The fight will be immensely competitive but I believe Spence's jab and body attack will be the difference. He will be able to wear Crawford down.

I know I’m in the minority here and can see a number of different outcomes if I’m honest. Let me know how YOU see it playing out, in the comments below.

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HOW YOU CAN WATCH SPENCE VS. CRAWFORD

Showtime will broadcast it across North America at the princely sum of $84.99. In the UK, TNT Sports, formerly BT Sport, have it for £19.99. I’m not sure how many people will stay up to watch it over here but it’s an event for hardcores if we’re being honest. 

If you’re lucky enough to be over there for the event, tickets can be purchased from AXS.com, although the secondary market is buzzing right now with inflated prices. The ring walk time is always open for debate. Times ranging from 4am-6.30am are being touted, so get up for 3am and take your chances from there.

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SHOWTIME BOXING PPV UNDERCARD

There’s not a huge amount of spice on the undercard, as you would expect when the main event boasts five of those little chillies they attach to sauce bottles. Isaac Cruz gets an interesting test over 12 rounds against Giovanni Cabrera.

Cruz tends to struggle against opponents who can box, move or both as he showed previously with Thomas Mattice and Jose Romero. Undefeated in 21 outings, Cabrera isn’t a big puncher, which could spell danger for keeping Cruz at bay, but he’s significantly taller and has good basic skills.

Cruz (right) gave Gervonta Davis a rougher ride than expected (Photo: Ring)

Originally down to help prop up the recent Frank Martin card, the ageless Nonito Donaire’s vacant WBC bantamweight title fight with Alexandro Santiago has found a new home. Seven of the remaining fighters on the left side of the schedule are undefeated, including Brian Viloria’s nephew Justin and exciting Cuban Yoenis Tellez, who takes a big step-up against Sergio Garcia. Unfortunately, the heavyweight clash between Viktor Vykhryst and Gurgen Hovhannisyan will no longer take place.

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Thanks for reading! Drop a little heart or even a comment if you get a minute. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Speak to you all next week…

About Steve: Experienced boxing writer, author of 8 books and podcaster of over 400 eps. 20 years in the sport. Covered hundreds of shows for newspapers and Boxing News magazine. Chief video script writer for Motivedia channel and BN+. For enquiries: stevenwellings1982@gmail.com.