ERROL SPENCE JR is built from different stuff.
Surviving two car crashes, one near fatal, and recovering from a torn retina shows that even without a pair of boxing gloves it will take something extraordinary to keep him down.
Over the years Spence has made a reputation for himself as a fighter who breaks opponents down bit by bit. Sure, they will have their moments, the Texan isn’t a Rubik’s Cube but each time he lands a punch the chances of the other man winning diminish.
He takes pleasure watching those in front of him crumble physically and mentally. The 33-year-old is all about brutality and great fundamentals. Just ask Kell Brook and Yordenis Ugas.
So, how can Terence Crawford become the first man to handle “The Truth” and give Spence his first loss tomorrow night to become the welterweight champion.
Boxing News asked four British and Irish welters how does Terence Crawford beat Errol Spence?
Michael McKinson (Welterweight contender)
Crawford is naturally smaller and very athletic. He takes a few rounds, but always adapts, and makes his superior skills count with simplicity. I favour him to get the job done. He’s come up through the weights but he’s the healthier of the two. He stays in shape outside of camp. The skillset that he brings is unbelievable. They’re both unbelievable.
Ekow Essuman (British welterweight champion)
Crawford beats Spence by using his ability to adjust throughout the match. Making it a very ugly fight for Spence in a match where you have to use your wits and confuse him. Spence looks like a goliath at the weight. Crawford has fought big opponents and he’s got that edge, that tenacity and readiness for change throughout. Crawford on points.
Cyrus Pattinson (Welterweight prospect)
It is possible for him to beat Spence at his own game and meet him head-on inside the pocket. Walk him on to shots, set traps. If Spence is coming forward, Crawford can slow the pace down using his lead hand, like he did against Avanesyan, walk him on to shots, then try and break him down that way. I like Spence’s style though so I’m going with a Spence decision.
Tyrone McKenna (Welterweight contender)
He has to give him no respect, I don’t think he will. He’ll go out and treat him like any other opponent. He should go out there and do what he does best and put pressure on, make him miss and make him pay. Keep it a high-pace fight. It’s going to be a very technical fight, keep the distance correct. Footwork is going to be a big factor in this fight.
