In what was hailed as the most significant boxing showdown of the decade, Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. stepped into the ring to create an epic encounter that would be etched into the annals of boxing history. Drawing comparisons to the colossal clash between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao in 2015, the anticipation for this bout was monumental, with fans and experts alike eagerly awaiting a fierce contest between two undefeated champions.
The welterweight division had long been divided between the reigning titleholders, with Spence boasting an impressive resume built over his decade-long career. The 33-year-old pugilist had earned his stripes as the WBA, IBF, and WBC welterweight champion, securing six successful title defenses since capturing the belt in a decisive victory over Kell Brook in 2017. On the other side of the ring stood Crawford, the reigning WBO welterweight champion, holding a perfect record of 39 wins, 30 of them by knockout, showcasing his immense punching power.
As the bout commenced, expectations were high for a competitive clash, with many considering it an even matchup. However, it quickly became evident that Crawford was levels above Spence. From the second round onwards, he displayed a level of dominance rarely seen in the sport. With precision and speed, Crawford sent Spence to the canvas three times, leaving the boxing world in shock as no one had ever dominated Spence in that fashion. Crawford’s domination started in the second round when he knocked down Spence for the first time in his career.
Round 7 brought further devastation for Spence, as Crawford landed two more knockdowns, leaving his opponent visibly rattled and struggling to find a foothold in the contest. The once evenly poised battle now appeared one-sided, with Spence finding it increasingly difficult to mount any significant offense against the formidable Crawford.
The Nebraskan fighter showcased his remarkable speed, cunning, and ring intelligence, dismantling Spence as if he were a mere journeyman. Crawford’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary, given the respect and accolades that Spence had amassed throughout his illustrious career. It was a night that solidified Crawford’s position as one of the sport’s most exceptional talents.
The stakes were incredibly high for both fighters, with the winner set to etch his name in boxing history as the first-ever undisputed welterweight champion in the 4-belt era. And it was Crawford who emerged victorious, sealing the deal with a resounding TKO win over Spence. The roar of the crowd and the jubilation of Crawford’s team filled the arena as the magnitude of his accomplishment sank in.
This wasn’t the first time Crawford had achieved undisputed status, having previously done so as a junior welterweight from 2017 to 2018. With this latest triumph, he once again showcased his prowess as a master of the ring, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats. For many pundits coming into the fight, Spence had the advantage. He had fought better competition than Crawford and was seen as the more accomplished and battle tested fighter. Yet no one had a better prediction of how the fight would turn out than the 3Knockdownrule’s boxing expert Steve Kim who predicted Crawford’s win to the last detail:
1- Crawford has more dimensions. This isn’t a knock on Spence, who’s an excellent fighter. But Crawford is the most versatile and adaptable fighter in the sport. IMO, he has more dimensions to his game
2- ‘Bud’ has been a welterweight since 2018. At this point he is now a bona-fide 47-pounder, who has scored KO’s in each fight. By delaying this fight, they have allowed him to grow into this weight. Meanwhile, I wonder if Spence has grown out of the weight, where it’s now a point of diminishing returns with him. He’s been at this weight since the beginning of his career a decade ago. I expect Crawford to be every bit as strong as Spence on fight night
3- And another variable, Spence has not boxed since April of 2022. ‘Ring rust’ is real, and I think it will play a factor, in this fight. And while Crawford is two years older, it’s my view he’s a better-preserved athlete (more discipline, cleaner lifestyle, etc.)
So, there you have it. I could be wrong (as I’ve been before), but this is my opinion on this fight.
What is next for Crawford? A fight against the Undisputed light middleweight Jermell Charlo would be another box office event. Crawford was trash talking Charlo during the fight after his second knockdown of Spence and celebrated right in front of him as he finished Spence in the 9th. A fight at the 154 lb. makes sense and would prove to be another feather in the cap for Crawford.
Terence Crawford has proven himself to be the undisputed welterweight champion, and his victory will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most remarkable and dominant displays in recent boxing history. Now as he eyes Charlo, Crawford has the opportunity to continue his quest to become a real contender for one of the all-time pound for pound champions.
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