That faint, sardonic smile that has long since become a trademark should be worn by Errol Spence Jr. throughout the weekend; at least that was the plan. The 33-year-old boxing pro from DeSoto, Texas, showed it Friday night when he stepped off the scale in the middle of a Las Vegas arena to walk into one final question. The emcee at the public weigh-in wanted to know what he thinks he needs to do to win the world championship fight scheduled for tomorrow. “Be myself,” said the undefeated three-federation welterweight champion (WBA, WBC and IBF) without hesitation. Then he recommended himself behind the scenes.
Less than 30 hours later, his favorite face was back in the ring. The man who has been dubbed “The Truth” first used it in the second round, when he went down briefly from what appeared to be more of a lack of balance than impact – and was given the first count of his pro career. In this way, pugilists try to show themselves, like the rest of the world, that they are by no means battered or even impressed.
Lightning jab and left hook
The little psychological trick may have a certain effect on less experienced opponents. But not when you are facing a savvy veteran with the experience of 17 world title fights, all of which he was able to win. Terence “Bud” Crawford, also undefeated WBO world champion, had a precious certainty from that second on. He was now confident that he could stop his fit opponent’s forward drive almost at will.
His lightning-fast jab was one, the left hook the second proven stylistic device in the duel between two southpaws to counter the 40th opponent in 15 professional years (39 wins, 30 of them early) time and time again. And to leave marks on his opponent that would visibly damage not only his face but soon his belief in himself, round after round.
In the seventh round, Spence Jr. found it much more difficult to appear carefree. Crawford’s uppercut-initiated combination sent him down again early on, this time with far greater force. At the end of the miserable lap was actually disastrous with a third knockdown. By then, at the latest, the professional, who was bleeding from the mouth and nose and who wanted to gradually destroy his opponent, had forgotten his aggressive strategy. He had been destroyed himself and was downright helpless in the ninth round when referee Harvey Dock stepped in not a second too early and ended what was no longer a comparison.
More speed, more precision, more punch
In case of doubt, neither the approximately 20,000 spectators on site nor the experts had imagined this showdown as one-sided. He was supposed to deliver the ultimate “megafight” – and clarify the question of who of the two competitors could not only conquer all relevant world championship belts in the limit of up to 66.7 kilograms, but ultimately also the title of the currently best boxer on the planet . Their previous performances, including the knockout rates (Crawford 77, Spence Jr. 79 percent), seemed so close together. Both protagonists were so unshakable that they were convinced of themselves – which in the USA helped to market the expensive live transmission through a pay-per-view station (84.95 dollars, around 77 euros).
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In the moment of truth, however, the difference seemed enormous: one experienced the early and hopeless fight of a very good player against an outstanding one. Errol Spence Jr. simply couldn’t get hold of Terence Crawford and proved to be the clear superior in almost every aspect of “Sweet Science”. Brought more speed, more precision, more punch and a better sense of the right distance into the ring, which he left as immaculate as after a light workout. And thus continued an amazing series of successes, which he summed up dry as dust at a media event a few days earlier: “I’ve never had a close fight. Or one where the viewers thought afterwards that the other had won. . .”
Is there currently a second boxer who can afford such sentences without appearing intoxicated by himself? You will be looking for him all the more desperately from now on, so that the next “megafight” can soon be heralded; That’s how business works with the world’s best prizefighters. The godly Crawford of Omaha, Nebraska, however, has already achieved his great personal goal. Just like Floyd Mayweather Jr. or Manny Pacquiao before him, who watched him from the front rows in Las Vegas, he definitely wanted to shape his own era. The fact that she came now touched him between the ropes: “This is my moment to shine!”
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But the next challenge for the first unanimous welterweight champion since 2007 may be bigger. When asked if he would pull the agreed rematch clause, Errol Spence Jr. was adamant that they could meet next time in the winter. What could go so differently that this results in a more exciting course of the fight should remain the secret of the unrepentant Texan for the time being. He can’t even smile at Terence Crawford and would be doomed to repeat a devastating experience.
