Bradley's take: How Spence can decipher Crawford's flawless styleTimothy Bradley Jr. breaks down the Errol Spence Jr.-Terence Crawford welterweight matchup. Who has the edge?31mTimothy Bradley Jr.illustration by ESPN
Timothy Bradley Jr.’s take: How Errol Spence Jr. can decipher Terence Crawford’s flawless style
The boxing world is bracing itself for an electrifying battle between two of boxing’s best pound-for-pound fighters, Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford. This impending duel on Saturday transcends the ordinary A-side buffoonery that boxing usually produces, and promises a thrilling welterweight matchup for the undisputed championship of the world. From the moment the first bell rings, the action will keep fans and media alike on the edge of their seats.
Crawford, of Omaha, Nebraska, is known for his ambidextrous ways of engagement, strong mindset and strategic command to make quick adjustments on the fly, which poses a challenge that few opponents can decipher. Crawford’s effortless switch between stances confuses opponents and tests their boxing intellect. His masterful control of distances sparks his counterpunching ability. To add, Crawford’s unruffled temperament and tactical brilliance make him a daunting generational talent.
Spence is known for his relentless offensive dominance and ferocious fundamental fighting style. The Texas-built champion is seen as an unstoppable force, and just like Crawford, he has yet to taste defeat. The three-belt unified champion is remarkable. His devastating body attacks debilitate his opposition with a constant flow of torture. His discipline in technique befuddles the competition, propelling him to the pinnacle of boxing.
Spence vs. Crawford will not be merely a test of brute strength or physical endurance. Physical and mental preparation are key elements for a perfect outcome, but they are only one part of the winning equation. Although there will be two dominant forces inside the ring who go about their business differently, I foresee more of a chess match, testing each fighter’s tactical and technical fitness. This fight will test their mental toughness and strategic superiority.
The crowned victor will need to not only find a way to hurt his adversary and outpunch him but also outsmart him by making sound, marginalized adjustments showing adaptability while exploiting opportunities given and created at all-out fight speed.
The Spence vs. Crawford battle will be a high-octane, adrenaline-fueled superfight that will rewrite and add to boxing’s rich history.