Errol Spence Jr. vs Terence Crawford - Fight preview, predictions, breakdown, and more

By Lourence Alturino

Image from SHO.com

The biggest fight in boxing is finally upon us. The mega fight we've all been waiting for. Two of the very best welterweights at the peak of their careers standing across one another in the squared circle. Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford fight for history. The fight to become the first ever undisputed welterweight champion in boxing history.

After years of wondering who would win between these two, we finally get that answer. Who wins, Errol Spence Jr. or Terence Crawford?

Errol "The Truth" Spence Jr. (28-0, 22 KOs)

The IBF, WBA, and WBC welterweight champion of the world. A man that is scared of no challenge. With wins over Shawn Porter, Yordenis Ugas, Danny Garcia, and Kell Brook; it's safe to say Spence has the better resume of the two.

Spence is one of the most dangerous inside fighters in the game. When you're in the pocket with Spence, it's going to be a long night. A powerful puncher that works the body better than most. A relentless southpaw who is willing to bite down on the mouthpiece and fight in the phone booth.

The jab is the most important factor for Errol in this fight. Crawford has yet to fight a dominant southpaw jab like Spence's. Errol is going to need the jab to be on point to set up combinations on the inside. Errol Spence Jr. only needs one more belt to finally become undisputed champion. Will he get the final piece in his championship puzzle?

Keys for Spence

- Use the jab effectively

- Get on the inside, close the distance

- Work the body, break down Crawford

Terence "Bud" Crawford (39-0, 30 KOs)

The WBO welterweight champion and former undisputed light welterweight champion. Terence Crawford is not only one of the best 147 pound fighters in the world; he's at the top of plenty pound for pound lists. A common criticism towards Crawford is his "strength of schedule", yet whoever you put in front of Bud, they're going down.

Crawford is one of the most violent finishers in the sport. When Bud smells blood, his opponent drowns in the deep water. Terence has won his last eight fights via TKO and he's surely gunning for one more in the biggest fight of his life.

Bud is one of the best counter punchers in boxing. Fighting backwards is something Crawford does extremely well. Spence implements immense pressure on his opponents, which Crawford would look to use to his advantage. Crawford has already become an undisputed champion before. Will he able to catch the big fish and do it again?

Keys for Crawford

- Counter the jab

- Keep fight at distance, don't play Spence's game

- Use the jab effectively

Breakdown

It genuinely can't get this close. These are the two best in the world at the very pinnacle of their careers. This is the definition of a 50/50 fight. If these men fought 10 times, it's a safe bet to say it ends up being 5-5.

The jab is equally as important for both fighters. Whoever is able to use their jab and react to the opposing jab will come out victorious. Errol utilizing his jab to establish inside positions and fire away on his combinations, while Crawford will look to defend and counter to make Spence's jab ineffective.

Spence is going to be the one mostly on the front foot, pushing Crawford backwards as he attempts to close the distance. Bud will be looking for counters as he seeks to keep Spence on the outside. If there's one thing you don't want to do against Errol Spence, it's trade on the inside. Crawford will need to be smart and use his feet to not engage in the fire.

Errol Spence does constantly get caught with a left hand when moving right, so watch out for that. Bud Crawford is willing to step into the pocket and exchange, but his inside game is fairly inconsistent to be standing there with Spence.

Final Prediction

This is the biggest fight since Mayweather vs Pacquiao. No mistakes are to be made when fighters at this elite level square off.

It all depends on who is able to establish their positions and utilize their jabs to their advantage. If it's an inside fight, it's Spence's fight to lose. If it's a distance fight, Crawford picks up the win.

And I predict Crawford will be able to keep his range and avoid Spence's inside game for as long as possible. I believe with Bud's counter punching ability along with his killer instinct; he will catch Spence and be able to get the finish. Terence Crawford becomes the first ever undisputed welterweight champion via a RD11 TKO stoppage.