Arguably, they are the sweet science’s two best fighters, overall.
It's 99% unquestionable Terrence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. are the two best welterweights in boxing. It makes perfect sense for the two of them to test their skills against each other.
So, what are they waiting for?
Put simply, the dream bout has remained a dream for a long time because Crawford and Spence are represented by feuding promoters. The former fights under Bob Arum’s Top Rank promotions while the latter is an Al Haymon marquee talent. But alas, after a couple of failed negotiations dating back to last year, a new schedule has been set for the super-fight.
The special date is July 30, 2023 (Manila time). And here are five reasons why this long-awaited clash must push through this time, no matter what.
The right time is almost up
When boxing superstars Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao finally faced each other in 2015, the brash American was already 38 years old and the fighting pride of the Philippines was 36. They were no longer at the peak of their powers, resulting to an underwhelming fight. As of this writing, Bud is 35, while Errol is 33. If they don’t rise to the occasion now, while they are still at their prime, or at least close to it, we might see a repeat of the Mayweather-Pacquiao bout, which clearly didn’t live up to the hype.
Legacy fight for both
Who did he fight?
That’s a usual barometer that boxing scribes use to measure a fighter’s place in history. The wins matter, but the quality of the opponents might even be more important.
Crawford and Spence are their generation’s most gifted boxers within the welterweight division, and perhaps its neighboring weight classes. Mixing it up while still at their best will be a decisive factor when it’s all said and done, as their legacies get reexamined by the pundits.
They’ve got to cash in now
While they do not have the most lucrative names in the game right now, there’s no doubt that Crawford-Spence is going to be a blockbuster bout. With its sheer “best-of-the best” type of appeal, whoever comes out on top might just become the biggest draw in boxing. The winner should then use that leverage to cash in on what would likely be the final three or four years of his career.
At their age, this could be their last chance to reach the highest tier of stardom in the fight business.
Undisputed fight of the year potential
Boxing has had some terrific fights in 2023. Gervonta Davis vs Ryan Garcia was explosive, Devin Haney vs Vasiliy Lomachenko was a tactical war, and the firefight between Artur Beterbiev and Anthony Yarde cannot be overlooked. However, that mind-blowing bout which catches even the attention of casual sports fans has yet to take place.
That’s where Crawford and Spence come in. Given their perfect blend of skill, firepower, and credentials, a collision between the two has the potential to become the unequivocal fight of the year.
The best fight will revitalize the sport
Boxing is not as popular as it was back in the day. It’s not as glamorous when the heavyweights were the main attraction. And it’s not as glossy when Pacquiao and Mayweather ruled the squared circle.
The current era’s best pugilists must take on the toughest opponents to help turn things around.
Spence has the WBA, WBC, and IBF welterweight belts. Crawford, on the other hand, is the WBO’s 147-pound champion. In the Ring Magazine pound-for-pound rankings, Crawford is number 3, and Spence is number 4. Clearly, they’ll be battling not only for the undisputed welterweight championship, but for pound-for-pound supremacy as well. A boxing match of that magnitude can only help stir the sport back to its rightful place.
This fight must happen ASAP while the conditions are perfect. Delaying this any further would end up being a massive letdown.
(GM)