Boxing fans got lucky enough to witness the fight of the year on Saturday night in Las Vegas. Modern-day welterweight greats Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford were up against each other to compete for the ultimate title.
A ninth-round KO against Spence made sure that Crawford became the first male to be an undisputed champion in two weight divisions. (in the 4-belt era.)
Starting slowly and composedly, Crawford threw a straight left jab towards the end of the second round to drop his opponent for the first time in the bout. The same continued in the next rounds, and the power difference between the two superstars started to show when Spence was hit brutally, making it look all too easy for the WBO champion.
Crawford’s dominance was multiplied when he dropped ‘The Truth’ twice in the 7th round. Looking at Spence Jr.’s helpless condition, fans were worried for his health as he was taking too much damage and was already down four times.
I know Spence towel full of blood but throw it in… #SpenceCrawford
— 8➰24 (@iTALK_uSTFU) July 30, 2023
One fan pointed out that Spence is not to be blamed for this one-sided fight as Crawford is really the best in the business.
Can’t fault the heart and effort of Spence, but that’s the best performance you’ll see for a LONG time #SpenceCrawford
— Frank (@box_talk97) July 30, 2023
Again, reflecting on the damage absorbed by Spence Jr., a fan thought an early stoppage could have been possible.
Good call by the Ref, but a round too late in my mind #SpenceCrawford @ShowtimeBoxing
— Pedro M Cal 🇧🇿 (@PedroMCal) July 30, 2023
Crawford got hip-hop star Eminem to do his ring walk before the bout. Speaking about that, a fan thought that his win was inevitable.
As soon as Bud came out with Eminem y’all should of put your house on the line. 🥱 Still undefeated! 🥊🙌🏽 #SpenceCrawford
— Miguel🤘🏽 (@MAS21397) July 30, 2023
A bout that was called ‘the fight of the decade’ is now done and dusted to cement Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford’s position as the pound-for-pound king.
Terence Crawford confirms rematch against Errol Spence Jr.
Both the champions being undefeated before this bout, Spence Jr. had to finally lose one after a dominating display of power by ‘Bud’ throughout the fight.
In the post-match interview, Crawford expressed how important this win was for him. He thanked God and also praised Spence Jr. for being an excellent opponent. When asked about the possibility of a rematch, Crawford was positive about it.
UNDISPUTED WORLD CHAMPION @terencecrawford 🔥🔥🔥#SpenceCrawford pic.twitter.com/WLhVXBuLDm
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 30, 2023
The undisputed world champion said, “Of course the public would buy it; look how many people came out to show us both support tonight. If the fight happens again, I am pretty sure the support will come out again for both of us.” (Quotes via BBC)
When questioned about the timing of the stoppage, Terence Crawford defended the referee and said that he stopped when it felt necessary to stop for the fighters’ safety.
Anyway, the stoppage can be argued about, but one cannot deny the fact that Crawford’s win was inevitable and it was only a matter of time for him. Right from the ring walk with Eminem, he looked like he was on a mission, and if his mission was to be the undisputed welterweight king, he has been able to achieve it with absolute ease.