Crawford vs Spence Boxing Picks: The 2023 superfight of the year in boxing is set with Errol Spence and Terence Crawford clashing on July 29th in Las Vegas for the undisputed championship. Crawford vs Spence Fight Odds opened with Spence as the -150 favorite but early bettors hammered Crawford at +120 shifting the line to Crawford -140. 78% of boxing predictions have come in on Crawford since the betting line was released. Spence, 28-0, 22 KO’s, owns most of the alphabet hardware with the WBC, WBA, and IBF titles at stake. Crawford, 39-0, 30 KO’s, totes the WBO strap in what will be his seventh title defense. Title belts aside the winner will have a legitimate claim as the best pound-4-pound fighter in boxing. Will Spence’s power, aggression, and body punching be too much for the natural lightweight Crawford? Will Crawford outbox and outsmart Spence with his counterpunching? ESPN2 News breaks down the particulars for this captivating welterweight showdown.
Strengths: Began career as a lightweight but is now a rock solid welterweight with long arms (74″ reach). Can box equally effective as either an orthodox or southpaw. An outstanding technical fighter that is arguably the best counterpuncher in boxing. Extremely intelligent with the ability to make adjustments on the fly. When in slugger mode “Bud” can rip off riveting combinations that are among the best in the game. Heavy hitter with both hams but the right hook from a southpaw stance is his Sunday punch. Knows how to use every inch of the ring with quick feet. Supremely conditioned with a steely resolve. The Omaha, Nebraska product has a mean streak and innate toughness that few fighters can match.
Weaknesses: A shade past his prime at 35 years old. On the short side for a welter at 5’7 1/2″. Can be tagged when getting overzealous. Takes a few rounds to get into a groove which could be detrimental in what should be a close fight. Has an excellent jab but underutilizes it at times.
Errol Spence Jr. Profile
Strengths: The shredded 5’9 1/2″ southpaw is a physical specimen that has enjoyed a size advantage throughout most of his career. A clean technician with a piercing jab delivered behind an air-tight guard. Good puncher with both hands but left hand carries more steam. From an offensive standpoint, Spence has all of the offensive tools that trainers look for in a fighter: heavy hands, accuracy, combinations, body punching, and work rate. Arguably the best bodypuncher in the game with a withering attack that breaks down foes. The sturdy Texan that has never been in real trouble with a solid chin.
Weaknesses: Sheds 20+ pounds to make the welterweight limit which may have taken its toll over the years. Coming off 15 months of inactivity. Can be too flatfooted at times sacrificing agility for power. Not a speedster with good but not great handspeed. Doesn’t possess the best head movement and can be tagged with big punches. Doesn’t react particularly well to bodyshots. Can be lured into brawls when he’s better served to box. Since being thrown airborne from his Ferrari in 2019 Spence’s hunger for the sport seems to have waned.
ESPN2 News Boxing Predictions: Terence “Bud” Crawford is a touch faster, slicker, and smarter than Spence which is why we like him to win via decision. Aside from a perceived size and strength advantage, the intangible factors favor the purple-hearted Crawford. With all things being equal at the highest level, the hungrier, sharper man usually wins. Spence could be a little lethargic coming off a long layoff having to shed weight for the umpteenth time. Since his horrific car crash, Errol has only fought twice. In that same span, Terence has had four bouts. Expect Terence Crawford to establish himself as boxing’s top pound-4-pound boxer with a career-defining stoppage win
Boxing Picks Plays: Crawford moneyline -135/Crawford via KO +360
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