Tag: Terence Crawford

Terence Crawford’s next move: 5 potential opponents

Terence Crawford’s next move: 5 potential opponents for the new undisputed welterweight champion.

How does Terence Crawford top that?

The new undisputed 147-pound champion probably can’t given the magnitude of his meeting with Errol Spence Jr., who he dropped three times and knocked out in nine rounds Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Crawford will try to maintain his momentum, however. That means he’ll want to face an opponent that fans perceive to be compelling while balancing the need to face mandatory challengers, which is always tricky.

The top 147-pound contenders in each of the four major sanctioning bodies are: Jaron Ennis (IBF); Eimantas Stanionis (WBA); Vergil Ortiz (WBC); and Alexis Rocha (WBO).

Of course, Crawford can opt to move up to 154 pounds, at which he could conceivably face Spence in a rematch or wait for Jermell Charlo to move back down to that weight after he fights Canelo Alvarez at 168 on Sept. 30, although Crawford certainly would take an interim fight.

Here are five immediate options for Crawford (in order of preference):

JARON ENNIS
Record: 31-0 (28 KOs)

This is the matchup fans are talking about. Ennis doesn’t have the track record of Spence but he aces any eye test. He’s the only welterweight who can match Crawford’s speed, power and explosiveness – maybe even exceed it – and he obviously has technical ability, although he hasn’t proved it against one of the top handful of 147-pounders. I would pick Crawford to beat any welterweight or junior middleweight at the moment, including Charlo. That’s a given after what we saw on Saturday. The goal should be to find the man who poses the most significant threat. That would be Ennis, a physical freak who has the ingredients to be truly special. And he’s 26, nine years younger than Crawford and in his prime. No other potential 147-pound matchup compares.

VERGIL ORTIZ
Record: 19-0 (19 KOs)

Ortiz is similar to Ennis, although he certainly doesn’t have the speed of his Philadelphia counterpart. That could be his undoing against Crawford, whose quickness has been a key factor in his success. And Oritz’s resume is no better than Ennis’, perhaps worse. The 25-year-old Texan has taken down solid opposition but he has faced no one with the ability to provide a genuine test. However, he’s a well-schooled boxer. His knockout percentage speaks for itself. He can hurt or break down anyone with the right punch or punches, including Crawford. At least that would be the perception going into the fight, which would go a long way in selling it to the public. And Ortiz, like Ennis, also would have youth on his side. Ortiz probably doesn’t have the tools to present a serious threat to Crawford but the matchup is good on paper. One caveat: He pulled out of a fight with Eimantas Stanionis last month because of health concerns. He needs to sort that out.

EIMANTAS STANIONIS
Record: 14-0 (9 KOs)

The 28-year-old Lithuanian was due his shot at the WBA title but stepped aside so then-titleholder Spence could fight Crawford. That probably doesn’t mean much now, although he certainly is near the front of the line to face Crawford. His relative lack of name recognition would be a liability in the promotion, although hardcore fans would buy into the fight. Stanionis is an excellent all-around fighter, though. He’s is similar to Spence in that he has refined technique and unusual toughness, although the latter certainly didn’t serve Spence last Saturday. He doesn’t have a deep resume but he’s coming off his most significant victory, a split decision over previously unbeaten Radzhab Butaev in April of last year that should’ve been unanimous. Stanionis, like the others, would be a significant underdog against Crawford but he has good tools and a fighting spirit that could server him well.

KEITH THURMAN
Record: 30-1 (22 KOs)

A lot of fans will roll their eyes when they see that Thurman is on this list. The former two-time 147-pound titleholder has been relatively inactive – one fight in the past four years – and appears to be past his prime, as we saw when he lost a split decision to 40-year-old Manny Pacquiao in 2019. He battled injuries during his time away. On the upside he’s only 34, a year younger than Crawford, and is coming off a one-sided decision over Mario Barrios in February of last year. Could Thurman beat Crawford? Almost certainly not. However, a fighter of his pedigree would be a solid opponent and his recognizable name and outgoing personality would help sell the fight. Crawford could do worse than Thurman.

ERROL SPENCE JR.
Record: 28-1 (22 KOs)

Spence can trigger a rematch clause in their original contract, which would set up a second fight at either 154 pounds or perhaps a catch weight above 147. That’s a bad idea for both men. The fight on Saturday couldn’t have been more conclusive, meaning a rematch makes no sense. Crawford has nothing to prove. As one colleague put it, “That would be money over logic.” And I don’t believe fans would be as interested in seeing a second fight as Crawford and Spence seem to think they would. Fans are savvy. They know what they saw. They’re not interested in mismatches, which is what a second Crawford-Spence fight would be. Don’t be shocked if it happens, though. Spence can demand it and Crawford would find the low-risk payday attractive.

[lawrence-related id=38369,38359,38354,38316,38311,38023,38012,27911]

Pound-for-pound: Terence Crawford bolsters claim to top spot

Pound-for-pound: Terence Crawford bolstered his position as king of boxing by knocking out Errol Spence Jr. on Saturday.

Terence Crawford made the decision process easy.

Crawford and Naoya Inoue entered the past week at Nos. 1 and 2 on the Boxing Junkie pound-for-pound list. And both were scheduled to fight, Inoue vs. Stephen Fulton on Tuesday and Crawford vs. Errol Spence Jr. on Saturday.

When Inoue turned in a sensational, virtually flawless performance against the then-unified 122-pound titleholder – stopping him in eight rounds – we thought we might have a new No. 1.

And Spence, No. 4 last week, had a chance to ascend to the top if he turned in a dominating performance against the top man.

Well, in the end, Crawford made our decision for us. He turned in a performance for the ages, embarrassing one of the best fighters in the world by putting him down three times before finally knocking him out in Round 9 to become the greatest 147-pounder of his era.

“Bud” was every bit as good as Inoue and he beat a better fighter than Inoue did, which bolstered his position atop our list.

Crawford’s convincing victory also helped justify Boxing Junkie’s decision to stick with him as our No. 1 fighter since the website came into being in the fall of 2019. Other outlets went with Canelo Alvarez or, more recently, Inoue or Oleksandr Usyk.

We always believed Crawford was the best. And he made us look good on Saturday.

Of course, pound-for-pound is subjective. Some will go with Inoue even now after what everyone witnessed on Tuesday, which one could argue is a reasonable move. We’re comfortable with Crawford topping our list, though. He was never better than he was on Saturday.

What about Spence? Losses come with consequences.

He had to take a tumble after losing such a one-sided fight. The question was, how far? We decided on No. 10, lifting up Nos. 5-10 (going into the weekend) Dmitry Bivol, Tyson Fury, Juan Francisco Estrada, Alvarez, Jermell Charlo and Gervonta Davis one notch each.

Why not drop Spence farther down the list? Consider who he lost to, the best fighter in the world. That had to be factored in.

And, finally, Fulton, an Honorable Mention last week, drops out. He was replaced by unbeaten 112-pounder Sunny Edwards of England, who enters as an Honorable Mention.

Next pound-for-pounder up: No. 3 Usyk is scheduled to defend his three heavyweight titles against Daniel Dubois on Aug. 26 in Poland.

Here’s what the list looks like at the moment:

BOXING JUNKIE
POUND-FOR-POUND

  1. Terence Crawford – No fight scheduled.
  2. Naoya Inoue – No fight scheduled.
  3. Oleksandr Usyk – Scheduled to defend his three heavyweight titles against Daniel Dubois on Aug. 26 in Poland.
  4. Dmitry Bivol – No fight scheduled.
  5. Tyson Fury – Scheduled to face MMA star Francis Ngannou in a boxing match on Oct. 28 in Saudi Arabia.
  6. Juan Francisco Estrada – No fight scheduled.
  7. Canelo Alvarez– Scheduled to defend his 168-pound titles against Jermell Charlo on Sept. 30.
  8. Jermell Charlo – Scheduled to challenge 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez on Sept. 30.
  9. Gervonta Davis – No fight scheduled.
  10. Errol Spence Jr. – No fight scheduled.
  11. Vasiliy Lomachenko – No fight scheduled.
  12. Artur Beterbiev – Title defense against Callum Smith, scheduled for Aug. 19, was postponed because Beterbiev has a bone infection. No new date has been announced.
  13. Shakur Stevenson – No fight scheduled.
  14. Roman Gonzalez – No fight scheduled.
  15. Devin Haney – Reportedly in talks to challenge 140-pound titleholder Regis Prograis on Oct. 28 but no announcement has been made.

Honorable mention (alphabetical order): David Benavidez (no fight scheduled); Jermall Charlo (no fight scheduled); Sunny Edwards (reportedly will face Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez in a 112-pound title-unification bout in December but no announcement has been made); Kazuto Ioka (no fight scheduled); Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (reportedly will face Sunny Edwards in a 112-pound title-unification bout in December but no announcement has been made).

[lawrence-related id=38354,38307,38203]

Pound-for-pound: Terence Crawford bolsters claim to top spot

Pound-for-pound: Terence Crawford bolstered his position as king of boxing by knocking out Errol Spence Jr. on Saturday.

Terence Crawford made the decision process easy.

Crawford and Naoya Inoue entered the past week at Nos. 1 and 2 on the Boxing Junkie pound-for-pound list. And both were scheduled to fight, Inoue vs. Stephen Fulton on Tuesday and Crawford vs. Errol Spence Jr. on Saturday.

When Inoue turned in a sensational, virtually flawless performance against the then-unified 122-pound titleholder – stopping him in eight rounds – we thought we might have a new No. 1.

And Spence, No. 4 last week, had a chance to ascend to the top if he turned in a dominating performance against the top man.

Well, in the end, Crawford made our decision for us. He turned in a performance for the ages, embarrassing one of the best fighters in the world by putting him down three times before finally knocking him out in Round 9 to become the greatest 147-pounder of his era.

“Bud” was every bit as good as Inoue and he beat a better fighter than Inoue did, which bolstered his position atop our list.

Crawford’s convincing victory also helped justify Boxing Junkie’s decision to stick with him as our No. 1 fighter since the website came into being in the fall of 2019. Other outlets went with Canelo Alvarez or, more recently, Inoue or Oleksandr Usyk.

We always believed Crawford was the best. And he made us look good on Saturday.

Of course, pound-for-pound is subjective. Some will go with Inoue even now after what everyone witnessed on Tuesday, which one could argue is a reasonable move. We’re comfortable with Crawford topping our list, though. He was never better than he was on Saturday.

What about Spence? Losses come with consequences.

He had to take a tumble after losing such a one-sided fight. The question was, how far? We decided on No. 10, lifting up Nos. 5-10 (going into the weekend) Dmitry Bivol, Tyson Fury, Juan Francisco Estrada, Alvarez, Jermell Charlo and Gervonta Davis one notch each.

Why not drop Spence farther down the list? Consider who he lost to, the best fighter in the world. That had to be factored in.

And, finally, Fulton, an Honorable Mention last week, drops out. He was replaced by unbeaten 112-pounder Sunny Edwards of England, who enters as an Honorable Mention.

Next pound-for-pounder up: No. 3 Usyk is scheduled to defend his three heavyweight titles against Daniel Dubois on Aug. 26 in Poland.

Here’s what the list looks like at the moment:

BOXING JUNKIE
POUND-FOR-POUND

  1. Terence Crawford – No fight scheduled.
  2. Naoya Inoue – No fight scheduled.
  3. Oleksandr Usyk – Scheduled to defend his three heavyweight titles against Daniel Dubois on Aug. 26 in Poland.
  4. Dmitry Bivol – No fight scheduled.
  5. Tyson Fury – Scheduled to face MMA star Francis Ngannou in a boxing match on Oct. 28 in Saudi Arabia.
  6. Juan Francisco Estrada – No fight scheduled.
  7. Canelo Alvarez– Scheduled to defend his 168-pound titles against Jermell Charlo on Sept. 30.
  8. Jermell Charlo – Scheduled to challenge 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez on Sept. 30.
  9. Gervonta Davis – No fight scheduled.
  10. Errol Spence Jr. – No fight scheduled.
  11. Vasiliy Lomachenko – No fight scheduled.
  12. Artur Beterbiev – Title defense against Callum Smith, scheduled for Aug. 19, was postponed because Beterbiev has a bone infection. No new date has been announced.
  13. Shakur Stevenson – No fight scheduled.
  14. Roman Gonzalez – No fight scheduled.
  15. Devin Haney – Reportedly in talks to challenge 140-pound titleholder Regis Prograis on Oct. 28 but no announcement has been made.

Honorable mention (alphabetical order): David Benavidez (no fight scheduled); Jermall Charlo (no fight scheduled); Sunny Edwards (reportedly will face Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez in a 112-pound title-unification bout in December but no announcement has been made); Kazuto Ioka (no fight scheduled); Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (reportedly will face Sunny Edwards in a 112-pound title-unification bout in December but no announcement has been made).

[lawrence-related id=38354,38307,38203]

A Terence Crawford-Errol Spence Jr. rematch is a really bad idea | Opinion

Given how lopsided the fight was, Terence Crawford vs. Errol Spence Jr. is finished business – at least for now. Let’s move on.

No rematch, please.

It doesn’t make sense for [autotag]Errol Spence Jr.[/autotag], who was dropped three times, beaten up and finally knocked out in nine rounds by [autotag]Terence Crawford[/autotag] on Saturday in Las Vegas. It doesn’t make sense for Crawford, the new undisputed 147-pound champion. And it doesn’t make sense for boxing.

Spence said he plans to exercise the rematch clause in the contract for the first fight but that could be the mistake of his career, a notion that I’m guessing he’ll accept when he has time to think about.

First, there’s no reason to believe the outcome would be different. Crawford outclassed Spence because he’s a much better fighter, arguably the best in the world. That isn’t going to change between now and a rematch.

What would Spence do differently? He fought aggressively and was beaten down by counterpunches. He could box more than he normally does but the moments he tried that didn’t work either.

The only scenario that might warrant a rematch would be if Spence had to drain himself to make weight or fought with a serious injury. He said before the fight that he planned to move up to 154 for his next bout.

However, Spence gave no indication that making 147 would constitute a significant handicap in the fight or that he was suffering from some other physical disorder. His problem in the ring was his opponent, not preexisting issues.

As Spence said in the ring afterward, “No excuses.”

Terence Crawford knocks down Errol Spence Jr. during Round 2 at T-Mobile Arena on July 29, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello, Getty Images)

Spence (28-1, 22 KOs) would be wise to take a step back, assess his devastating setback, learn from it, move up to 154 and then target anyone not named Terence Crawford. That’s how a fighter begins the rebuilding process after suffering a one-sided loss.

Imagine if Spence and Crawford agree to a second fight in December, Spence’s stated target month, and Crawford pummels Spence again. Spence might never be able to bounce back from that.

I’m not arguing that Spence should never seek a second fight with Spence. I AM arguing that it makes more sense to build toward that. Get some victories under your belt, establish some momentum and rebuild your confidence before tangling with the pound-for-pound king again.

Meanwhile, Crawford, obviously thinking in terms of business, indicated after the fight that he’s open to a rematch.

He believes fans would buy into a second fight, which means it would generate a lot of money for both men. And we now know that it would a low-risk, high-reward proposition for him. He’s 35. He would like to pad his bank account while he can. He can legitimately ask, “Why not?”

[lawrence-related id=2664864,2664767,2664672]

The problem, again, is that the first fight was conclusive. Crawford, primed like never before going into Saturday, couldn’t possibly be as motived for a second fight. And my guess is that fans won’t be motivated either. They want matchups that are perceived to be competitive, not mismatches.

Who could Crawford face in another lucrative fight?

Well, here’s one scenario. Junior middleweight champion Jermell Charlo said at ringside that he plans to move back down in weight after his September fight with 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez, who most experts believe will emerge victorious.

A Crawford-Charlo fight for the latter’s undisputed 154-pound championship would be well received, in part because Crawford would be seeking to become an undisputed champion in a third division.

And there are other options that would earn him a healthy payday. Crawford vs. the talented Jaron Ennis would be a fascinating matchup for hardcore fans. Keith Thurman, Vergil Ortiz and Eimantas Stanionis would also make a compelling fights.

Bottom line: Crawford doesn’t need Spence any longer.

And, finally, a second Crawford-Spence fight would be a bad look for the sport. Fans would ask the same question I’m asking here: “Why?” They know that rematches are appropriate when the original fight is close, compelling or perhaps controversial. The beatdown on Saturday was none of the above.

Thus, it could be difficult for promoters to generate excitement (read: pay-per-view buys) for a second fight. I’m first and foremost a fan. And I certainly would have a hard time getting up for a rematch after what I witnessed on Saturday.

Crawford vs. Spence is finished business, at least for now. Let’s move on.

Like boxing? Be sure to visit Boxing Junkie for all your coverage of the sweet science and follow @BoxingJunkie2 on Twitter.

Weekend Review: Terence Crawford, Naoya Inoue gave us precious gifts

Weekend Review: Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue gave us precious gifts during an unforgettable week of boxing.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

BIGGEST WINNER
Terence Crawford

To understand the magnitude of what Crawford accomplished on Saturday in Las Vegas we must consider his opponent. Errol Spence was a former Olympian, unbeaten professional with an impressive resume, No. 4 on Boxing Junkie’s pound-for-pound list (Crawford is No. 1) and a three-belt welterweight titleholder. The fight was 50-50 on paper. And Crawford made Spence look like a journeyman, outboxing him, putting him down three times and finally knocking him out in the ninth round to become the first undisputed welterweight champion in the four-belt era and the first man to be “undisputed” in a second division. It was near-perfect performance on a big stage, one that stamps Crawford as the best 147-pounder of his era and an all-time great when his previous accomplishments are also taken into account. And it came just in the nick of time. He had trouble for years luring his top welterweight rivals into the ring because of promotional rivalries, leading many to wonder whether he’d ever get a chance to prove what he could do at the highest level of the sport. He finally received that opportunity at 35, an age when most fighters have begun to decline. “I kept praying to God that I’d get the opportunity show the world how great Terence Crawford is,” he said after his victory. “And tonight I believe I showed how great I am.” Indeed he did. He was brilliant.

BIGGEST WINNER II
Naoya Inoue

We might never see a week like this past one again. On Saturday, Crawford gave us one of the best performances in recent memory. And, four days earlier, Naoya Inoue did the same thing. The Japanese star dominated and then stopped previously unbeaten 122-pounder Stephen Fulton Jr. in eight rounds in Tokyo, giving Inoue major titles in a fourth division and taking our collective breath away in the process. Inoue left no doubt that he’s one of the best ever. His combination of ability, speed and power might be unrivaled in the sport today, perhaps even by the gifted Crawford. Fulton is an excellent, proven all-around fighter and he was utterly lost against Inoue almost the entire fight, which was stunning to watch. And “The Monster” is only 30, meaning he has a lot more to give. That’s bad news for those in and around his weight. Who’s better, Crawford or Inoue? Arguments can and will be made for both men. The best way to look at it might be this: We’re fortunate to have two such great fighters on the scene at the same time. And the fact they both performed their magic only days apart last week was a true blessing.

BIGGEST LOSER
Errol Spence Jr.

Errol Spence Jr. went down three times during a disastrous night for him  Al Bello / Getty Images

Spence told me about a week and a half before the fight that his showdown with Crawford wouldn’t define his career. He’s right. He was all but guaranteed a spot in the Hall of Fame going into the fight because of a six-year reign as a titleholder, pound-for-pound status and victories over the likes of Kell Brook, Mikey Garcia, Shawn Porter and other big-name opponents. At the same time, the legacy of a fighter doesn’t remain unscathed after the kind of beating Spence endured at T-Mobile Arena. Spence passed the aforementioned tests but this one, against Crawford, was by far his biggest one. And he failed it badly. He didn’t just lose; he was outclassed and ultimately pummeled, which was shocking to witness given his past success. The brutality of the beat down and the image of Spence’s bloodied, bruised face during and after the fight is now etched in our memories. Spence remains a formidable fighter, just not the best, which he aspired to be. He’ll always be seen as inferior to Crawford unless he gets the rematch he wants and somehow turns the tables on his conqueror. And most of us will agree: That’s highly unlikely. Spence would be wise to move on from Crawford and up to 154 pounds, where more success awaits him.

BIGGEST LOSER II
Nonito Donaire

So long Nonito Donaire? “The Filipino Flash” might’ve fought for the last time on the Crawford-Spence card, on which he lost a unanimous decision to Alexandro Santiago in a fight for a vacant 118-pound title. The 40-year-old future Hall of Famer was competitive but he showed his age, as his 27-year-old opponent was a step ahead of him from beginning to end. Donaire inadvertently hinted that he might be slipping, saying, “There were just some times there where I didn’t pull the trigger.” That’s a classic sign of decline. He didn’t sound like a fighter who is ready to hang up the gloves in his post-fight interview but he might be wise to consider that option. How much more can he accomplish? He has already won nine major titles in four divisions over a career that has spanned more than two decades. And, again, the Hall awaits him. I’ll never forget his epic knockout of Vic Darchinyan in 2007, which opened our eyes to the fact that Donaire was a special talent and one of the most exciting fighters in the world. He maintained that reputation for another 15 years of thrills, a testament to his ability, discipline and staying power. He’ll be missed whenever he walks away.

 

RABBIT PUNCHES

I think an immediate Crawford-Spence rematch is all wrong for Spence and everyone else involved. You can read my thoughts on that here. I’d like to see Crawford defend his 147-pound titles against a top contender (Jaron Ennis? Vergil Ortiz? Eimantas Stanionis? Keith Thurman?) and then target undisputed 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo after Charlo loses to Canelo Alvarez on Sept. 30. That fight could take place as soon as next spring. Spence should start the rebuilding process against a fringe contender in his next fight. … Lightweight contender Isaac Cruz (25-2-1, 17 KOs) defeated Giovanni Cabrera (21-1, 7 KOs) by a split decision in a 12-round bout on the Crawford-Spence card. Two judges had Cruz winning, 115-112 and 114-113. The third scored it for Cabrera, 114-113. The 115-112 score best reflected what happened in the ring. Cruz didn’t look spectacular but he maintained pressure on Cabrera and landed many more meaningful punches than him. According to CompuBox, Cruz had a 152-55 edge in power punches landed. I thought Cruz was in control most of the fight. That’s why I scored it 116-111 for Cruz, nine rounds to three. At least the right man won. …

Santiago’s victory over Donaire was a big step in his career. The Mexican, who turned pro at 16, outboxed a legend and took everything thrown at him to earn his first major title after failing in his first attempt, a draw with then 115-pound champ Jerwin Ancajas in 2018. The scoring on Saturday was spot on, 116-112, 116-112 and 115-113. I also had Santiago winning 116-112, eight rounds to four. Santiago could now give Donaire a rematch if the veteran wants one or target one of the two other 118-pound titleholders, Takuma Inoue and Jason Moloney. … Junior middleweight prospect Yoenis Tellez (6-0, 5 KOs) rewarded his handlers’ faith in him on the Crawford-Spence card. The 23-year-old Cuban native, now based in Houston, agreed to fight Sergio Garcia (34-3, 14 KOs) on short notice and made the most of the opportunity, stopping the Spanish veteran in only three rounds. Tellez has a lot going for him, ability, speed, power, poise. He’s one to watch. … Seniesa Estrada (25-0, 9 KOs) remained unbeaten Friday in Las Vegas, defeating Leonela Paola Yudica (19-2-3, 1 KO) by a unanimous decision in an entertaining fight. The 31-year-old strawweight titleholder from Los Angeles is one of the most consistent fighters in the world. …

News item: Former Puerto Rican star Felix Verdejo (27-2, 17 KOs) on Friday was convicted of kidnapping resulting in the death of his girlfriend and intentionally killing her unborn child in his native land. Verdejo reportedly injected her with some sort of liquid and then threw her off a bridge. He could receive a life sentence when he returns to court on Nov. 3. Tragic. … News item II: YouTubers-turned-boxers Jake Paul and KSI have announced that they will fight separate opponents on an Oct. 14 card in Manchester, England (DAZN).

[lawrence-related id=38354,38316,38311,38307,38284,38280,38203]

Weekend Review: Terence Crawford, Naoya Inoue gave us precious gifts

Weekend Review: Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue gave us precious gifts during an unforgettable week of boxing.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

BIGGEST WINNER
Terence Crawford

To understand the magnitude of what Crawford accomplished on Saturday in Las Vegas we must consider his opponent. Errol Spence was a former Olympian, unbeaten professional with an impressive resume, No. 4 on Boxing Junkie’s pound-for-pound list (Crawford is No. 1) and a three-belt welterweight titleholder. The fight was 50-50 on paper. And Crawford made Spence look like a journeyman, outboxing him, putting him down three times and finally knocking him out in the ninth round to become the first undisputed welterweight champion in the four-belt era and the first man to be “undisputed” in a second division. It was near-perfect performance on a big stage, one that stamps Crawford as the best 147-pounder of his era and an all-time great when his previous accomplishments are also taken into account. And it came just in the nick of time. He had trouble for years luring his top welterweight rivals into the ring because of promotional rivalries, leading many to wonder whether he’d ever get a chance to prove what he could do at the highest level of the sport. He finally received that opportunity at 35, an age when most fighters have begun to decline. “I kept praying to God that I’d get the opportunity show the world how great Terence Crawford is,” he said after his victory. “And tonight I believe I showed how great I am.” Indeed he did. He was brilliant.

BIGGEST WINNER II
Naoya Inoue

We might never see a week like this past one again. On Saturday, Crawford gave us one of the best performances in recent memory. And, four days earlier, Naoya Inoue did the same thing. The Japanese star dominated and then stopped previously unbeaten 122-pounder Stephen Fulton Jr. in eight rounds in Tokyo, giving Inoue major titles in a fourth division and taking our collective breath away in the process. Inoue left no doubt that he’s one of the best ever. His combination of ability, speed and power might be unrivaled in the sport today, perhaps even by the gifted Crawford. Fulton is an excellent, proven all-around fighter and he was utterly lost against Inoue almost the entire fight, which was stunning to watch. And “The Monster” is only 30, meaning he has a lot more to give. That’s bad news for those in and around his weight. Who’s better, Crawford or Inoue? Arguments can and will be made for both men. The best way to look at it might be this: We’re fortunate to have two such great fighters on the scene at the same time. And the fact they both performed their magic only days apart last week was a true blessing.

BIGGEST LOSER
Errol Spence Jr.

Errol Spence Jr. went down three times during a disastrous night for him  Al Bello / Getty Images

Spence told me about a week and a half before the fight that his showdown with Crawford wouldn’t define his career. He’s right. He was all but guaranteed a spot in the Hall of Fame going into the fight because of a six-year reign as a titleholder, pound-for-pound status and victories over the likes of Kell Brook, Mikey Garcia, Shawn Porter and other big-name opponents. At the same time, the legacy of a fighter doesn’t remain unscathed after the kind of beating Spence endured at T-Mobile Arena. Spence passed the aforementioned tests but this one, against Crawford, was by far his biggest one. And he failed it badly. He didn’t just lose; he was outclassed and ultimately pummeled, which was shocking to witness given his past success. The brutality of the beat down and the image of Spence’s bloodied, bruised face during and after the fight is now etched in our memories. Spence remains a formidable fighter, just not the best, which he aspired to be. He’ll always be seen as inferior to Crawford unless he gets the rematch he wants and somehow turns the tables on his conqueror. And most of us will agree: That’s highly unlikely. Spence would be wise to move on from Crawford and up to 154 pounds, where more success awaits him.

BIGGEST LOSER II
Nonito Donaire

So long Nonito Donaire? “The Filipino Flash” might’ve fought for the last time on the Crawford-Spence card, on which he lost a unanimous decision to Alexandro Santiago in a fight for a vacant 118-pound title. The 40-year-old future Hall of Famer was competitive but he showed his age, as his 27-year-old opponent was a step ahead of him from beginning to end. Donaire inadvertently hinted that he might be slipping, saying, “There were just some times there where I didn’t pull the trigger.” That’s a classic sign of decline. He didn’t sound like a fighter who is ready to hang up the gloves in his post-fight interview but he might be wise to consider that option. How much more can he accomplish? He has already won nine major titles in four divisions over a career that has spanned more than two decades. And, again, the Hall awaits him. I’ll never forget his epic knockout of Vic Darchinyan in 2007, which opened our eyes to the fact that Donaire was a special talent and one of the most exciting fighters in the world. He maintained that reputation for another 15 years of thrills, a testament to his ability, discipline and staying power. He’ll be missed whenever he walks away.

 

RABBIT PUNCHES

I think an immediate Crawford-Spence rematch is all wrong for Spence and everyone else involved. You can read my thoughts on that here. I’d like to see Crawford defend his 147-pound titles against a top contender (Jaron Ennis? Vergil Ortiz? Eimantas Stanionis? Keith Thurman?) and then target undisputed 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo after Charlo loses to Canelo Alvarez on Sept. 30. That fight could take place as soon as next spring. Spence should start the rebuilding process against a fringe contender in his next fight. … Lightweight contender Isaac Cruz (25-2-1, 17 KOs) defeated Giovanni Cabrera (21-1, 7 KOs) by a split decision in a 12-round bout on the Crawford-Spence card. Two judges had Cruz winning, 115-112 and 114-113. The third scored it for Cabrera, 114-113. The 115-112 score best reflected what happened in the ring. Cruz didn’t look spectacular but he maintained pressure on Cabrera and landed many more meaningful punches than him. According to CompuBox, Cruz had a 152-55 edge in power punches landed. I thought Cruz was in control most of the fight. That’s why I scored it 116-111 for Cruz, nine rounds to three. At least the right man won. …

Santiago’s victory over Donaire was a big step in his career. The Mexican, who turned pro at 16, outboxed a legend and took everything thrown at him to earn his first major title after failing in his first attempt, a draw with then 115-pound champ Jerwin Ancajas in 2018. The scoring on Saturday was spot on, 116-112, 116-112 and 115-113. I also had Santiago winning 116-112, eight rounds to four. Santiago could now give Donaire a rematch if the veteran wants one or target one of the two other 118-pound titleholders, Takuma Inoue and Jason Moloney. … Junior middleweight prospect Yoenis Tellez (6-0, 5 KOs) rewarded his handlers’ faith in him on the Crawford-Spence card. The 23-year-old Cuban native, now based in Houston, agreed to fight Sergio Garcia (34-3, 14 KOs) on short notice and made the most of the opportunity, stopping the Spanish veteran in only three rounds. Tellez has a lot going for him, ability, speed, power, poise. He’s one to watch. … Seniesa Estrada (25-0, 9 KOs) remained unbeaten Friday in Las Vegas, defeating Leonela Paola Yudica (19-2-3, 1 KO) by a unanimous decision in an entertaining fight. The 31-year-old strawweight titleholder from Los Angeles is one of the most consistent fighters in the world. …

News item: Former Puerto Rican star Felix Verdejo (27-2, 17 KOs) on Friday was convicted of kidnapping resulting in the death of his girlfriend and intentionally killing her unborn child in his native land. Verdejo reportedly injected her with some sort of liquid and then threw her off a bridge. He could receive a life sentence when he returns to court on Nov. 3. Tragic. … News item II: YouTubers-turned-boxers Jake Paul and KSI have announced that they will fight separate opponents on an Oct. 14 card in Manchester, England (DAZN).

[lawrence-related id=38354,38316,38311,38307,38284,38280,38203]

Terence Crawford vs. Errol Spence Jr. rematch? That’s a really bad idea

Terence Crawford vs. Errol Spence Jr. rematch? That’s a really bad idea after what we saw on Saturday night.

No rematch, please.

It doesn’t make sense for Errol Spence Jr., who was dropped three times, beaten up and finally knocked out in nine rounds by Terence Crawford on Saturday in Las Vegas. It doesn’t make sense for Crawford, the new undisputed 147-pound champion. And it doesn’t make sense for boxing.

Spence said he plans to exercise the rematch clause in the contract for the first fight but that could be the mistake of his career, a notion that I’m guessing he’ll accept when he has time to think about.

First, there’s no reason to believe the outcome would be different. Crawford outclassed Spence because he’s a much better fighter, arguably the best in the world. That isn’t going to change between now and a rematch.

What would Spence do differently? He fought aggressively and was beaten down by counterpunches. He could box more than he normally does but the moments he tried that didn’t work either.

The only scenario that might warrant a rematch would be if Spence had to drain himself to make weight or fought with a serious injury. He said before the fight that he planned to move up to 154 for his next bout.

However, Spence gave no indication that making 147 would constitute a significant handicap in the fight or that he was suffering from some other physical disorder. His problem in the ring was his opponent, not preexisting issues.

As Spence said in the ring afterward, “No excuses.”

Spence (28-1, 22 KOs) would be wise to take a step back, assess his devastating setback, learn from it, move up to 154 and then target anyone not named Terence Crawford. That’s how a fighter begins the rebuilding process after suffering a one-sided loss.

Imagine if Spence and Crawford agree to a second fight in December, Spence’s stated target month, and Crawford pummels Spence again. Spence might never be able to bounce back from that.

I’m not arguing that Spence should never seek a second fight with Spence. I AM arguing that it makes more sense to build toward that. Get some victories under your belt, establish some momentum and rebuild your confidence before tangling with the pound-for-pound king again.

Meanwhile, Crawford, obviously thinking in terms of business, indicated after the fight that he’s open to a rematch.

He believes fans would buy into a second fight, which means it would generate a lot of money for both men. And we now know that it would a low-risk, high-reward proposition for him. He’s 35. He would like to pad his bank account while he can. He can legitimately ask, “Why not?”

The problem, again, is that the first fight was conclusive. Crawford, primed like never before going into Saturday, couldn’t possibly be as motived for a second fight. And my guess is that fans won’t be motivated either. They want matchups that are perceived to be competitive, not mismatches.

Who could Crawford face in another lucrative fight?

Well, here’s one scenario. Junior middleweight champion Jermell Charlo said at ringside that he plans to move back down in weight after his September fight with 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez, who most experts believe will emerge victorious.

A Crawford-Charlo fight for the latter’s undisputed 154-pound championship would be well received, in part because Crawford would be seeking to become an undisputed champion in a third division.

And there are other options that would earn him a healthy payday. Crawford vs. the talented Jaron Ennis would be a fascinating matchup for hardcore fans. Keith Thurman, Vergil Ortiz and Eimantas Stanionis would also make a compelling fights.

Bottom line: Crawford doesn’t need Spence any longer.

And, finally, a second Crawford-Spence fight would be a bad look for the sport. Fans would ask the same question I’m asking here: “Why?” They know that rematches are appropriate when the original fight is close, compelling or perhaps controversial. The beatdown on Saturday was none of the above.

Thus, it could be difficult for promoters to generate excitement (read: pay-per-view buys) for a second fight. I’m first and foremost a fan. And I certainly would have a hard time getting up for a rematch after what I witnessed on Saturday.

Crawford vs. Spence is finished business, at least for now. Let’s move on.

[lawrence-related id=38316,38311,38307,38277]

Terence Crawford vs. Errol Spence Jr. rematch? That’s a really bad idea

Terence Crawford vs. Errol Spence Jr. rematch? That’s a really bad idea after what we saw on Saturday night.

No rematch, please.

It doesn’t make sense for Errol Spence Jr., who was dropped three times, beaten up and finally knocked out in nine rounds by Terence Crawford on Saturday in Las Vegas. It doesn’t make sense for Crawford, the new undisputed 147-pound champion. And it doesn’t make sense for boxing.

Spence said he plans to exercise the rematch clause in the contract for the first fight but that could be the mistake of his career, a notion that I’m guessing he’ll accept when he has time to think about.

First, there’s no reason to believe the outcome would be different. Crawford outclassed Spence because he’s a much better fighter, arguably the best in the world. That isn’t going to change between now and a rematch.

What would Spence do differently? He fought aggressively and was beaten down by counterpunches. He could box more than he normally does but the moments he tried that didn’t work either.

The only scenario that might warrant a rematch would be if Spence had to drain himself to make weight or fought with a serious injury. He said before the fight that he planned to move up to 154 for his next bout.

However, Spence gave no indication that making 147 would constitute a significant handicap in the fight or that he was suffering from some other physical disorder. His problem in the ring was his opponent, not preexisting issues.

As Spence said in the ring afterward, “No excuses.”

Spence (28-1, 22 KOs) would be wise to take a step back, assess his devastating setback, learn from it, move up to 154 and then target anyone not named Terence Crawford. That’s how a fighter begins the rebuilding process after suffering a one-sided loss.

Imagine if Spence and Crawford agree to a second fight in December, Spence’s stated target month, and Crawford pummels Spence again. Spence might never be able to bounce back from that.

I’m not arguing that Spence should never seek a second fight with Spence. I AM arguing that it makes more sense to build toward that. Get some victories under your belt, establish some momentum and rebuild your confidence before tangling with the pound-for-pound king again.

Meanwhile, Crawford, obviously thinking in terms of business, indicated after the fight that he’s open to a rematch.

He believes fans would buy into a second fight, which means it would generate a lot of money for both men. And we now know that it would a low-risk, high-reward proposition for him. He’s 35. He would like to pad his bank account while he can. He can legitimately ask, “Why not?”

The problem, again, is that the first fight was conclusive. Crawford, primed like never before going into Saturday, couldn’t possibly be as motived for a second fight. And my guess is that fans won’t be motivated either. They want matchups that are perceived to be competitive, not mismatches.

Who could Crawford face in another lucrative fight?

Well, here’s one scenario. Junior middleweight champion Jermell Charlo said at ringside that he plans to move back down in weight after his September fight with 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez, who most experts believe will emerge victorious.

A Crawford-Charlo fight for the latter’s undisputed 154-pound championship would be well received, in part because Crawford would be seeking to become an undisputed champion in a third division.

And there are other options that would earn him a healthy payday. Crawford vs. the talented Jaron Ennis would be a fascinating matchup for hardcore fans. Keith Thurman, Vergil Ortiz and Eimantas Stanionis would also make a compelling fights.

Bottom line: Crawford doesn’t need Spence any longer.

And, finally, a second Crawford-Spence fight would be a bad look for the sport. Fans would ask the same question I’m asking here: “Why?” They know that rematches are appropriate when the original fight is close, compelling or perhaps controversial. The beatdown on Saturday was none of the above.

Thus, it could be difficult for promoters to generate excitement (read: pay-per-view buys) for a second fight. I’m first and foremost a fan. And I certainly would have a hard time getting up for a rematch after what I witnessed on Saturday.

Crawford vs. Spence is finished business, at least for now. Let’s move on.

[lawrence-related id=38316,38311,38307,38277]

Photos: Terence Crawford’s historic beatdown of Errol Spence Jr.

Photos: Terence Crawford’s historic beatdown of Errol Spence Jr. on Saturday in Las Vegas.

Terence Crawford knocked out Errol Spence at 2:32 of the ninth round to become the first undisputed 147-pound championship in the four-belt era and first man to be “undisputed” in a second division Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Here are images from the fight. All photos by Al Bello of Getty Images.

[lawrence-related id=38311,38307,38284,38280,38277]