Former welterweight champion Keith “One Time” Thurman projects a strategic and potentially explosive encounter between Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford. The much-anticipated welterweight championship fight is scheduled for July 29th. Thurman describes the initial rounds as a tactical chess fight, eventually escalating into a thrilling Hagler-Hearns-like shootout. Crawford (39-0, 30 KOs) is yet to face a welterweight whose power will test his chin, while Spence (28-0, 22 KOs) hasn’t encountered a boxer/puncher like Crawford in his career.
The contest, however, is clouded by uncertainties. Both fighters’ inactivity and age have considerably slowed their momentum since 2020. Spence, 33, has been absent from the ring since his grueling battle against Yordenis Ugas in April of 2023, and the impact of that fight and a 15-month layoff are unknown variables. Thurman suggests that a match-up between Spence and Crawford would have been more exciting back in 2018 or 2019, when they were younger, more active, and at the peak of their popularity.
Thurman expects Spence to control the fight’s pace and rhythm, leveraging his experience and reputation as a sturdy, consistent performer. However, he also acknowledges the unique style Crawford brings to the ring, which could pose an unfamiliar challenge for Spence. Despite the complexity of the match-up, Thurman believes it could be a Hagler-Hearns type of event, showcasing exceptional ring generalship, defense, and offense, ultimately determining who is the superior fighter.
As for Crawford’s first real test against a powerful welterweight, Thurman is eager to see how both fighters respond when hit hard. “These are powerful punches coming from the bigger, stronger man. I know that neither one of them has gotten their chin clipped. I’m just waiting to see who hits who first,” he stated, emphasizing the minute details that separate these great fighters.
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