Finally boxing bettors have another 'super-fight' to bet on as Terence Crawford (39-0, 33 KOs) vs. Errol Spence Jr. (33-0, 22 KOs) takes place Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Whether or not, Crawford and Spence Jr., still the two best welterweights in the world but only now getting in the ring after years of engaging in social media wars and promotional teases, provide a memorable fight is no sure bet.
But their respective styles make it an intriguing watch -- at least going into the fight.
Betting Analyst + Prediction
At first glance, Crawford (-150), a solid favorite at most sportsbooks to win the long-awaited unification bout for all the belts in the welterweight division, appears to be the right bet. Especially, if you can get him at a reasonable price.
Still widely considered the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, Crawford's ability to switch from orthodox to southpaw on a whim while using his speed and footwork to neutralize opponents, if not counter-punch, is a work of art inside the ring. And it will give Spence Jr., who at times can find himself flat-footed, problems.
His overall skill set unaffected by his trajectory, Crawford, who unified two titles at 135 pounds before running through the super lightweight division, is 9-0 at welterweight.
While just 5-foot-8, Crawford will not only have a reach advantage but is also the better defensive fighter. It will help him ward off any kind of pressure in this spot.
Spence Jr. (+120), the underdog despite owning three welterweight belts, is on the short list of top welterweights since picking apart Kell Brook in 2017; his size and strength giving him a physical advantage over Crawford - at least on paper.
But while he owns impressive victories over Brook and Shawn Porter, both good, but not all-time fighters, it's hard to imagine him bullying Crawford around the ring for most of the night.
When I think of putting a capsule on this fight, I think of the Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Tommy Hearns classic in 1981. In no way am I comparing these two .. but Hearns, the taller and stronger fighter, had his way for much of the early rounds before Leonard's superior boxing skills took over in the second half of the fight .. and eventually earned him a 14th round TKO win.
So, yes, Spence Jr. will probably have his moments, especially early if he can make Crawford feel his power, but Crawford will eventually adjust and use his array of skills to earn another impressive victory. (Crawford by split decision.)
Bet: Crawford (-150)
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