Finally, a One True King of the Welterweights?
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 05 Jul 2023
Barring any supervening unfortuitous events, we will finally get to see unified WBC-WBA-IBF titlist Errol Spence and WBO beltholder Terrence Crawford clashing for the undisputed world welterweight championship, the first in the current four-belt era.
On sheer historical significance, the fight set for July 29 in Las Vegas promises to be the biggest in the 147 lbs class, trumping even the 2015 Battle of the Century match between Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao where only three belts, Floyd's WBC and WBA and Manny's WBO were at stake. The IBF crown was then held by Briton Kell Brook who Spence would later beat for the first of his triple belts.
However, many boxing pundits are about to declare it as potentially the greatest matchup of the last hundred years in the division ever greater than Robinson-Gavilan, Leonard-Hearns, Leonard-Duran, Whitaker-Chavez, Dela Hoya-Trinidad and the aforementioned Mayweather-Pacquiao.
And for good reasons.
Spence and Crawford have been regarded as the best welterweights of the last more than five years, more if you consider Spence's championship streak since unseating Brook.
The two have also been untouchable and unbeatable since becoming world titleholders, turning back the challenges of the likes of erstwhile respected ex-titlists Danny Garcia, Shawn Porter, Amir Khan and Yurdenis Ugas, among others.
The only knock on their reputation, if one can call it that, was the fact they failed to fight then highly regarded welterweight titlist Keith Thurman and a still viable or serviceable Pacquiao when they could have, if only they had their way or injury prevented, specifically Spence.
But undeniably, Spence and Crawford are the best welterweights around for years and they remain endowed with an impeccable aura of invincibility now more than ever.
Hence boxing fans everywhere can only thank their lucky stars that after years of futile efforts and posturing, the two finally made up their mind to collide to once and for all establish a one true king of the welterweights.
Boxing experts from former world champions, former past opponents down to simple armchair analysts have chosen their favorites and how the fight would go in favor of their chosen winner. But many remained guarded or conservative in their analysis and conclusion.
Most favor Crawford for his versatility and being the more compleat fighter but do not discount Spence for his size and matching if not overaching power.
The author Teodoro Medina Reynoso is a veteran boxing radio talk show host living in the Philippines. He can be reached at teddyreynoso@yahoo.com and by phone 09215309477.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Teodoro Medina Reynoso.
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