ERROL SPENCE JR and TERENCE CRAWFORD yesterday stepped up their promotions for their upcoming July 29 welterweight superfight.
The two undefeated Americans were in Los Angeles for the start of a two-day press tour with just over six weeks left until they meet in the ring at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas.
All four sanctioned body belts will be ready when they fight but before all that, there was some verbal squabble during the first press conference for juice.
After they walked down the red carpet and introduced their fighters, the two well-balanced boxers discussed the importance of their fight.
Spence 28-0 (22) said: “This is the biggest fight in boxing right now.
“This is a legendary battle. It’s an old school fight. This is like the battles my father used to tell me about. That is the best way to fight the best.”
“This is definitely a legacy fight and one that should be talked about everywhere,” said Crawford 39-0 (30).
“This is a classic fighting style. All the greats fought together and that’s what we’re doing for this era.”
The war took a long time to finally arrive. Spence is 33 years old while Crawford is 35. It’s been almost five years since they ran into each other memorably backstage after the Maurice Hooker-Alex Saucedo game in Oklahoma and talked about fighting.
“We had to call and talk about it, and now it’s finally happened,” Spence said, referring to the negotiations.
“This will prove not only who is the best Korean boxer but also the best boxer in the world. My mentality is to give my best and give everything. His mentality is the same.”
The Texan Southpaw questioned his opponent’s record, specifically referring to the two men they both had fought.
“Terence hasn’t fought anyone yet. Even Shawn Porter said he didn’t train like he should against you. Kell Brook was broken. I ruined Kell Brook’s remaining eye, that’s why he’s broke.
“Terence is a great fighter and I will break the will of another great boxer. Mentally and physically, I will prevail and come out on top.”
Crawford told attendees that the world of boxing will “see greatness” on July 29.
“We measure greatness over time. On July 29, I’ll show everyone why this era is the Terence Crawford era.
“A win shows that I am the greatest boxer of all time. No man has won in two weight classes. That strengthens me as the greatest warrior of this era.”
While most marquee fights tend to have one fighter seen as more dominant than the other, Spence v Crawford is one where there is little difference between them. A reasonable case can be made for each side to win, which is what happens when two elite boxers in the same division meet. At the time of writing, Crawford is the favorite.
“I don’t pay attention to the odds,” Spence said.
“Everything I’ve been through in the last few years; I understand I’m a loser. A lot of losers end up winning, that’s why it’s a bet.
“This will be a one-sided hoax. It’ll take a few laps, because he’s a tough guy. But everyone’s broke and we’re going to knock him out.
“I can assure you this will be a classic, action packed fighting style. If you crave those old fights, you have to tune in to this one. This is a legendary war. Belts aside, you’re only talking about these two boxers, this is the biggest fight in boxing. Especially because of the action we bring. We are both aiming for victory.”
Crawford wasn’t to be outdone in pre-match bets as things began to heat up between them.
“He calls himself the big fish. What happens when you pull a fish out of the water? You strangled him.
“I will eviscerate it and feed all the fish eaters here. If he were a big fish, we’d have enough for everyone, with potatoes on the side. We do not smoke here; we go fish fillet hunt.
“Everybody after this game will say Bud Crawford is special. I can assure you that. He will respect me after the fight after I hit that butt.
“I can guarantee that everyone will witness something special. Errol doesn’t like backups. I’m the kind of warrior that you push me, and I push even harder. We both have big hearts and love to fight. It makes for a great action-packed fight. July 29 will be a great night for boxing.”
