In a twist of events, Errol Spence Jr., after biding his time until the eleventh hour, has activated his rematch clause. He’s gearing up to face off once more against the undisputed welterweight champion, Terence “Bud” Crawford. Their initial face-off was one of the most awaited in boxing history, with fans on tenterhooks for over four years. The July 29th bout, which many deemed a 50/50 contest, surprised many when Spence’s usually formidable form seemed subpar, leading to Crawford’s dominant performance.
Spence’s appearance on fight night raised eyebrows; he seemed less sharp, with allegations of him being weight-drained circulating. However, the night clearly belonged to Crawford. Within the early rounds, Crawford’s prowess was evident as he knocked down Spence multiple times. By the ninth round, with Spence visibly worn down, the referee intervened, marking Spence’s first professional defeat. The defeat was so decisive that many wondered if Spence would invoke his rematch clause. But he did, and now, speculation is rife about the rematch’s date and weight category. Given Spence’s apparent difficulty with the 147-pound limit before the first fight, there’s intrigue about whether Crawford will opt for this weight again or move to 154.
After the loss, Spence’s camp noted his weak and possibly weight-drained state, suggesting that it might have played a part in the defeat. Yet, it’s evident that Crawford’s stellar strategy and execution significantly contributed to the victory. Adopting the southpaw stance, he masterfully countered Spence, particularly when Spence attempted jabs to the body. While Crawford exhibited versatility, Spence appeared to struggle without a backup plan, relying heavily on his aggressive pressure tactics.
The anticipation for the rematch is palpable. Given the dominance of the first fight, Spence enters this round as the underdog. If Crawford opts for the 154 weight class, it might tilt the scales slightly in Spence’s favor. Regardless, Spence will need to make considerable adjustments and bring his A-game to stand a chance against the formidable Crawford.
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