On Saturday night, July 29th, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Terence “Bud” Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. finally stepped into the ring after five years of rising tension. This eagerly anticipated welterweight championship fight had been brewing since November 2018, when the two star boxers traded words backstage at the Maurice Hooker vs. Alex Saucedo event.

The first round kicked off with Crawford, known for his switch-hitting style, assuming a southpaw stance. Spence was equally engaged, utilizing the jab and following it up with a left to the body. The second round brought the crowd to their feet when a power jab from Crawford sent Spence to the canvas for the first time in his career. Despite this, Spence continued to put up a fight, working the jab, and landing combinations. Yet, Crawford's hand speed and accuracy were making it increasingly difficult for Spence.

As the fight wore on, Crawford's command became more pronounced. Each time Spence attempted to press forward, Crawford retaliated with sharp counter shots. An uppercut from Crawford in the seventh round sent Spence down to the canvas for the second time, showing the audience and the world that he was not about to let up. In spite of Spence's efforts to fight back, Crawford's power jab, precise timing, and accurate counter shots were beginning to take their toll.

The fight’s conclusion was as breathtaking as the preceding rounds. After a brutal ninth round that saw Crawford land punch after punch, the referee intervened, and the night's results were finalized. During the post-fight press conference, a triumphant Crawford addressed his doubters, leaving the boxing world in no doubt about his supremacy.

Official fight highlights: Watch on Youtube

In the other events leading up to the Crawford-Spence showdown, the audience was treated to a series of exciting bouts. In the co-main event, Isaac Cruz (25-2-1, 17 KOs) secured a split decision victory over Giovanni Cabrera (21-1, 7 KOs), with the judges scoring the fight 113-114, 114-113, 115-112. In the undercard, Alexandro Santiago (28-3-5, 14 KOs) bested Nonito Donaire (42-8, 28 KOs) with a unanimous decision, scoring 115-13, 116-112, 116-112 to clinch the WBC bantamweight title. Also, Yoenis Tellez (6-0, 5 KOs) defeated Sergio Garcia (34-3, 14 KOs) via a TKO in the third round at 2:02.

Image Credit: Premier Boxing Champions