By Payman Kohan: Welterweight up-and-comer, Errol Spence Jr (7-0, 6 KO), has been moving steadily under the radar of the boxing public. Training out of the Mayweather Boxing Club, he has reportedly, “caught Adrien Broner with a good shot,” in sparring as quoted by Michael Hunter, and been the unconfirmed cause of a black eye suffered by Floyd Mayweather Jr in a separate sparring session. My curiosity led me to delve a little deeper.
Errol has been credited for representing the USA in the 2012 Olympic Games and has amassed quite an entourage for only a 7 fight pro career that began last November. What I’ve realized is that with all the hype, comes the skill to back it up. Fighting from a southpaw position, Spence’s aggressiveness, speed and punching precision will excel him into the limelight in no time. And who can forget the punching power he brings forth.
At 5’10” and a wide frame, I don’t see Errol staying in the welterweight division for too long. Errol’s fight style is very unique. While conserving energy, he is a combination fighter who comes forward but is ready for countering. Packing severe body punching, KO’ing his last three opponents with body punches, and a mean check right hook, he has the tools to give any reigning champion difficulties. Almost reminiscent to a welterweight version of Andre Ward, but the difference so far is Errol, instead of getting inside with one or two shots and holding as a means of defense, he steps back out with a one or two punch combination. Half of Spence’s fights can be viewed on YouTube and I encourage any boxing aficionado to take a look. Although his fights have been scheduled 6 rounders, we have yet to see how Errol paces himself in a 10 rounder, but of course, questions like stamina and chin will get answered as his career progresses. Until then he has the makings of boxing’s next Rising Star.
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