By Huck Allen: Errol Spence Jr sent a warning to Terence Crawford yesterday, letting the WBO welterweight champion know that he’s going to be “dangerous” for him because he’s fighting for his family on July 29th.
The competitive nature that already exists for IBF, WBA & WBC 147-lb champion Spence (28-0, 22 KOs) has been kicked into a higher gear for this fight, as he’ll be fighting for his family against the former three-division world champion Crawford (39-0, 30 KOs).
Is Crawford ready for trench warfare?
That indicates that Crawford may need to avoid firefights with Spence because he could have trouble if he tries to battle it out in the trenches in a war of attrition. Spence wants to grind down Crawford in a systematic manner until he’s longer capable of battling.
Spence is going to be firing nonstop artillery barrages, looking to erode Crawford’s ability to wage war until he or his trainer Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre, realizes that the situation is hopeless and will hoist the white flag of surrender to avoid being taken out.
“It definitely makes you more dangerous because it gives you motivation. It definitely makes you a more dangerous fighter,” said Spence to Fight Hub TV about wanting to beat Crawford for his family.
“He can move; he’s agile and can counter-punch. He can fight, and he can box,” said Spence to ESNEWS when asked what Crawford’s best attributes are.
Crawford’s ability to move could turn their fight into a dull stalemate, where Spence is unable to land significant shots, and neither is Terenc.
This would be a survival-oriented approach by Crawford, as he would essentially be indicating that he doesn’t have the mental & physical framework to beat the younger, stronger & bigger Spence.
So instead of trying to win decisively, Crawford would attempt to squeak by with a difficult to score hit & run contest, which would anger the boxing public that is paying high prices for tickets & $84.99 to watch on Showtime PPV.
Spence blasts Crawford’s trainer
“Big Cheetoh is always hating. He’s been hating since day one,” said Spence about Crawford’s trainer Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre taking verbal shots at him. “He’s trying to be humble now, but he always says s**t. I ain’t tripping off it.”
BoMac believes that Crawford can do no wrong and is infallible at this stage of his 15-year professional career after seeing him beat 39 straight opponents.
What is unclear is whether Crawford can replicate the success he’s enjoyed in the past against the likes of Amir Khan & Shawn Porter against an elite-level fighter like Spence.
“Let’s say Errol don’t want the rematch. Let’s see who wants to get on the chopping block because making 147 is pretty easy, and making 154 is really easy,” said BoMac to Behind The Gloves when asked what Crawford will do next if he’s victorious over Spence.
“Is it worth the weight cut? Is it worth all the working out and spending time away from the family and all that? Is it worth it? We just got to see what’s next.
“Everybody just tune in. Get your tickets. I know the tickets are a little high. Go and sell that car that has been sitting in your driveway for the last two years.
“Go and sell it. You still got time or skip that pair of tennis shoes you wanted to buy to get this fight. Invite some buddies over; everyone chip in and watch this fight. It’s going to be one of the best performances you’ve seen out of Terence Crawford. Come on, Errol, bring your A-game,” said BoMac about his message to boxing fans about the Spence vs. Crawford.
