Former two division world champion Timothy Bradley is looking forward to Saturday’s undisputed welterweight fight between Errol Spence and Terence Crawford.
The bout, which headlines a Showtime PPV card, takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Neither boxer has tasted defeat, but only one of them will walk away with their unbeaten record intact.
Bradley regards Crawford as the ‘Rubik’s cube.”
Spence is the bigger man, with Crawford winning his first world title at the lightweight limit of 135 and later becoming the undisputed world champion at junior welterweight.
While Bradley believes Spence is a very live dog and capable of winning, he gives Crawford the edge.
“Spence possesses several skills that can disrupt a sound counterpuncher like Crawford, who usually feeds off the mistakes of a traditional volume puncher. However, Spence isn’t your typical volume puncher. He systematically breaks down his opponents, starting with his jab. Spence throws a sturdy jab with technical pressure that can be used to stall Crawford’s offense. His consistent jab can frustrate a prolific counterpuncher of Crawford’s nature, forcing him to reset — often — and not allowing him to initiate or deliver a counter as often as he would like,” Bradley told ESPN.
“Spence’s disciplined boxing fundamentals applied to his solid defensive habits can make even the most patient and seasoned fighter erratic, frustrated and impatient. Spence can utilize his footwork to cut off the ring, isolating Crawford’s biggest weapon — his footwork — and forcing him into a disadvantageous position and limiting his countering opportunities.
“Furthermore, Spence’s physical force, in terms of his punching strength and the weight behind his punches, could break down Crawford, causing him to become stationary. Perhaps I see what Spence’s fans see and why they pick him to defeat Crawford. But one thing is for sure: Personally, I don’t know one person who can take down a Rubik’s cube.”