ERROL SPENCE JR and TERENCE CRAWFORD spoke publicly about their upcoming fight for the first time.
On July 29 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, two of the best welterweights in the world right now will risk everything to decide who is the better man.
The fight was officially announced on Thursday and both men showed up First shot of ESPN to be interviewed by the brash Stephen A. Smith.
From the start, Spence and Crawford were asked why this fight took so long and how hard the wait was.
“Great things take time,” said Spence.
“They’re both in negotiations, but we’re here now, so all these things in the past are present. We here, we fight with each other, may the best win. I feel like he’s the best welterweight probably in the last 40 years. It’s the fight of the decade. The best versus the best.”
“As you know, it was very difficult,” replied Crawford.
“It was frustrating but I’m excited, I’m happy, the fans are happy, everyone is happy. We’re here now and I’m going to show the world why I’m the best fighter on the planet. Everyone needs to tune in on July 29th to see me, Errol Spence, go out and put on an amazing show.
Throughout the interview, nothing could wipe the smile off Crawford’s face. The Omaha fighter was clearly a happy man that the decisive fight of his career was not far away.
Spence acted solemnly, without the hint of a smile imminently appearing.
They are each regarded as the two best boxers in the world on a pound for pound basis, not just at 147 pounds. Spence’s pressure, strength and aggression versus Crawford’s accuracy and cunning. Sixty-seven fights between them and no losses.
“With me, I feel that my style is basically, I won’t say perfect, but it’s very good.” Spence said.
“I have the jab, I feel like I can be a stronger opponent, great shots to the body. He has great talent and great skills, but I feel like my skills, my will and everything around me (being) a better fighter, I feel like I’m going to beat him.
“He believes in his style, I believe in mine,” said Crawford.
“It’s going to be a great fight, I’m looking forward to it. I’m so excited I can’t wait.”
Crawford was then asked if he felt he needed the knockout to get the respect he deserved. Does the 35-year-old have to win in a spectacular way?
“It always is,” he replied.
“Every fight is like this for me. Every fight matters, every fight is needed to win this fight and I’m 100% sure Errol feels the same so a lot depends on this fight.
“This is the biggest fight in boxing in decades,” he continued. “Of course I want to go out there and put on a great show and win in a spectacular way. I feel good, I feel strong. I’m ready to go next week if need be! At the same time, everything has its time. The sun shines for everyone and the sun will shine for me on July 29.”
Spence was asked the same question and should he send a message about how great he is.
“I don’t necessarily need a knockout, but if it happens I definitely commit to it. If I get a knockout that’s great, if not that’s cool too. Provided I win.
“I feel like watching my fights, all my fights are exciting, so it’s definitely going to be an exciting fight, an action-packed fight and I’m ready to put on a great show, a great performance.”
