Now that the fight is official, Errol Spence and Terence Crawford are doing the media rounds, including today’s interview with Stephen A. Smith on First Take ESPN. Both Spence and Crawford talk about their thoughts on finally hosting this fight and what fans can expect on July 29.
Spence, why did this fight take so long
“My point is that great things take time. We’ve both been through negotiations and stuff, but we’re here now, so all those things are in the past. This is the present, we here, we fight with each other, may the best win. I feel like this is the best welterweight fight in probably 40 years. It’s the fight of the decade, the best against the best.”
Crawford to finally bring this fight to a close
“It was very difficult (bringing this fight together) as you know. It was frustrating but I’m excited, 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 and everyone needs to tune in on July 29th to see me and Errol Spence go out there and put on an amazing show.
Spence about his advantage over Crawford
“I am a man of the word. He thought I was going to get promoted but like I told him when we met in Oklahoma he said “I’m gonna get those belts on my side and then I’m gonna get yours” and I stood by it even if it kept me out of the ring for a year and I tried to get me to fight other people. This is the fight I wanted, so I stuck to my gun and said, “I’m not going to fight until I fight Terence Crawford,” so my team went into action.
“I feel like my style is basically – I won’t say perfect – but it’s very good. I got jabbed, I feel like I can be a stronger opponent, great body shots. He has great talent, great skills, but I feel that with my skill, my will and my versatility, I will be a better fighter to beat him with.
Crawford on what he thinks he’ll do to beat Spence
“I wanted this fight, everyone knew I wanted this fight. He said he would take the easy route and deal with what he had to deal with, and he did. So now he has to keep his word and come in and get that belt. The last one is always the hardest and I assure you it will not be like any other fight. He believes in his style, I believe in mine, it will be a great fight. Can’t wait. I’m so excited I can’t wait.”
Crawford on whether he believes he’ll finally be fully vetted with a win and whether it will be career defining
“Every fight is like this for me. Every fight matters, every fight is “I have to win this fight” and I’m 100% sure Errol feels the same way. A lot depends on this fight, it’s the biggest fight in boxing in decades. So 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 play next week if need be. But at the same time, everything has its time, the sun shines for everyone and the sun shines for me, July 29.
