I’m picking Crawford against Spence

[Master]

I like Crawford and watched him beat up Burns to win a world title. He has gone on from strength to strength and beaten good fighters at welterweight. However I think Spence would beat him in a tight decision just being that bit stronger, accurate and busier.

Progress for the showdown has been so slow that I think they will miss the boat.

[walrus]

Crawford no doubt.

[mikeeod]

Can definitely see a case for Bud to win. I just think Spence will be too big for him. Crawford appears to be slightly more skilled, but I don’t think he is any faster and that, combined with Spence’s power and size will be the difference. It won’t be easy for either guy, but I see Spence edging a close fight. I really hope this fight gets made soon.

[El Kabong]

I just love that the fight is happening, nothing but respect to both fighters they're both taking a risk in there and it should be a fan friendly bout as well.

I'd never bet against Bud Crawford, but this one I think will be close as I really rate Spence.

[TitoFan]

Spence is not without skills, people. Sounds like the only chances being given to Spence is because he's too big. That's an affront to his considerable boxing skills. To be sure, p4p I feel Crawford is by far wilier and more ring savvy than most if not all fighters today. But Spence isn't just a big, fast dufus. This is a fun fight to pick, and it'll be an even "funner" fight to watch. Wish there were more Spences-Crawfords to be made out there. I like both fighters, and this would by all means be a classic, probably worthy of a trilogy (if it's competitive). As far as who I pick, I'll tip the scales and give a slight nod to Spence. All respect to Crawford because this would be the Mt. Everest of boxing for him.

[powerpuncher]

I would edge Crawford. I have always been very high on Spence and think he is an extremely good fighter. Crawford just makes great adjustments in the ring. Spence has elite offense but with that comes allowing yourself to get hit. If Spence tries to box, I think that Crawford wins a close but comfortable decision. If Spence tries to rough him up, he will get hit a lot more but I still think he loses a very close decision.

I wouldn’t at all be shocked to see Spence win though.

[mikeeod]

Just to be clear, I think Spence is a very skilled fighter in his own right- I just feel Bud is slightly more skilled. If all Spence had going for him was speed and size, I would pick Bud to win. I feel that they are relatively close in terms of skill and speed, however, and that is why I feel Errol’s size and power advantages will be the difference. Don’t want to give the impression that I feel Spence is relies solely on natural gifts.

One additional aspect I haven’t seen anyone mention is the experience of fighting another elite fighter who is there to win. I feel Brook fits that definition for Spence (he pushed Spence in that fight), and Porter will as well. Bud has looked phenomenal, but in my opinion Gamboa was the only fighter who was skilled and showed up to win against Bud- but the size difference was too much. I actually thought Gamboa was winning until he got caught in the 5th round. Not saying Bud doesn’t have “dog” in him, just saying I haven’t seen him have to use it against an equal sized, elite opponent like Spence did.

[Master]

Just talking about this fight makes me want to scream at the promoters to make the fight happen!

We want our own Leonard v Hearns.