Barry McGuigan has expressed concern for Errol Spence Jr ahead of his fight with Crawford, believing his time in the ring has started to affect his speech.
The unified welterweight champion will face longterm rival and fellow titleholder, Crawford, for a chance at becoming undisputed on July 29 in Las Vegas.
It’s a true treat for boxing fans, many of whom felt that the fight may never happen given failed talks in the past.
Watching the kick-off press conference, Hall of Fame fighter, McGuigan, put on social media the he was worried about Spence’s speech.
Speaking to Seconds Out, he explained further.
“People said ‘what are you talking about Barry? That’s nonsense.’ It wasn’t nonsense. I know he had that bad car accident last year and it could be the Texas drawl, but still, it was concerning for me.
It doesn’t necessarily mean that he’s any less of a fighter. Tommy Hearns has been slurring his speech for years and he was still extremely potent and dangerous.”
McGuigan went on to pick Crawford as the favourite to come out on top and stake his claim as the best fighter in the world, although he did have praise for Spence, too.
“I still make Crawford the slight favourite in the fight. It also depends on the preparation, and that could change my opinion. It’s fairly evenly balanced, but Crawford is a precision puncher – he doesn’t miss the target, he’s got a chin, he’s got that speed that comes up from lightweight and super lightweight.”
He’s a very special talent. Spence is very, very good, don’t get me wrong. The way he dismantled Kell Brook was spectacular. But I just think Crawford is a little edge above him at this stage.”
Now that the pair have seen to early media obligations, they will be deep in training camp to prepare for the legacy bout.