Errol Spence Jr and Terence Crawford are two of the most talented fighters in the sport of boxing, and their fight on July 29 in Las Vegas will, in the eyes of many, crown the best of a generation.
Both undefeated, both fond of a knockout and both with certain elite attributes, the two welterweight champions signing to fight is a treat for boxing fans.
Former two-weight world champion, Bernard Hopkins, believes that skills will give way to mentality on the night though – telling FightHype.com that the victor will simply be who wants it more.
“This fight here is gonna be based on the mental toughness, the ‘I’m ready’, the who want it the most. And then the skills come second. I never thought I would say that ever in boxing, where the person that’s stronger [in their head] and want it the most will win this fight.”
Hopkins isn’t predicting who that will be – in fact he doesn’t envy the judges who may have to crown a winner on the night.
“This fight can go down easily controversial. Based on who did less, who did more, what fans might say, what the judge might say. If this fight goes the distance, I wouldn’t wanna be the judge. Bernard Hopkins wouldn’t wanna be the judge – it’s that damn close.”
Assuming they don’t fight to a draw, either Spence or Crawford will emerge from the ring as the first four-belt undisputed welterweight champion.
Fans needn’t worry about seeing a contest like this again in the future, with a two-way rematch clause being a part of the contract and rumours that the pair may even fancy a trilogy, the third potentially taking place one weight class up.