BOXING
Benavidez: Spence Jr. vs Crawford “is going to be legendary”
David Benavidez believes the big winners on July 29 are going to be boxing fans and admitted it’s very difficult to predict who will get the win.
One of the most anticipated fights in recent years is finally happening. It wasn’t expected at all at the beginning of 2023, but boxing fans have now another reason to smile.
The two best welterweights, Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford, will finally meet inside the ring on July 29, in a mega bout where there will be a lot on the line: all the belts, the pound-for-pound No. 1 status, and two undefeated records.
One of the young stars of the sport, David Benavidez, admitted he will be watching the clash, which could be one for the ages. Asked about a prediction, The Mexican Monster couldn’t answer, saying it’s a 50/50 fight.
“I don’t favor none of them because I know both of them. I have a lot of respect for both of them, but it’s going to be a great fight. It’s going to be a legendary fight, and I can’t wait to see it”, he said to Fighthype.
Body shots vs. counterpunching
According to Benavidez, both men have a clear path to victory, but it will be difficult for any of them to implement it, given the opponent’s quality.
The undefeated boxer believes that Spence Jr. is physically stronger, so a grueling fight could benefit him, while Crawford would have the advantage if he uses his counters and foot movement.
“Crawford is going to have a lot of room to counter or not a lot of opportunities to counter because Spence is going to be in there trying to work his body. But Spence, he defends pretty well, and he knows how to fight in there, too”, Benavidez stated.
“Errol Spence knows how to box and brawl. If Spence can get to that body a little bit earlier, he might be able to slow Crawford down in the later rounds, but if he’s not, and if he can’t get the body, he’s going to get countered by Crawford’s counters while he’s trying to hit the body, it’s going to be a long night”, he added.
Meanwhile, Benavidez, who defeated Caleb Plant in March, is expected to face David Morrel Jr. later this year after he was unable to reach a fighting agreement with Canelo Álvarez.