Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford Series: Part 6: Keys to victory for Bud

By: Kirk Jackson

It has been a long road, but we’ve finally reached the moment we’ve been waiting for.

How does this fight breakdown? Let’s review the keys to victory for Crawford.

Hook the fish…

Crawford must find his effective range, to set traps and catch Spence coming in with counter hooks, left hooks in particular, right hand looping punches around the guard, especially if in the orthodox stance.

Mix up the attack…

Know when to box, like against Victor Postol back in July of 2016, utilizing superb lateral movement, pot shotting, getting off quick combinations when necessary, clinching to negate Postol’s offense and restarting the process.

That may be the recipe for success against Spence. That may be a way to frustrate and nullify some of Spence’s offense.

Stepping off the center line and conversely stepping out of range and delivering quick pain and punishment when necessary.

Stepping up the activity and power, like when he stepped to Shawn Porter and Jose Benavidez Jr. respectively late in their fights.

Turn on the switch…

Not just from a boxing stance standpoint, as Crawford is regarded as one of the greatest switch-hitters in the game; at times being able to switch from orthodox to southpaw in order to create angles, confusion and reach his means of bring mayhem to his opponents.

Just to provide a little bit of insight for those unaware, a switch-hitter side has the ability to effectively switch from orthodox stance (right hand dominant) to southpaw stance (left hand dominant).

“Bud” will have to activate “Black Air Force One Energy” early and bring it to Spence. Especially Spence is coming off a long layoff.

However, Spence is a determined, relentless fighter. Sometimes, in order to gain respect and gain comfortable room to operate within the confines of the ring, you have to put something on your opponent and give them something to think about.

Turn that switch on early and make it a “Fish fry” like he said he will do.

Become the body snatcher…

In turn, to slow down an aggressive fighter, a bigger guy, attack the body.

Take the steam and stamina out of Spence’s body. Don’t just stop there, chip away at the arms as well, give Spence even more things to think about and the attempts are made to wear him down.

Swim without getting wet…

Word and rest in peace to the late Brother Naazim Richardson, who coined the term. Richardson was an American boxing trainer from Philadelphia, most notable for training Bernard Hopkins and “Sugar” Shane Mosley, in addition to Steve Cunningham and Karl Dargan.

In essence, Crawford must find ways to operate up close, without getting touched too much. Be fluid with his movement..

And with that fluidity, with that intention, that may require stepping in that danger zone and punching in between Spence’s combinations to land that more potent punch.

Be the sharpshooter…

Be the marksmen.

Pull counters off the jab, perhaps not the initial jab from Spence, but when he drops his hands after shooting that third jab, shoot the counter. Looping overhand rights while in range and changing the trajectory to get around the high guard.

Be the excellence of execution, like Bret Hart from wrestling fame.

Execute with great proficiency. Be cerebral and keep in mind Spence is highly technical and a master of fundamentals.

Sink or swim…

Sometimes you have to take big chances to reap big rewards. This may be one of those times, meaning, Crawford will have to get in the trenches and bring that Marvelous Marvin Hagler level of tenacity.

Terence Crawford: “I’m ready; he’s ready. We’re going to have a fish fry come Saturday. You got to calm down because things can get real sticky real quick, and then people will say, ‘This is what we do every time we come out.”

These are the keys to victory for Terence Crawford, let the best man win.