Even as
far back as the Olympics, it was clear that Errol Spence Jr. possessed the
poise, power punching and intelligence to succeed at the next level. Although
he exited the 2012 Games without a medal, his showing during the tournament
heralded a new U.S. talent, one who could become a major factor in the upper
levels of professional boxing.
Turning
pro at the end of 2012, Spence continued to build on his amateur success in his
early fights; he destroyed virtually every foe that he encountered. Even his
putative gatekeeper opponents, such as Chris Van Heerden, Chris Algieri and
Leonard Bundu, weren't able to provide even token resistance. It was hard not
to get excited about his potential.
In a
perfect world, Spence would've had more development fights prior to his first
title shot. He hadn't encountered a decent puncher or an opponent with
significant athletic gifts during his development. However, he was so dominant
against the fighters he did face that one could understand why his team may
have skipped a step in favor of landing a championship opportunity.
Nevertheless, they were still taking a big risk heading to a title shot without
Spence beating a proper slate of trial horses.
Last May, Spence was thrown into the proverbial fire against welterweight titlist Kell Brook. Although he was facing a proud and talented champion in his hometown soccer stadium, Spence wasn't overawed by the moment. Spence started the fight methodically and purposefully. And while Brook's superior hand speed led to some early-round victories, Spence was executing his game plan, punishing the body and sacrificing punch volume to land significant power shots. Despite being down in the fight, Spence, and his steadfast trainer, Derrick James, didn't deviate from the plan.
Courtesy of Amanda Westcott/Showtime |
Last May, Spence was thrown into the proverbial fire against welterweight titlist Kell Brook. Although he was facing a proud and talented champion in his hometown soccer stadium, Spence wasn't overawed by the moment. Spence started the fight methodically and purposefully. And while Brook's superior hand speed led to some early-round victories, Spence was executing his game plan, punishing the body and sacrificing punch volume to land significant power shots. Despite being down in the fight, Spence, and his steadfast trainer, Derrick James, didn't deviate from the plan.
By the
fight's second half, Spence's approach was bearing fruit. Whereas Brook got the
best of many of the exchanges early in the fight, by the seventh and eighth
rounds, Spence was landing with far greater frequency and with often punishing
results; he was now battering Brook in the ring. He scored a knockdown in the
10th and withstood a final flurry by Brook in one of the more riveting rounds
of the year. In the 11th, Brook had had enough. A broken orbital bone caused
him to yield; Spence was now a world champion.
In
Sheffield that night, I left the arena with nothing but superlatives for
Spence. Not only did he win a belt on foreign soil in a hostile atmosphere, but
he beat a very good version of Brook, easily one of the top-two or three
welterweights in the world. Furthermore, he needed to come from behind to
achieve victory, a tall order for any fighter, let alone one with such paltry
world-class experience. Spence never experienced a gut-check fight during his
development, yet, when the time came he overcame his first battle with
adversity with aplomb.
After the
fight, I talked with a number of English boxing enthusiasts at the hotel bar.
Even though almost all proudly supported Brook, Spence had earned their
respect. Spence made a lot of new fans that night, in Sheffield and in boxing
outposts around the world.
Fresh off
the biggest moment of his career, it would have been natural for Spence to make
a hometown defense in his next fight, a way to build on the momentum of his
destruction of Brook. America is light on homegrown boxing stars and
Spence is one of the few candidates in this country to become one. He's
pleasing to watch in the ring, a good interview and packs boulders in both of
his hands. Yet, for whatever reason, Spence would wind up sitting out the rest
of 2017, which was certainly an opportunity squandered.
On
January 20th, Spence finally makes his return to the ring, against Lamont
Peterson at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Peterson, a capable top-ten
welterweight, certainly presents a credible first defense for Spence. Although
Peterson can run a little hot-and-cold, when he's on, he's a difficult
proposition for any fighter.
Peterson won't enter the ring with capitulation on his mind. He's not inclined to be a passive participant in a Spence coronation. With the exception of a knockout loss to Lucas Matthysse, Peterson has given every opponent a tough go of it. Similar to Spence, Peterson hasn't enjoyed his lengthy periods out of the ring. And he's never been a favored fighter in the PBC universe. He fights with a chip on his shoulder and a realization that the present is his time to make his bones in the ring.
Courtesy of Amanda Westcott/Showtime |
Peterson won't enter the ring with capitulation on his mind. He's not inclined to be a passive participant in a Spence coronation. With the exception of a knockout loss to Lucas Matthysse, Peterson has given every opponent a tough go of it. Similar to Spence, Peterson hasn't enjoyed his lengthy periods out of the ring. And he's never been a favored fighter in the PBC universe. He fights with a chip on his shoulder and a realization that the present is his time to make his bones in the ring.
Spence
stands on the precipice of creating a truly memorable 2018. Should he get past
Peterson, potential opponents such as unified titlist Keith Thurman, or past
champions such as Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia, could provide additional
opportunities for great fights. If Spence continues to win against top
opponents such as these, he could emerge as a bona fide attraction in boxing.
Looking down
the road even a little farther, Terence Crawford, the former undisputed junior
welterweight champion, and one of the top-two fighters on most pound-for-pound
lists, will be moving up to welterweight in 2018. Should Crawford obtain a belt
at 147 (Jeff Horn, come on down!), a potential superfight could emerge between
Spence and Crawford in early 2019. Now, it's certainly true that Spence's
manager, Al Haymon, and Crawford's promoter, Bob Arum, don't always play well
together, but there'd be a boatload of money for that fight and neither side is
opposed to greenbacks.
A lot of
this is speculative. Spence has never faced someone with the athletic gifts of
Thurman. He hasn't had to deal with the type of constant pressure that Porter
applies or a fighter with Crawford's versatility. Spence will be challenged
every step of the way should he endeavor to face the best at 147.
In short,
it's an exciting time to be a fan or an observer of Spence. And although Spence
has the potential to lose to Peterson, Thurman or Porter, very few fighters
have the package of physical attributes in the ring and the types of
intangibles like poise, a high ring IQ and self-confidence that could lead to a
sustained run of success in the top levels of boxing.
Refreshingly,
Spence doesn't seem to be plagued by self-satisfaction. Unlike many modern
fighters, Spence doesn't appear to be happy with low six-figure purses or periods
of inactivity. He wants challenges and the glory that comes with being the
best. Sadly, far too many of Spence's boxing brethren lack his sense of
urgency.
Spence-Peterson
should present boxing fans with a memorable battle, featuring devastating
inside combat, skills, athleticism and lots of power punches. Spence will soon
learn that at this level of boxing, every fight can be a threat. Should Spence
make it through January's fight with a victory, he could be on a rapid road to
true superstardom. But the winds are strong at high altitude and Spence
wouldn't be the first fighter to be negatively affected by rarefied air.
However, he has a good support team around him and the urge to really make
something of himself. 2018 will be Spence's proving ground. And if he ends the
year beating multiple threats in the welterweight division, the boxing world
could be his oyster. Stay tuned.
Adam Abramowitz is the founder and head writer of saturdaynightboxing.com
He's a member of the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board.
Email: saturdaynightboxing@hotmail.com
@snboxing on twitter. SN Boxing on Facebook.