Spence vs. van Heerden: BoxingScene Staff Predictions

By Jake Donovan

In just three years in the pro ranks, Errol Spence Jr. is already being groomed for showdowns with some of the top fighters in the always loaded welterweight division.

Before he can get there, he must conquer what's in front of him—a scheduled 10-round welterweight showdown with South Africa's Chris van Heerden. Their bout preceded World light heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson in a title defense versus Tommy Karpency, with both contests airing live in the latest installement of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike TV from Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto, Canada.

The pair of welterweight southpaws are enjoying terrific 2014 campaigns. Spence Jr. (17-0, 14KOs)—who served on the 2012 U.S. Olympic boxing team in London—is coming off of a 3rd round knockout of Phil Lo Greco in June, having aired live in primetime on NBC.

van Heerden has scored two wins in 2014, including a 10-round decision over previously unbeaten Cecil McCanna in January.

BOXINGSCENE STAFF PREDICTIONS: ERROL SPENCE JR. vs. CHRIS VAN HEERDEN

Shaun Brown (Spence UD): This is a solid test for the next big thing out of American boxing. Van Heerden is made of stern stuff and won't go away quietly. I'd be impressed if Spence can get him out of there. Spence's ability trumps Van Heerden and should get a wide decision.

Ryan Burton (Spence UD): Van Heerden is Spence's toughest opponent to date but Spence is the more talented fighter and wins a dominant decision. 

Jake Donovan (Spence TKO7): Conventional wisdom says a distance fight. With the world's best welterweight fighting in Las Vegas this weekend, Spence Jr. picks it up a notch, sending a message in one day becoming the heir apparent. 

Takahiro Onaga (Spence KO8): Spence shows promise of being very good, and here's his first real step up. I expect him to raise his game.

Cliff Rold (Spence KO): This is a solid step up fight for Spence as he creeps towards the contenders at Welterweight. He's too quick to lose but Van Heerden should give him some good rounds. I see Spence breaking him down by night's end.

Alexey Sukachev (Spence UD10): Saw the South African and wasn't impressed. Spence is better but he is more of a boxer than a slugger while Heerden will be in a shell. 98-92 or 99-91 should be expected though late stoppage shouldn't be ruled out.

Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com.

Twitter: @JakeNDaBox

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