Comments Thread For: How Errol Spence Jr. Became Everyone's Favorite Welterweight

[lion33lit]

He's everyone's favorite welterweight?? He's a well proportioned tall guy with a fierce intimidating powerful come forward style that would most likely earn the respect of middleweights - with a body attack that's especially sick!.....but he seems reliant on doing just that - walking you down till you fold! He doesnt have a backfoot game and I can only guess what he'll do if he fights an opponent stronger than him..... Him against a 147lb Paul Williams woulda been classic!

Physical strength or strengths (what u do well) can't always bail u out.....As a fan of the sport, imo, he needs more overall ability......In basketball u can't always rely on the jumpshot, layup, & height. There's much more to the "game."

Spence "seems" also to get a bit frustrated when he thinks you should whither & fold already from his attack....although he was on the way in picking Chris Algieri apart to the eventual point of destruction!..lol, he ended up fighting Chris a lil' dirty because he didn't go down quick enough!

In his last fight he landed 2 major low blows before landing correctly to the body, it (the fight) should have been temporarily halted by the ref for recovery - regardless of whether or not his opponent showed distress.

Brook showed some brilliant spurts of "boxing" against a dogged & determined Spence with some beautiful straight rights, that's until his "already" fractured "face" gave way......but Spence IS a courageous dude for even going over there! I can see why he could be anybodies favorite, but I have at least 4 "favorites" that I NEED to see get it on before the "favorite" title can be even thrown out there....

[Bronx2245]

Spence's win over a guy that had this skull smahed in during his previous fight was predictable. NOBODY thought Brook would be anything more than Horn, just a stiff test. Indongo was exposed by Crawford and like Brook, Indongo took a beating in his previous fight so it was no surprise when he lost to Prograis. Mikey is a 135 / 140lb fighter with a big head and he would be the underdog fighting any top 10 WW which in context...nullifies your argument.

Next!

May 17, 2017:

Sugar Ray Leonard

Spence is one of those fighters that can fight and he knows when to pull back and hold. He is a natural. And Kell Brook also has something you cannot teach - his chin. Everyone doesn't have the power of Gennady Golovkin, but he took it. Someone has said it's a 50-50 and I can go along with that too because of the intangibles - for both fighters. I came in liking Spence Jr but watching what I've seen of Kell Brook, it could easily be him. I wouldn't put my house on it, that's for sure.

Dan Birmingham (Thurman's Trainer)

There are so many ifs and buts and it is that close. I don't mind who wins but from an American angle, Spence has got to hurt Brook early to get his respect. If he does, it may be his. If he doesn't I can see Brook out-boxing him and I am probably expecting him to win. He is fighting at home, he's the man with the championship, the experience and he is the more seasoned of the two. Spence might have the hunger but I am giving Brook the edge on points.

Jim McDonnell (DeGale's Trainer)

Everyone I have spoken to are split: one says Brook, one says Spence and some even are calling it a draw! You can flip a coin and of course, I would love to see Kell pull it off and do it in style. I think this goes down to whoever gets everything right, not just in the fight, but in the build-up too - and that means the weight is going to be crucial. But Brook has been there, seen it, done it, he will feel invincible after how he did against Golovkin. It might be close but I am going for Brook, on points, just because of what he's done.

http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/15620/10892990/brook-vs-spence-jr-our-experts-predictions-on-the-world-welterweight-title-fight

May 24, 2017:

Kathy Duva, Main Events CEO

Undecided: I think that Spence may be the best young fighter in boxing. So I have to question why his management has rushed him into a fight as tough as this one overseas. While Spence is a terrific young talent, he will be jumping into the deep end of the pool here. Spence will be fighting an experienced and capable opponent in Brook, who will be backed by an entire arena full of motivated and loyal fans. If Spence can pull off a win here, then he truly is the “next big thing.” Brook is quite a big test for Spence. And I have no idea who will win.

Doug Fischer, ******.com editor

Kell Brook KO Errol Spence: After the Golokvin fight, I started thinking this is the right time (for Spence) to catch Kell Brook, coming off the brutal knockout loss. He’s having to push his body in another way in getting down to 147 after testing his physiology, allowing him to fight at a more natural weight. So I thought he’ll probably be drained, and there may be some physiological residue from not only losing for the first time but having his face broken. All that made me favor – slightly – the young American.

But as we’ve gotten closer to the fight, I’ve kind of swung back to Brook, thinking he’s got hometown advantage and that he’s going to bring a lot of confidence into the ring as the battle-tested veteran. When I look at Spence’s resume, I don’t see anybody he’s fought that he wasn’t supposed to beat. The same, for the most part, could be said about Brook, but Brook had the gut-check against Carson Jones (first fight). He came back and beat the American gatekeeper (by stoppage) in the rematch. He had his title fight against Shawn Porter and that was a 50/50 fight. Maybe Porter was slightly favored because the fight was in the U.S. He was an underdog and he traveled and fought as the underdog in the other guy‘s country. That shows us his character, and to beat Porter’s not easy – it’s an ugly style, a physical style, a guy who can hit you quite hard, and I thought Brook handled himself well and outclassed Porter with his boxing ability and athleticism. When I look at Spence‘s record, I see he’s been a 10-1 to 20-1 favorite to beat every single guy he’s beat so far.

When I look at the best names on his resume, nobody was able to hit back with a lot of authority, not a single guy. (Leonard) Bundu is not a puncher at all. Chris Algieri is not a puncher. And beyond those two, who do you have? Chris Van Heerden – is that the third-best guy on Spence’s resume? That’s not exactly a murderers row, and I’ve got to wonder what Brook would have done to the same collection of fighters. I think he would run through those guys. When you look at what Spence has done, the hype exceeds his accomplishments. So I sway back to the older guy. I’m going on a hunch and taking the experienced defending champion to win via mid-to-late stoppage.

Tom Gray, ******.com

Kell Brook SD12 Errol Spence Jr.: I still think that Brook will be a formidable force at 147 pounds, despite the weight loss. I spoke to him nine days out from fight time and he sounded confident, energetic and was only marginally over the welterweight limit. Regardless, I still think he’ll have to work like hell to win this fight. Spence is an exceptional young talent and he is wonderfully athletic. Even though he’s a terrific boxer on the outside, the challenger does most of his damage at mid-range, where he unleashes hooks and uppercuts, up and down, with abandon. Brook is also a quality operator on the outside; his right hand is always on point as a lead or a counterpunch and it’s a terrific weapon. The champion will have to pick his punches very well and make Spence pay when he attempts to close the gap. He also has to make sure that Spence doesn’t get into a rhythm behind that southpaw jab. It’s a hard night’s work but my guess is that Brook’s superior experience and home advantage gets him over the line – just.

https://www.******.com/501352-fight-...rol-spence-jr/

May 26, 2017:

Spence (21-0, 18 KOs), after all, is considered perhaps the best prospect in all of boxing. But he’s never seen a pro boxer on the level of Brook, a wonderful fighter himself who beat Shawn Porter to win his title and then gave Gennady Golovkin problems in the early rounds of their fight last year.

Though Spence is a -225 favorite (you’d have to wager $225 to win $100) and though most boxers are predicting that the 27-year-old Texan will win the fight, Brook likely will make life difficult for him.

In fact, two of the three Forbes boxing experts believe the 31-year-old Brook will prevail and retain his title in front of his countrymen...

As Mazique said, “Brook-Spence is one of the toughest fights to predict this year. It will likely be a close one that comes down to the judges, but at the end of the day, Brook's experience, jab and toughness have me leaning in his direction. I firmly believe Spence will be a world champion, just not on Saturday night in Sheffield.”

https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshkat.../#3418b888354c

[Warrior Scholar]

Porter will whoop Spence if they ever make the fight.

[moonshineman]

Spense is not everyone's favorite.

[yoshik]

Porter will whoop Spence if they ever make the fight.

LOL! i like Porter but he gets blasted out.

[mathed]

By Andreas Hale - The welterweight division may be crowded with talent, but Errol Spence Jr. is the one holding all of the cards to success. After wrecking mandatory challenger Carlos Ocompo on Saturday night with a wicked body shot in the first round, Spence said all of the right things that will both endear him to fight fans and put the rest of the welterweight division on notice. What the 28-year-old said afterward is exactly what...
[Click Here To Read More]

Crawford is MY favorite WW, don’t push Spence on me.

[pillowfists98]

Porter will whoop Spence if they ever make the fight.

I agree. Spence can't fight off the back foot. Porter will make life hell for him.

[joseph5620]

I do like Spence but that is not a good argument for his defence.

Kell was coming off a loss

And Peterson was inactive for two years

Most people on this site picked Brook to beat Spence. In typical fashion after Spence beat him the win becomes meaningless for people looking for any excuse to discredit it.

[Arma316]

A lot of Keith Thurman fans in here, it seems.

Errol Spence is the real deal. A truly special talent who’s strengths outweigh his weaknesses.

Terence Crawford is the only one who has a legit chance to beat him at 147.

Whomever wins of Porter and Garcia is gonna get beat bad by Errol, and excuses will continue to be made about him not being the best.

[lion33lit]

May 17, 2017:

Sugar Ray Leonard

Spence is one of those fighters that can fight and he knows when to pull back and hold. He is a natural. And Kell Brook also has something you cannot teach - his chin. Everyone doesn't have the power of Gennady Golovkin, but he took it. Someone has said it's a 50-50 and I can go along with that too because of the intangibles - for both fighters. I came in liking Spence Jr but watching what I've seen of Kell Brook, it could easily be him. I wouldn't put my house on it, that's for sure.

Dan Birmingham (Thurman's Trainer)

There are so many ifs and buts and it is that close. I don't mind who wins but from an American angle, Spence has got to hurt Brook early to get his respect. If he does, it may be his. If he doesn't I can see Brook out-boxing him and I am probably expecting him to win. He is fighting at home, he's the man with the championship, the experience and he is the more seasoned of the two. Spence might have the hunger but I am giving Brook the edge on points.

Jim McDonnell (DeGale's Trainer)

Everyone I have spoken to are split: one says Brook, one says Spence and some even are calling it a draw! You can flip a coin and of course, I would love to see Kell pull it off and do it in style. I think this goes down to whoever gets everything right, not just in the fight, but in the build-up too - and that means the weight is going to be crucial. But Brook has been there, seen it, done it, he will feel invincible after how he did against Golovkin. It might be close but I am going for Brook, on points, just because of what he's done.

http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/15620/10892990/brook-vs-spence-jr-our-experts-predictions-on-the-world-welterweight-title-fight

May 24, 2017:

Kathy Duva, Main Events CEO

Undecided: I think that Spence may be the best young fighter in boxing. So I have to question why his management has rushed him into a fight as tough as this one overseas. While Spence is a terrific young talent, he will be jumping into the deep end of the pool here. Spence will be fighting an experienced and capable opponent in Brook, who will be backed by an entire arena full of motivated and loyal fans. If Spence can pull off a win here, then he truly is the “next big thing.” Brook is quite a big test for Spence. And I have no idea who will win.

Doug Fischer, ******.com editor

Kell Brook KO Errol Spence: After the Golokvin fight, I started thinking this is the right time (for Spence) to catch Kell Brook, coming off the brutal knockout loss. He’s having to push his body in another way in getting down to 147 after testing his physiology, allowing him to fight at a more natural weight. So I thought he’ll probably be drained, and there may be some physiological residue from not only losing for the first time but having his face broken. All that made me favor – slightly – the young American.

But as we’ve gotten closer to the fight, I’ve kind of swung back to Brook, thinking he’s got hometown advantage and that he’s going to bring a lot of confidence into the ring as the battle-tested veteran. When I look at Spence’s resume, I don’t see anybody he’s fought that he wasn’t supposed to beat. The same, for the most part, could be said about Brook, but Brook had the gut-check against Carson Jones (first fight). He came back and beat the American gatekeeper (by stoppage) in the rematch. He had his title fight against Shawn Porter and that was a 50/50 fight. Maybe Porter was slightly favored because the fight was in the U.S. He was an underdog and he traveled and fought as the underdog in the other guy‘s country. That shows us his character, and to beat Porter’s not easy – it’s an ugly style, a physical style, a guy who can hit you quite hard, and I thought Brook handled himself well and outclassed Porter with his boxing ability and athleticism. When I look at Spence‘s record, I see he’s been a 10-1 to 20-1 favorite to beat every single guy he’s beat so far.

When I look at the best names on his resume, nobody was able to hit back with a lot of authority, not a single guy. (Leonard) Bundu is not a puncher at all. Chris Algieri is not a puncher. And beyond those two, who do you have? Chris Van Heerden – is that the third-best guy on Spence’s resume? That’s not exactly a murderers row, and I’ve got to wonder what Brook would have done to the same collection of fighters. I think he would run through those guys. When you look at what Spence has done, the hype exceeds his accomplishments. So I sway back to the older guy. I’m going on a hunch and taking the experienced defending champion to win via mid-to-late stoppage.

Tom Gray, ******.com

Kell Brook SD12 Errol Spence Jr.: I still think that Brook will be a formidable force at 147 pounds, despite the weight loss. I spoke to him nine days out from fight time and he sounded confident, energetic and was only marginally over the welterweight limit. Regardless, I still think he’ll have to work like hell to win this fight. Spence is an exceptional young talent and he is wonderfully athletic. Even though he’s a terrific boxer on the outside, the challenger does most of his damage at mid-range, where he unleashes hooks and uppercuts, up and down, with abandon. Brook is also a quality operator on the outside; his right hand is always on point as a lead or a counterpunch and it’s a terrific weapon. The champion will have to pick his punches very well and make Spence pay when he attempts to close the gap. He also has to make sure that Spence doesn’t get into a rhythm behind that southpaw jab. It’s a hard night’s work but my guess is that Brook’s superior experience and home advantage gets him over the line – just.

https://www.******.com/501352-fight-...rol-spence-jr/

May 26, 2017:

Spence (21-0, 18 KOs), after all, is considered perhaps the best prospect in all of boxing. But he’s never seen a pro boxer on the level of Brook, a wonderful fighter himself who beat Shawn Porter to win his title and then gave Gennady Golovkin problems in the early rounds of their fight last year.

Though Spence is a -225 favorite (you’d have to wager $225 to win $100) and though most boxers are predicting that the 27-year-old Texan will win the fight, Brook likely will make life difficult for him.

In fact, two of the three Forbes boxing experts believe the 31-year-old Brook will prevail and retain his title in front of his countrymen...

As Mazique said, “Brook-Spence is one of the toughest fights to predict this year. It will likely be a close one that comes down to the judges, but at the end of the day, Brook's experience, jab and toughness have me leaning in his direction. I firmly believe Spence will be a world champion, just not on Saturday night in Sheffield.”

https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshkat.../#3418b888354c

Thank you for those informative & entertaining quotes! Some fans now act as though Brook never had a shot!......granted, if they believed he didnt have a shot because of what Golovkin did to him, so be it, thats understandable! But Brook came over here and DISPAYED the SAME type of courage Spence did by coming over here and convincingly beating an UNDEFEATED fit dogged fighter that resembled a wild version of Mike Tyson!!

Some complained he (Brook) held to much in the fight. But why not strategically "hold IF" the opponent your fighting is KNOWN for dry humping you while ramming his head in your chest/neck/face to sapp and intimidate whatever courage you came in there with?? I'm American, but whoever "deserves" their respect, it should be given, Brook did a courageous thing by coming over here dealing with this whirlwind of a fighter!

Brooks "bravery" may have been too much when he stepped in the ring with the devastating puncher Golovkin, and Brook may never reach where he couldve (his potential) if not for that poor decision, but its NOT far fetched to think he couldve given Spence "the business" if he didn't get his face fractured beforehand! And it doesnt matter if his injury was initially on the right or left socket - his entire face was effected....

Any opponent Brook fights now can potentially "break his face" again, any punch now whether it be soft or hard can/could re-agitate something as delicate as the structure of the eye sockets.......He did a great job against Spence until not even his bravery could help him out....broken eye sockets nullifying your strategy in a bout is something no condescending keyboard warrior can relate to, only Brook can fill us in on whats it like....and Ray Leonard whose detached retina had him seriously contemplating retirement....Spence is really good, can actually end up at the top of the pile, and I like him, but he hasn't faced slick welters that arent gonna stand in front of him like mindless zombies......Brook gave us a taste of that future opponents strategy...