This summer will feature some of the most anticipated fights that boxing fans have been patiently waiting for, but the question is which fight are you most excited for? Of course, “The Fight” between Errol Spence Jr and Terence “Bud” Crawford, that has featured both promotional teams (Al Haymon, Bob Arum) trading shots back and forth on social media and live fighting events about which fighter is the biggest draw and deserves more of the earnings, doesn’t look like it will happen in the near future, but there are still some fights just announced over the weekend that will grab your attention.
Errol Spence Jr. vs Manny Pacquiao
Is this Bud versus Spence? No. But does this have potential to be a great clash between two fighters with different styles? Yes. We know style has always made fights, and that doesn’t end here. The fight has been officially announced for August 21st in Las Vegas. The best pound for pound fighter at 147, Errol Spence Jr., will face arguably his biggest test taking on a 42-year old, but still electrifying, Manny Pacquiao. The bout has already been announced as a PBC on Fox Pay Per View event. It makes total sense that Manny is still a household name and will produce box office numbers. Both fighters like to apply pressure, with Manny having unblemished, lightening hand speed, and Errol having the best jab in the sport. Will Spence Jr attack the body to slow down the constant ring prowess of the Pac-Man? Can Errol contain Manny’s foot movement, flurry of punch combinations and control the ring with his length and vicious left hand? Manny hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down, regardless of his age. He’s dominated his last several fights, and wants to fight the young stars to show he’s still got the itch to compete for world titles. Nevertheless, outside of fighting Floyd Mayweather, this will be Manny’s toughest test.
Fury vs Wilder III
From racist remarks on both sides and not standing by their words, to arbitrators having the final say on rematches and trilogies, this fight will determine the future for both fighters going forward, which could lead to a possible 4th bout. Tyson Fury, WBC World Lineal Heavyweight Champion, announced yesterday evening with Joe Tessitore that he plans to give Wilder another beating, but this time make him suffer longer – letting him hang around for longer rounds. The controversial first fight, that left a lot of fans thinking Fury deserved the decision, ended in a draw. Fury left no doubts in the second bout, giving Wilder an old fashion a** whooping and forcing Wilder’s camp to throw in the towel during the 7th round. This tactic is done in situations where the team is trying to save not only the fighter’s health, but his boxing future. Deontay stated after the stoppage he could continue, but with visible bleeding from the mouth and ear socket, he was in no shape to continue. This was the first loss on Wilder’s resume. Fury is arguably the most polished and technical heavy weight fighter in the world. His defense is second to none, and has the footwork of a welterweight. In boxing, all it takes is one punch. Wilder was humbled after defeat; changing trainers and working on technique, versus slugging could be paramount in the trilogy fight. Wilder asked for this third bout, claiming it will be different, but is this some smoke Wilder is ready for? We will find out July 24th in Las Vegas.
Plant vs Canelo
This has the makings of being a major obstacle for Canelo on paper, but quite frankly, we’ve seen this story time and time again. As Mike Tyson famously said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” These up and coming fighters have gone into the ring as unblemished champions of their weight class and left out with an excruciating defeat that looked one-sided by the dominance of Alvarez. After suffering a complete boxing lesson from Floyd Mayweather, nearly 9 years ago, Alvarez has been not only the pound for pound best fighter (regardless of division), but unbeatable. Canelo holds the WBO, WBC and WBA belts at 168. What’s missing is the super middle weight IBF title held by Caleb Plant, who is eyeing a potential September 18th bout on the Mexican Independence Day holiday. Plant, who is 21-0 with 12 KO’s, is seeking a $10 million dollar purse from Canelo.
This fight is likely to get done due to Canelo being a boxing free agent. Usually fighters who are promoted by their management teams (Golden Boy-Canelo) wait for the small details to get ironed out (purse, venue, 60/40 split) before announcing. Caleb Plant fights under PBC on Fox, so expect both to make an official paper view announcement soon.