6 of the best boxing PPV performances since 2000
1. Terence Crawford TKO9 Errol Spence Jr.
July 29, 2023
The most recent bout on this list is one that, for many, would define an era in boxing. Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. fought for the undisputed welterweight title, which was anticipated for a half-decade.
The betting odds slightly favored Crawford, but by the general public and a majority of pundits, it was viewed as a proper 50-50 fight. That is, until they got into the ring.
Following a tightly contested first round, Crawford changed the fight with a knockdown in the second with a countering jab. From this point, each round was a showcase of Crawford’s skill.
Fighting in the southpaw stance, Crawford’s right jab visibly shook Spence anytime it landed. Spence stayed on the same line and pattern, which allowed Crawford’s counters to land with a punishing impact.
Spence never stopped trying to win, but anytime he landed a punch or threw in combination, Crawford was never deterred and always composed. In between rounds, Crawford looked relaxed, calmly breathing without any additional exertion. It seemed like he had Spence figured out immediately.
A pair of knockdowns in the seventh round further put an exclamation point for Crawford, with the fight lasting only two more rounds before it was mercifully stopped in the ninth.
Since first moving up to welterweight, Crawford was unfortunately on the wrong side of the promotional divide. His patience and dedication to stay in shape and not allow the criticism regarding his resume to be a negative, but instead a motivator, all contributed to his display against Spence.
Crawford, a three-division champion and now holding undisputed distinction at junior welterweight and welterweight, has undoubtedly, cemented his legacy as one the leaders in this era with his victory over Spence.
While there will certainly be more significant bouts for Crawford in the future, it’s difficult to imagine he will outshine what he did against Spence.
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