In a week that will go down in boxing history, fans were treated to a display of sheer dominance as two of the sport’s pound-for-pound best fighters, Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue, showcased their skills and determination in unforgettable fashion.
Crawford’s dismantling of Errol Spence Jr to become the first x 2 undisputed welterweight champion in the four-belt era. While Inoue’s picked up a sensational victory over Stephen Fulton to claim the super-bantamweight titles solidifying their places among the boxing elite.
Let’s delve deep into every fight to relive the thrill once again!
Terence Crawford vs Errol Spence Jr: Making History in the Welterweight Division
Terence Crawford’s remarkable win in the highly anticipated welterweight match has undoubtedly etched his name in the annals of boxing history. The 35-year-old WBO champion was on a mission to become the first four-belt era’s undisputed welterweight champion, and he did not disappoint.
From the opening bell, Crawford showcased a blend of power and precision that Spence Jr could not get handle of. His pinpoint accuracy, timing, and counter-punching made it difficult for Spence Jr to find his rhythm and counter effectively.
Three Knockdowns
During the second round, Spence made a lunge with a body jab, but Crawford countered with a cross-power jab combination. As a result, the former Olympian lost his balance and fell to the canvas for the first time in his career.
As the fight progressed, Crawford’s onslaught intensified as he was beating Spence in almost every department.
Spence fell behind in the cards, and in an attempt to catch up to Crawford, he left himself vulnerable to counter-punches. Crawford seized the opportunity and delivered a perfectly timed right uppercut followed by a right in the 7th round putting him down again. But it wasn’t over, as once again Crawford was able to slip punch and counter him again to put him down.
In the ninth round, he once again landed a hurtful counter followed by a combination that left the referee, with no choice, mercifully call an end to the bout, crowning Crawford the undisputed welterweight champion and stripping Spence Jr of his WBC, WBA (Super), and IBF titles.
With this remarkable victory, Crawford etched his name in the boxing annals as the first man to win undisputed titles in two weight classes in the four-belt era.
His relentless pursuit of greatness and dominance in the welterweight division cemented his status as one of the best fighters in the world today.
There are questions about whether Spence will take the rematch, but you can’t help but think it will be a similar result.
Check out my post-fight breakdown analysis of the fight here:
Naoya Inoue vs. Stephen Fulton: The Rise of a Four-Division World Champion
In a pulsating battle in front of his home crowd at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena, Naoya Inoue continued his journey of supremacy in his first fight in the super-bantamweight division.
The 30-year-old Japanese sensation put on a show that left fans in awe and earned him to take the WBO and WBC super-bantamweight titles from Stephen Fulton.
Inoue’s reputation as a hard-hitting, relentless fighter was evident throughout the bout. He took control of the fight from the outset, displaying his power and speed in equal measure.
Throughout the fight, Inoue would use his terrific body job that would eventually set up the devastating blow.
In the eighth round, he dropped Fulton with a vicious punch, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Following the knockdown, Inoue unleashed a flurry of punches, demonstrating his killer instinct. The referee had no choice but to intervene and halt the contest, awarding Inoue a sensational victory and his fourth world title in as many weight classes.
With an unblemished professional record of 24 wins, Inoue’s accomplishments in the ring speak for themselves.
Relinquishing the undisputed bantamweight crown to challenge for the unified title exemplified his ambition and determination to become a two-weight undisputed champion which he could do by his next fight.
Check out my post-fight breakdown analysis of the fight here:
Final thoughts
This week and these performances will forever be etched in the minds of boxing enthusiasts.
Crawford’s dominance in the welterweight division and Inoue’s unyielding pursuit of greatness exemplify the spirit of modern-day boxing which has sometimes felt absent in recent years.
As both fighters continue to elevate the sport to new heights, their legacies as pound-for-pound elites are firmly established, and fans eagerly await their next thrilling performances.
Check out my breakdown article on Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue below:
- How Terence Crawford Trains – The Life of a Champion
- The Monster Training Method of Naoya Inoue
- Terence Crawford’s Complete Boxing Style
- Naoya Inoue Devastating Boxing Style
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