The Fight We’ve Been Waiting For (and more!)
By Eddie Sanchez
We are less than a week away from one of the biggest nights in combat sports. On Saturday, July 29, fight fans across the globe will be treated to Errol Spence Jr.-vs-Terence Crawford. The boxing world, fans and media alike, simply cannot wait for this fight and its undercard. There’s a lot to be excited about.
Terence Crawford, with his lightning-fast reflexes, devastating power, and exceptional ring intelligence, has carved a path of destruction through the welterweight division, and two divisions prior. Winning the WBO welterweight belt in 2018, Crawford has waited years for the opportunity to unify. Lucky for him, the man across the ring holds the WBC, WBA and IBF Welterweight belts. Possessing a formidable combination of speed, accuracy, and relentless pressure, Errol Spence Jr. has systematically taken down top-tier opponents, making it clear that whomever comes out on top of this bout, will not only be Undisputed in name and with titles held, but has the chance to go down in history as one of the best fighters of the historic division.
Prediction: Terence Crawford will defeat Errol Spence Jr. by UD.
Leading into this fantastic matchup are two fights that stand out above the rest of the undercard. The co-main event of the evening will feature Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz facing the unbeaten Giovanni Cabrera, in a 12-round WBC and WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator. The victor will be next in line to challenge Devin Haney if he continues to fight at the Lightweight division, or Gervonta Davis, who would likely get elevated to WBA champion in the event Haney moves up in weight and vacates his belts. Cabrera has excellent skills, which should provide a stern challenge for the 25-year old Cruz. Despite the challenge, I am predicting that Isaac Cruz will defeat Giovanni Cabrera by SD.
Prior to Isaac Cruz-vs-Giovanni Cabrera enter the squared circle, Nonito Donaire will attempt to reclaim his status as the WBC Bantamweight champion against the Alejandro Santiago. Donaire lost his belt in January 2022 against the P4P great, Naoya Inoue. Now, less than two years later, the fans will be treated to year another championship fight featuring the Filipino-great. Despite the 13-year age gap between the two men (Donaire-40 and Santiago-27), I am predicting that Nonito Donaire will defeat Alejandro Santiago by UD.
With all of this great action in the boxing world on July 29, how can you not be excited for this affair. And to that, all I can say is, “Thank you Al Haymon!”
