Bernard Hopkins Remains Brutally Honest On Why Rematch Between Errol Spence Jr And Terence Crawford Will Be “Different”

Terence Crawford has secured his spot in boxing history. Many experts and fans saw the fight against Errol Spence as evenly matched. However, Crawford dominated the match and made it a one-sided win. He won by a ninth-round knockout against Errol Spence Jr. Although people questioned his technical skills, he proved them wrong. However, now Spence has activated the rematch clause, reigniting everyone’s interest.

The fight made good money. As per sources, pay-per-view sales hit around $650,000. Moreover, Bud made approximately $21 million from the bout. Now that Spence is all geared up for the rematch, speculations have begun. Where some predict the result will be no different, renowned names like Jermell Charlo favor Spence’s win. Moreover, many have also shown concern about Spence’s health. Now, amongst the myriad viewpoints, there’s a new voice. He’s none other than former world champion Bernard Hopkins. According to him, the rematch will be “different.” But, how?

Why does Hopkins think Errol Spence Jr. vs. Bud rematch will be “different”?

In a recent interview with Fight Hub TV, Bernard expressed his opinion about the rematch. In Hopkins’ regard, an off-night shouldn’t define a boxer’s career. He believes that Errol Spence Jr. deserves a chance to prove that his previous performance against Terence Crawford was just that—an off-night. Hopkins is convinced that a rematch would yield different results, primarily due to Spence’s potential for improvement and tactical adjustments.

He said, “Some, and if not, over 60 percent of people might think that, but I think a little different. I think that not that he might win, but I think it would be different, which would be entertaining to us looking for it not to be any different than the first fight. So exercise, which you negotiated, grant that on both sides and then move on. Matter of fact, you should already have, but you want to move on next to, uh, in the works anyway. That’s what managers, advisors, promoters, that’s what they do, and hopefully some fighters will start taking that good lesson. But anyway, I think that the fight has credibility to go for the rematch based on what they negotiated.”

So, what makes Hopkins so sure? The man himself cites the importance of mindset and strategy in boxing. According to him, Spence has the mental fortitude to bounce back and the skill set to adapt, making a rematch not just necessary but potentially groundbreaking.

How’s Errol preparing for the rematch with his trainer?

Spence and his longtime trainer, Derrick James, are sticking together for the rematch against Terence Crawford. Moreover, they have  laughed off rumors about a split. The rematch will happen at 154 pounds. This is because this weight suits both fighters better than the first match that happened at 147 pounds.

Crawford won that fight and claimed the undisputed welterweight title. Resonating with Hopkins’ opinion, James says one bad day shouldn’t define Spence’s career. Spence and James are reviewing their first fight. They’re discussing weight loss, sparring, and strategy. They aim to avoid past mistakes. Spence is ready to challenge Crawford again. Moreover, he ignored the rumors and is focused on his rematch.

Read More: Days After Creating $21 Million History, Terence Crawford Names Something More Important To Him Than Boxing

Bernard Hopkins has never been one to mince words, and his insights into why a rematch between Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford would be “different” are both candid and compelling. With Spence’s upcoming fight and new training regimen, the stage is set for a rematch that could redefine both fighters’ careers. So, what do you think? Will the rematch be as groundbreaking as Hopkins predicts? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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