“Skills And Technique Beats Glamor”: Renowned Boxing Coach Has a Surprising Take on The Errol Spence vs Terence Crawford Showdown

Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford are all set to fight each other off on the 29th of July in Las Vegas, Nevada. When put together, the two have a whopping 67-0 record with 52 knockouts in their portfolio. However, it is going to be worth the while, as we will see the two enter one of the most anticipated bouts in recent boxing history. Will Spence Jr. be able to retain his pound-for-pound title, or will Terence get to keep his? The two are in their prime and certainly not looking to back down.

Presently, ‘The Truth’ Spence Jr. is 28-0 lifetime with 22 knockouts. The unified welterweight division champ has won IBF, WBC, and WBA (Super) titles. His last fight was a 10th-round knockout in April 2022 over Yordenis Ugás. But Terence Crawford is just as accomplished. He is 39-0 with 30 knockouts. A champion in lightweight, light welterweight, and welterweight, he currently holds the WBO welterweight belt. He previously fought David Avanesyan and won with a sixth-round knockout in December. Given their proven capabilities, the July 29 bout is going to be the greatest match of the decade. And fans aren’t the only ones who think this way; Spence’s trainer, Derrick James, does so too!

Technique over glamour, says Derrick James ahead of the Spence-Crawford showdown

The boxing world has already established that when Terence Crawford fights, he does not just fight. It is a show! He makes sure he imbibes a sense of fancy when he is in the ring. With some fancy footwork, changing stances, and an eye-grabbing knockout, he does not just go down in the news for his win but for his game. When compared, there is a common consensus that Crawford has a much more dynamic course of action when it comes to the ring, and Spence Jr. still needs to imbibe that. However, Spence’s trainer, James, holds an optimistic view here.

In an interview with YSM Sports Media, the celebrity boxing trainer gave his two cents on what counts as more important when it comes to the sport. Acknowledging the fact that fans are most enamored by the show and glitz of a match, but in the end what really matters is the skills and technique a fighter employs in winning over his opponent. Derrick said, “But the basic skills and technique beats glamor and show every day of the week.” He further defended Spence’s bland style of attack and said it was the consistency that Spence has shown that makes him what he is in the ring today.

The last leg of James’ Career as a Trainer

The infamous boxing trainer has ingrained the idea of excelling at the sport and remaining consistent with the fight in the ring. Derrick James is one of the biggest names when it comes to the who’s who of the boxing business. He is currently training a profile of young and prime fighters like Errol Spence Jr., Jermell Charlo, Anthony Joshua, Ryan Garcia, and Frank Martin. Ryan and AJ joined the trainer earlier this year.

As James prepares his clan of fighters for their big clash in the ring, he has also revealed that this will be the last batch of boxers he will be training. He seemingly wants to retire from training. In an interview with Boxing Scene, the 51-year-old revealed, “No, no, no, no, no. I’m done. I’m retiring. No more. I’m out of boxing after my guys retire.”

Also Read: In the Aftermath of Defeat Against ‘Tank’ Davis, Ryan Garcia Gets His Defense Game Up as He Trains With Veteran Coach

Derrick James has had a noteworthy career in boxing. He holds a record of 21 wins through 12 KOs, 7 losses, and 1 draw. His career spread from 1992 to 2008, and the man has shown immense prowess and skill in the ring.

As Errol Spence Jr. prepares for his biggest clash with Terence Crawford on the 29th of July, Derrick’s other trainees will also be fighting massive bouts this year. Martin is to face Artem Harutyunyan on July 15, AJ will meet Dillian Whyte on August 12, and Jermell Charlo will be fighting Canelo Alvarez on September 30. It is going to be a busy year for Derrick.

Who do you think is his most promising trainee from the slot? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

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