In an iconic showcase of skill and dominance, Terence Crawford secured victory over Errol Spence Jr. in their long-anticipated super fight in July last year. The T-Mobile Arena witnessed Crawford’s prowess as he sent Spence to the canvas in Round 2 and delivered a relentless two-fisted onslaught in Round 7. The result: Crawford claimed the IBF, WBA, and WBC welterweight titles, adding to his existing WBO belt.

The 35-year-old maestro continued his assault in Round 9, leaving a bloodied and battered Spence. Referee Harvey Dock intervened, halting the one-sided contest at 2 minutes, 32 seconds. The defeat took a toll on Spence Jr, so much so that Bernard Hopkins believes that the boxer would never be the same anymore.

Bernard Hopkins says Errol Spence Jr’s loss took something out of him

Bernard Hopkins talks about how he believes Terence Crawford is the deserving candidate for the 2023 Fighter of the Year. According to Hopkins, one doesn’t need to fight a lot of fights to be the best. One massive bout against a great opponent can do wonders for a fighter. He also talked about the impact of the punishment on Errol Spence Jr, and how he’s taking some time out of the ring because of it.

Hopkins said, “Look who he beat, what he did to Spence, and how he did it. That’s three fights to me and it took four fights out of Spence, right? Did you see that? See, I’m a fighter so I can tell you when you get punished like that, it takes a few years out. You don’t see the years right now, but it sort of takes something out of that person going forward. They still can beat some fights.”

He went on to add, “You didn’t see Spence fight yet. Did you hear the name of the opponent for him to potentially fight? It’s been quiet. Did you see the weight he gained? Is it the same weight? That tells you.” Crawford not only managed to defeat Spence Jr. but also dented his career from ever rising again, according to Hopkins. However, things might change in the rematch between Crawford and Spence Jr.

The prospects of Crawford-Spence Jr rematch

Terence Crawford, widely recognized as the No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer globally, is already gearing up for his next challenge. It will most probably be a rematch against Errol Spence Jr. Despite the one-sided nature of their initial encounter, both fighters are bound by a rematch clause in their contracts. So it’s a crucial stipulation that made the first fight possible. Crawford, speaking to the media, emphasized the contractual commitment to the rematch. However, the date remains uncertain.

Since Showtime has gone under, the venue and time have yet to be determined. Speaking about it, Crawford said, “It’s up in the air because Showtime has decided not to do boxing. Nothing has been noted to me that the fight would not happen. The contract says 147, and that’s where it will be right now. We can decide on 154 or 147.”

Read More: “Cool Guy RIP”: Errol Spence Jr Mourns Saddening Demise of Young Boxing Prospect

So, the rematch between the two boxers might happen soon, and the fans will get to see how Spence Jr will decide to conquer the toughest opponent of his career yet. What are your thoughts about this? Tell us in the comments section.

Watch This Story: Top 5 Fights on Which Boxing Fans Would Pay Anything to Watch …