Sometimes, the boxing world presents fans with gems. Whether it was the all-out war in 1985 between Tommy Hearns and Marvin Hagler, the 1978 slugfest between Ken Norton and Larry Holmes, or the three brutal scraps between Evander Holyfield and Riddick Bowe, sometimes, boxing just delivers.

Although the two haven't sauntered through the T-Mobile Arena and let their fists fly against one another just yet, Errol Spence Jr. believes that his July 29th, showdown against Terence Crawford will deliver on the biggest stage. For those who have incredulously rolled their eyes at Spence’s statement, the current unified champion simply asks those nonbelievers to pop in the tape and take a look at their handiwork.

“The proof is in the pudding,” said Spence on ESPN’s First Take when asked why he believes his showdown against Crawford will be a historically great one. “You see Terence Crawford and his body of work. You see my body of work.”

By and large, both Spence and Crawford have put together the sort of resume that has vaulted them toward the top of practically everyone’s pound-for-pound list. Spence, a powerful southpaw out of Dallas, Texas, has lived up to his moniker of “Man Down”, scoring countless violent knockouts.

His latest KO victim was one who proved time and time again to be unbelievably durable. Yet, once Spence (28-0, 22 KOs) got his engine going, Yordenis Ugas crumbled, suffering a fractured left orbital bone and having his WBA title stripped from him in the process. Crawford, on the other hand, has a number of highlight-reel-worthy knockouts of his own.

At one point, the now 35-year-old was expected to rely heavily on his legs and boxing skills once he made the move up in weight. But, the added pounds he gained in 2018 have turned Crawford (39-0, 30 KOs) into a meaner and unrelenting fighter, resulting in seven consecutive KO victories.  

Overall, Crawford’s willingness to plant his feet and fire brings a gigantic smile to Spence’s face. Derrick James, his longtime trainer, has roughly two months to formulate a game plan. Ultimately, however, Spence knows good and well that his propensity for standing and banging will be heavily leaned upon. With practically everyone well aware of what he wants to do come fight night, Spence is expecting Crawford to tuck his chin, clench his fists, walk to the center of the ring, and give those who plunked down their hard-earned money something to remember.

“Everybody already know as soon as I get in the ring I’m stepping. I expect him to step too. We gonna put on a great show and a great performance.”