Spence vs Crawford LIVE! Boxing result, fight stream, latest updates and reaction

Spence vs Crawford LIVE!

Terence Crawford blitzed Errol Spence with a stunning display to claim all the titles at welterweight in a blockbuster main event in Las Vegas on Saturday night. ‘Bud’ produced a sensational and dominant performance for the ages to make history as the first male fighter in boxing’s four-belt era ever to become an undisputed world champion in two different weight classes.

It was an absolute clinic from three-division champion Crawford, also previously undisputed at light-welterweight, dropping a stunned Spence to the canvas for the first time in his professional career at the end of round two and twice more in the seventh before a one-sided beatdown was finally halted by the referee in round nine.

On the undercard, Mexican lightweight contender Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz earned a narrow win over Giovanni Cabrera in the co-feature bout. Alexandro Santiago beat the legendary Nonito Donaire to claim the vacant WBC bantamweight title after an explosive early triumph for Cuban prospect Yoenis Tellez, plus initial victories for Steven Nelson and Jose Manuel Salas Reyes. Follow Spence vs Crawford reaction live below!

Errol Spence vs Terence Crawford latest news

• Terence Crawford dominates Errol Spence to become undisputed again

• Stunned Spence targets December rematch at 154

• Isaac Cruz edges Giovanni Cabrera via split decision

• Alexandro Santiago beats Nonito Donaire for bantamweight gold

• Cuban Yoenis Tellez stops Sergio Garcia in explosive statement

06:24 , George Flood

Just to reiterate, Spence has already confirmed his intention to swiftly exercise that rematch clause.

He wants it in December at 154 pounds. Not sure why Crawford would do that myself, but he also seems open to it in fairness.

He says he also finds it a struggle to make 147 and previously called out undisputed light-middleweight king Jermell Charlo, who is going up to fight Canelo Alvarez at 168 in September.

Crawford did some notable jawing with Charlo at ringside tonight actually during his beatdown of Spence.

Tonight was so utterly one-sided, do we really need to see it again at any weight?

06:16 , George Flood

Final punch stats

06:14 , George Flood

These final punch stats are absolutely incredible.

Truly an all-time great performance from Crawford. Not just in boxing, but any sport. Spellbinding.

Scorecards at time of stoppage

06:13 , George Flood

The scorecards up to the time of the stoppage reiterate the complete domination from Crawford tonight.

Spence was given only one round by two judges, that cagey first in which he started the better as Bud did his usual scouting mission.

David Sutherland didn’t even give that round to Spence!

Spence and Crawford both talk up rematch

06:08 , George Flood

So what about that rematch then?

As we said before the fight, there was a two-way rematch clause in the contract to be activated within 30 days by the loser, but with the winner allowed to pick the weight at which a second contest will be fought at.

Presumably Crawford will want to keep it down at 147, given his utter destruction tonight and Spence’s obvious struggles to keep making the welterweight limit and desire to move up. Had Spence won, he would almost certainly have demanded that Crawford meet him at 154, which I’m really not sure he would have been willing to do.

Spence doesn’t seem disheartened by the totally one-sided nature of his defeat though, saying of a possible rematch: “We’ve got to do it again. I would be a lot better, it would be a lot closer. We got to do it again.”

On the same topic, the victorious Crawford said: “Of course the public would buy it, look how many people came out to show us both support tonight.

“If the fight happens again I am pretty sure the support will come out again for both of us.”

No excuses from Errol Spence

05:56 , George Flood

No excuses from a downbeat Errol Spence after a thoroughly one-sided first career defeat that drops him to 28-1.

Crawford, meanwhile, improves to 40-0 with 31 knockouts.

“He was the better fighter on the night, he dictated with the jab, my timing was a little bit off and he was catching me between shots,” Spence said, per the BBC.

“His timing was just better tonight, I make no excuses. He was the better man tonight.

“He was throwing the harder jab, he had his timing down on point.”

05:47 , George Flood

Really good to see....

Terence Crawford: I showed the world how great I am

05:33 , George Flood

Crawford typically humble in victory, with nice moments shared between the two rivals in the ring afterwards.

“I want to give honour to God, because without him none of this would be possible,” Bud tells Showtime. “I only dreamed of being a world champion. No one believed in me when I was coming up, but I made everyone believe.

“I kept praying to God I would get the opportunity to show the world how great Terence Crawford is and I believe tonight I did that.

“Spence is a tremendous talent, he has a great jab and we were worried about it coming in. But take away his best attribute and the rest is history.”

05:18 , George Flood

Crawford, of course, is the first male boxer in the four-belt era ever to become undisputed in two different weight classes.

He retains the WBO belt he has held since 2018 and also adds Spence’s unified WBA, IBF and WBC titles. He is 8-0 at welterweight now and stopped everyone put in his path at 147.

Crawford was a lightweight champion first and later became undisputed at light-welterweight.

I’m still just stunned and in awe at that completely dominant performance. One of the best I’ve ever seen, especially given the stakes and the size of the occasion.

Just masterful.

Terence Crawford stops Errol Spence in round nine

05:10 , George Flood

Crawford smashes in more shuddering, violent blows onto Spence’s bloodied face midway through the ninth, massively wobbling his legs once again with some enormous punches with both hands.

This is going to be stopped by referee Harvey Dock now, surely?!

Still the massive punishment comes in from Crawford, Spence is out of it and eating huge shot after huge shot.

AND IT IS STOPPED! AN ABSOLUTE MASTERCLASS FROM TERENCE CRAWFORD AND HE’S THE UNDISPUTED WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD!

THE POUND-FOR-POUND KING, NO QUESTION! UTTER BRILLIANCE! HE DISMANTLED HIM!

Absolutely the right decision to stop it with Crawford looking ready to inflict some serious damage.

Errol Spence vs Terence Crawford

05:07 , George Flood

Round 8

How on earth is Spence hanging on here?! You can’t fault his bravery or heart as he continues to be completely outclassed. He’s never faced a situation like this before.

He’s so visibly unsteady on his legs after a thoroughly one-sided beatdown and those three fierce knockdowns. His face just a mess.

Crawford eases off the gas somewhat in the eighth, maybe to conserve a bit of energy as he toys with Spence and plans the surely inevitable finish, but he still claims it easily.

You get the sense that one more big shot from Bud will end this. It finishes when he decides and feels like it.

Errol Spence vs Terence Crawford

05:03 , George Flood

Round 7

SPENCE IS DOWN AGAIN JUST BEFORE THE BELL IN THE SEVENTH!

Down twice in the round and three times in this totally one-sided fight so far.

Two more vicious right hands on the inside do the damage, including a pulverising hook.

Trainer Derrick James and Spence’s corner may have a decision to make here very soon. That’s a 10-7 round.

Should they pull him out to avoid further heavy punishment?

05:01 , George Flood

Errol Spence vs Terence Crawford

05:00 , George Flood

Spence is down again midway through the seventh!

A terrific counter right uppercut from Crawford off the ropes sends him to the canvas for the second time tonight!

Crawford is going for the finish and this could well be it.

Spence is firing back with heart and pride, but he’s being utterly outclassed and beaten down here.

Taken apart.

Errol Spence vs Terence Crawford

04:58 , George Flood

Round 6

So much heart being shown by Spence, he’s not giving this up easily.

But he walks into so many big, wincing shots from Crawford, who doesn’t have a mark on him yet. He looks so calm and confident in there it’s almost frightening, the gameplan working to utter perfection.

Chopping lefts and rights from Bud crash down on the unwitting Spence, who is being countered brutally when he does manage to put anything together.

Crawford ends the round with a lovely driving uppercut. This is surely now 5-1 Crawford with a 10-8 round, with only that tentative first going in Spence’s favour.

Into the second half of the fight we go. Can Spence mount any sort of a comeback here? It’s a very, very tall order indeed.

He desperately needs to turn the tide somehow. And fast. But how?!

Errol Spence vs Terence Crawford

04:54 , George Flood

Round 5

Crawford’s laser-point accuracy and precision is just a joke. Honestly, out of this world.

He cannot miss with these big shots, Spence’s face is a mess.

Tremendous bravery though from Spence, who is still trying to walk down Crawford here and get back into the fight, landing a decent shot towards the end of the fifth.

But he’s being picked apart ruthlessly by an absolute master of his craft.

This is an all-time great performance from Crawford at the moment given the grandest of stages and the sky-high stakes. Unreal.

Spence’s work is all so desperate, ragged and frantic, but it all looks so effortless and controlled from Crawford.

Errol Spence vs Terence Crawford

04:51 , George Flood

The doctor is in the ring and talking to Spence at the start of the fifth! Not a good sign, he’s been keeping a close eye on him in the corner too.

He’s taken some very heavy shots indeed across the first four rounds.

This is absolutely incredible from Crawford so far. What a fighter man.

Errol Spence vs Terence Crawford

04:50 , George Flood

Round 4

Spence’s face is already clearly marked up as Crawford batters him midway through the fourth!

Some superb shots being unleashed by the WBO champion, who is wasting nothing with fast, accurate, lethal punches.

There’s blood on Spence’s face and reddening all over, telling of the power behind these Crawford punches.

Crawford looks so composed, he’s absolutely dominant at the moment from that southpaw stance. What a performance so far from Bud.

And what a round for him.

His right jab is so powerful and accurate, and he’s completely taken away Spence’s. So crucial.

Errol Spence vs Terence Crawford

04:46 , George Flood

Round 3

Incredible action in the third, with Spence responding to that knockdown by going massively on the offensive.

He ups the tempo significantly and lets his hands go, but again leaves himself vulnerable to a couple more beautiful Crawford counters.

Better from Spence, but he’s being punished too often for silly mistakes that are allowing Crawford to capitalise. He just can’t afford to do it in a fight of this magnitude against an opponent of this class.

Crawford counters like a dream. So methodical and unerringly accurate. The anticipation is sublime.

Errol Spence vs Terence Crawford

04:43 , George Flood

How will Spence respond to that?!

Crawford comes on strong after the knockdown, but there’s not enough time left in the round to hammer home the advantage.

Spence quickly retreats sheepishly back to his corner, looking embarrassed. It’s the first time he’s ever been down in his pro career.

There was an initial counter left from Crawford, followed by a crushingly accurate right hand that landed well.

So precise. Devastating.

Errol Spence vs Terence Crawford

04:41 , George Flood

Round 2

Spence is on the front foot again at the start of the second and looking to impose his will, with Crawford not really throwing much still.

But he has his first real success with a great counter flurry including a ramming left hand there.

Spence is being caught out by a few Crawford counters now, including a decent right hook.

SPENCE IS CAUGHT WITH A TERRIFIC RIGHT HAND AND GOES DOWN WITH 10 SECONDS LEFT IN THE SECOND!

WOW!

It was a swift Crawford one-two that knocked him over after a sluggish jab to the body from Spence, left and then right. So good.

Errol Spence vs Terence Crawford

04:38 , George Flood

Round 1

Both men are crucially trying to establish their jab early on during a cagey start to this huge main event.

Crawford looks like he is carefully sussing out Spence early on in trademark Bud fashion, with Spence the obvious aggressor and chasing down his opponent.

Spence busier and livelier in that first round, more active and positive.

He has Crawford in the corner at one stage, though Bud easily lurches his way out.

An intriguing, tactical first round. Spence shades it.

Errol Spence vs Terence Crawford

04:34 , George Flood

Great receptions for both fighters, especially Spence now.

It’s time for the talking to stop - HERE WE GO!

The undisputed welterweight championship of the world is on the line, as well as the likely title of pound-for-pound No1 fighter on the planet.

Crawford starting in the southpaw stance.

Errol Spence vs Terence Crawford

04:30 , George Flood

Just the official introductions to come now from the iconic Jimmy Lennon Jr!

The roof is going to come off the T-Mobile Arena.

Boxing really doesn’t get much bigger than this.

Eminem accompanies Terence Crawford on ring walk

04:25 , George Flood

Yes he will!

A big introduction from the rap superstar as ‘Lose Yourself’ blares out in the background.

Eminem isn’t performing though, it’s just the backing track as he walks alongside Bud as I don’t think he wants to overshadow him on his big night.

That’s certainly got the crowd going!

Errol Spence vs Terence Crawford

04:23 , George Flood

Spence looks calm and collected as he’s walked to the ring by rapper BigXthaplug.

The big question now is - will Eminem accompany Crawford?!

Errol Spence vs Terence Crawford

04:20 , George Flood

It’s time for the main-event ring walks! The sense of anticipation is truly off the scale.

Confirmation that Errol Spence will come out first...

Errol Spence vs Terence Crawford

04:18 , George Flood

Ugas is the man to last fight Spence, losing via 10th-round stoppage at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas last April.

That win saw ‘The Truth’ add the WBA belt to his WBC and IBF titles, dethroning Ugas, who had overcome Manny Pacquiao in an upset in his previous bout.

Errol Spence vs Terence Crawford coming up

04:11 , George Flood

That’s it for tonight’s undercard - the huge main event is NEXT.

Errol Spence Jr and Terence Crawford clash for the undisputed welterweight championship of the world and title of the world’s pound-for-pound best fighter.

You won’t want to miss this, believe me!

Isaac Cruz beats Giovanni Cabrera via split decision

04:07 , George Flood

It’s a split decision!

114-113 Cabrera, 114-113 Cruz, 115-112 Cruz.

A close win in the end for the Mexican in this WBC/WBA title eliminator at lightweight.

He also wins the vacant WBO Latino and WBC Silver titles.

But he’ll need to step up a lot if he wants to really challenge Gervonta Davis again in future.

Isaac Cruz vs Giovanni Cabrera

04:04 , George Flood

Round 12

Cruz will hope that a rather sluggish finish to this fight hasn’t cost him dearly.

The seemingly inevitable explosion that was promised by him turning the tide in rounds five, six and seven never really materialised, and he also had that point deducted for use of the head.

He landed plenty of single power shots throughout, but was being outworked by Cabrera late on. The Chicago southpaw also arguably won the first three rounds.

I’ll be fascinated to see these scorecards. Again, this will come down to individual preference among the judges.

Both men think they’ve won it. Cabrera camp look really confident.

Isaac Cruz vs Giovanni Cabrera

03:59 , George Flood

Round 11

Not nearly as much intensity from Cruz now, he’s allowing himself to be outworked.

I think the lead he’s built should be more than enough to win on the cards, but this isn’t particularly impressive from the Mexican.

Credit to Cabrera, who is still battling away and is clearly in excellent condition.

Cruz goes down momentarily, but that was a slip, rather than a knockdown.

Into the final round we go!

03:57 , George Flood

Huge cheers for both Errol Spence and Terence Crawford as they are shown on the big screen during Cruz-Cabrera, Spence sitting calmly backstage and Crawford working the pads in his dressing room.

Judging by those cheers, I’d say we’ve got more fans of Bud in the house at a now packed-out T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, though I could be wrong!

Isaac Cruz vs Giovanni Cabrera

03:55 , George Flood

Round 10

You certainly can’t fault Cabrera’s guts and determination here.

He’s taken a lot of big shots tonight but remains undeterred, showing his impressive engine.

He’s really outworking Cruz at times now, with the Mexican slowing a bit and feeling the pace as we reach the business end of this co-main event.

But the single power shots will win the day for Cruz.

Isaac Cruz vs Giovanni Cabrera

03:53 , George Flood

Ryan Garcia not impressed with what he’s seeing from Isaac Cruz here...

Isaac Cruz vs Giovanni Cabrera

03:51 , George Flood

Round 9

Cabrera is still complaining about the use of the head from Cruz.

A competitive ninth sees some good work from Cabrera, who peppers the target - the problem is that he has nothing really to hurt Cruz.

By far the bigger and more eye-catching shots are consistently coming from ‘Pitbull’, who rattles in more strong blows up close when he manages to close the distance.

Isaac Cruz vs Giovanni Cabrera

03:49 , George Flood

Round 8

Cabrera complains over more contentious use of the head up close from Cruz, with referee Thomas Taylor deciding to deduct a point! Could that be important to the outcome of this fight?

No doubt driven by a sense of perceived injustice, the Mexican then unleashes a vicious flurry before the end of round eight, connecting with some huge shots including a massive right hand that lands very well.

Every power punch from Cruz seems to find the target. Cabrera’s defence needs a lot of work, it’s almost non-existent at times when he’s faced with some heavy missiles.

Isaac Cruz vs Giovanni Cabrera

03:43 , George Flood

Round 7

Apart from a superb counter hook from Cruz that landed flush, that wasn’t a bad seventh at all by Cabrera.

The gameplan has clearly changed, he’s trading at close range again, but actually has the better of a lot of those exchanges in the seventh.

But you’d still heavily back Cruz to come out on top if that continues, every power shot he lands looks to buzz Cabrera.

Isaac Cruz vs Giovanni Cabrera

03:39 , George Flood

Round 6

More solid and powerful work from Cruz, who has put all of the last three rounds firmly in the bag.

Did he lose all of the first three though? If so, we’re dead level at the halfway stage.

I’m really not sure how Cabrera wins this from here, unless he can suddenly get back to that effective hit-and-move style that had him confident and relaxed and ahead on the cards early on.

He has to get back on his feet and get moving around the ring again, jabbing from range and re-establishing the distance.

Because if he continues to stand and trade and engage in these close-quarter battles, then there is only going to be one winner I’m afraid.

Isaac Cruz vs Giovanni Cabrera

03:35 , George Flood

Round 5

You sense the tide of this fight has definitely turned now.

The heavy-handed Cruz is frequently closing the gap and doling out some solid punishment on the inside to both head and body, with Cabrera keeping his guard low and inviting some heavy shots.

This feels like it’s only going one way after the last couple of rounds.

Cabrera’s gameplan is somewhat out the window.

Isaac Cruz vs Giovanni Cabrera

03:32 , George Flood

Round 4

A little bit ominous for Cabrera there, he was still looking fairly comfortable and relaxed before being buzzed by a peach of a vicious left hand that landed flush upstairs.

Cruz is quickly beginning to solve this puzzle after an uncertain start, inevitably wearing down Cabrera and sinking in some thudding blows as he closes the distance far more often.

Cabrera needs to get back swiftly on his toes and re-establish that range, or else Cruz is going to continue to land and grow in confidence.

Isaac Cruz vs Giovanni Cabrera

03:26 , George Flood

Round 3

Some better signs from Cruz in the third as he has more success with closing the gap and digging in some sharp body shots on the inside, with lots more holding from Cabrera, drawing a warning from the referee.

Cabrera and Roach will be pleased with how things have gone in this first three rounds, but still such a long time left to keep a puncher as explosive as Cruz off him.

You also have to wonder how the judges will be looking at rounds where Cruz is the clear aggressor on the front foot, regardless of how much he lands or if Cabrera is able to keep him at bay with the jab.

Isaac Cruz vs Giovanni Cabrera

03:23 , George Flood

Round 2

This is all a bit surprisingly low-key so far, which is exactly how Cabrera will want it.

Cruz gets through a few more times in the second, but otherwise Cabrera is still relatively comfortable, still largely keeping the Mexican at bay with his speed, footwork, reach advantage and crisp long-range jab.

Cruz is still not closing the distance nearly enough to allow him to plant his feet and let those powerful hands go.

We’ll inevitably see fireworks when he does, but so far, so good for Cabrera.

Isaac Cruz vs Giovanni Cabrera

03:18 , George Flood

Round 1

A decent first round from tidy and rangy Chicago southpaw Cabrera, who is trained by Freddie Roach.

Cruz is aggressive as always and tries to walk down his opponent from the outset, but ‘El Cabron’ moves well and stays out of danger, wisely choosing instead to counter crisply from range and utilise his long right hand.

He does well to keep Cruz off him for the most part, gliding around the ring with fast feet and picking his moments to counter.

Cruz is struggling to judge the distance against the taller man early on. First round to Cabrera.

Isaac Cruz vs Giovanni Cabrera

03:13 , George Flood

Cruz is a thrilling all-action fighter who wants to get another shot at Gervonta Davis after being outpointed by Tank in a WBA title bout in December 2021.

He returned to the ring last April, stopping Yuriorkis Gamboa in five rounds.

Cruz - 24-2-1 with 17 knockouts - now has his sights on quickly returning to world level, but must first get past Cabrera.

‘El Cabron’ is unbeaten at 21-0, outpointing Gabriel Flores Jr on his last outing a year ago.

We’re underway!

Isaac Cruz vs Giovanni Cabrera

03:09 , George Flood

It’s time for the co-main event of the night already!

It’s a key battle in the lightweight division as Mexico’s Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz takes on Giovanni Cabrera in a WBC/WBA title eliminator, with the WBO Latino belt also on the line.

This could be explosive.

Errol Spence: I’m focused on a great gameplan

03:06 , George Flood

Errol Spence is similarly laid-back as he’s also interviewed ahead of having his hands wrapped backstage.

He insists trainer Derrick James has put together a winning gameplan for tonight’s superfight.

“I’ve had enough time to train and focus and my coach had a great gameplan,” he says.

“I’m excited but I’m not going to be overjoyed and lose a lot of energy. Right now I’m just focused on the fight, knowing it’s going to happen.

“We weighed in and everything is official. Right here is the moment, now it’s just time to focus on the gameplan. My coach instructed me to stay focused and come out with the victory.”

Crawford: ‘I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life’

02:58 , George Flood

You won’t be surprised to hear that Terence Crawford was the picture of calm and composure after being interviewed in his dressing room during that fight, wrapping his own hands.

‘Bud’ insists he is not thinking about the historical impact of tonight’s main event.

“Waiting for my moment to shine,” he says.

“You always get a little butterflies but I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life.

“I’m ready for everything that comes with it. I’m focused on nothing but the victory right now and things I’ve got to do to make sure I secure the victory.”

02:53 , George Flood

More tears from the emotional Santiago as he reveals that his son was born just a few days ago.

What a week for the Mexican, who fully deserves his world title triumph.

Santiago beats Donaire for WBC bantamweight title

02:50 , George Flood

That cut on the right eyelid of Santiago looks very nasty indeed as it needs more attention.

The one on the opposite side is just below the eyebrow, those are going to need to properly heal before we see him in the ring again.

Here come the scores!

115-113, 116-112 x2 - all three in favour of Alexandro Santiago, who becomes a world champion for the first time in his career.

Tears as he claims the WBC bantamweight belt vacated by Naoya Inoue - it means so much to him.

A gracious reaction from Donaire, who is the classiest of guys. Just one big world title fight too many for the 40-year-old tonight.

Is that the last time we see a legend in the ring?

Nonito Donaire vs Alexandro Santiago

02:44 , George Flood

Round 12

A cracking final round, with both men throwing big bombs but Santiago again closing out the strongest.

Both men celebrate at the final bell like they’ve won before a warm embrace, which is lovely to see after such a captivating and gruelling battle.

We’ll see what the judges have to say, but surely Santiago has done enough here to become the WBC bantamweight champion of the world.

Nonito Donaire vs Alexandro Santiago

02:42 , George Flood

Round 11

A lot of good stuff from Donaire in the penultimate round, rattling in some jolting short shots and longer jabs that find their mark.

But Santiago fires back plenty, and, stop me if you’ve heard this one before, ups the tempo just before the bell to impress the judges.

He then beats his chest as he heads back to his corner to prepare for the 12th and final round. He thinks he’s got this in the bag.

Donaire needs a massive effort and a knockout here...

Nonito Donaire vs Alexandro Santiago

02:38 , George Flood

Round 10

Another close one, but Santiago yet again finishes the round strong, catching Donaire with a succession of cracking right hands.

His foot and hand speed is impressive, as is the variety of his punches.

He fights well on the outside and then jumps in effectively for the most part to inflict the damage at close quarters.

He’s very good at measuring the distance, keeping the pressure up on the front foot and forcing Donaire back.

Great fight, this. Does Donaire need a stoppage from here?

Nonito Donaire vs Alexandro Santiago

02:33 , George Flood

Round 9

A better round from Donaire and some much cleaner work with more pop on the punches and sweet counters, but it’s potentially ruined by a really strong finish from Santiago.

He thunders in some crushing hooks, uppercuts and overhand shots in a late barrage that catches his opponent a bit unawares.

That’s probably going to be enough to put another round in the bag for the Mexican.

Just three to go...

Nonito Donaire vs Alexandro Santiago

02:30 , George Flood

Round 8

Donaire isn’t doing enough at the moment, plain and simple.

He’s being outworked and outfoxed, looking a bit tired and eating too many punches.

He has to up the tempo a bit and start being more positive, or this could slip away over the next few rounds.

Nonito Donaire vs Alexandro Santiago

02:26 , George Flood

Round 7

Now Santiago has a nasty cut around his left eye!

He goes to throw a left hook and both men duck into an accidental clash of heads that opens up a gash near the Mexican’s eyebrow that is streaming blood down one side of his face.

It’s checked by the referee and ringside doctor before another close round ensues, with Santiago still on the front foot and forcing the pace, landing plenty with his fast hands.

Many of these rounds are going to come down to the individual judges’ personal preference, but I have Santiago on top by being the more positive, busier fighter on the front foot, utilising his spearing jab.

He really jumps into some of these attacks, throwing plenty of straights and leaping left hooks.

You wonder how now being cut around both eyes is going to affect him though.

Nonito Donaire vs Alexandro Santiago

02:20 , George Flood

Round 6

Donaire has quite a bit of damage below both eyes it would appear, while that earlier cut - which has been confirmed to have been caused by a clash of heads - has been very well cleaned up by Santiago’s corner.

It’s a quieter sixth round fought at a lower tempo as both fighters begin to feel the pace, with Santiago lucky not to be warned for using his head at close quarters.

It’s another razor-thin round that is so tough to call. I think Santiago is shading a lot of these, but you could easily see them going the other way.

Nonito Donaire vs Alexandro Santiago

02:17 , George Flood

Round 5

Another close, competitive and absorbing round is again just about shaded by Santiago, who landed a very smart left hook of his own that buzzed Donaire.

Donaire is doing plenty of good work himself, but the more eye-catching, cleaner punches at the moment are coming from his Mexican opponent, who comes on strong before the bell once more.

Santiago’s penchant for being on the front foot and upping the tempo late in these close rounds could well be currying important favour with the judges at ringside.

Nonito Donaire vs Alexandro Santiago

02:13 , George Flood

Round 4

A good response from Santiago in the fourth after being rattled by that peach of a left hand from Donaire in round three.

He looks to get back on the front foot and apply more pressure on Donaire, leading to more intriguing close-range battles.

It’s a really close round in the end, with Santiago finishing the stronger. Both men’s faces are pretty marked up already, showing how many of these short, sharp shots are landing on the inside.

It’s gruelling but absorbing stuff through four.

Nonito Donaire vs Alexandro Santiago

02:09 , George Flood

Round 3

Santiago is applying the pressure early in the third, trying to let his hands fly and put the swift combinations together.

He has Donaire backed up and in trouble against the ropes, that is until the Filipino Flash responds to a couple of blows by unleashing a supreme counter left hook that lands flush.

It wobbles the Mexican, who now has an awkward cut around his right eye that is dripping with blood. Was that caused by that huge shot or a clash of heads?

Magnificent from Donaire regardless. Using Santiago’s aggression against him - he was just too open on the attack there and paid the price.

Blood in the bleached blonde hair of Santiago too.

Nonito Donaire vs Alexandro Santiago

02:05 , George Flood

Round 2

A competitive second round with Santiago looking to plant that overhand right again and worsen the swelling around Donaire’s left eye.

But the future Hall of Famer, who is based in Las Vegas and trained by wife Rachel Marcial, is getting into this now after a sluggish first round, countering crisply and jabbing sharply.

He has the better of the close-range exchanges and levels things up at a round apiece.

Nonito Donaire vs Alexandro Santiago

01:59 , George Flood

Round 1

Nice work from Santiago early on, light on his feet and fighting well at range.

He’s using that left jab to tee up the piercing overhand right, also rattling in some solid left hooks.

All a bit cumbersome so far from Donaire, who has a bit of damage already around his left eye.

First round to the Mexican for sure.

Nonito Donaire vs Alexandro Santiago

01:57 , George Flood

Off we go!

Nonito Donaire vs Alexandro Santiago

01:55 , George Flood

Looking to stop Donaire from becoming a world champion again tonight is Alexandro Santiago.

The Mexican is 13 years Nonito’s junior at 27, with a professional record of 27-3-5.

He is on a three-fight win streak since dropping a decision to Gary Antonio Russell in November 2021, beating Daniel Ramirez and David Carmona before stopping Antonio Nieves on the Jake Paul-Anderson Silva undercard last October.

This is his second attempt at claiming a first world title. Meanwhile, it’s an incredible 24th world title fight of his illustrious career for future Hall of Famer Donaire.

Nonito Donaire vs Alexandro Santiago next

01:50 , George Flood

Mr Pacquiao will be very interested in the next fight on the main card.

Fellow Filipino boxing royalty Nonito Donaire looks to become a world champion yet again at the age of 40 as he takes on Mexico’s Alexandro Santiago.

They are competing for the WBC bantamweight title vacated by former undisputed champion Naoya Inoue upon his recent move up to 122 pounds, where he is already a unified two-belt champion after dismantling the previously unbeaten Stephen Fulton in Tokyo on Tuesday.

Donaire was of course last seen being dominated and wiped out by the great Inoue in a one-sided rematch of their bloody 2019 war last summer.

He lost the WBC strap in that match, having beaten Nordine Oubaali and Reymart Gaballo between the two losses to Inoue.

Already the oldest man ever to win a bantamweight world title, the ‘Filipino Flash’ is a four-weight world champion and a bonified legend of the sport, best known on these shores for meetings with the likes of Carl Frampton and Ryan Burnett.

01:42 , George Flood

Manny Pacquiao is among the famous faces at ringside tonight...

Yoenis Tellez vs Sergio Garcia

01:39 , George Flood

Tellez’s camp and promoters fully vindicated for their decision to throw him in against a man as experienced as Garcia in only his sixth professional bout.

It’s fair to say he passed that test with flying colours! The Cuban, who has a vast amateur background, moves to 6-0 with five knockouts.

Definitely one to watch!

Yoenis Tellez vs Sergio Garcia

01:35 , George Flood

Tellez detonated a lovely counter left hook there and followed it up with a crushing right hand that sent Garcia scrambling.

The dazed Spaniard then seemed to be looking the wrong way when he was clubbed by another huge right that sent him down.

He was complaining on very unsteady legs during the count, but was allowed to continue.

Tellez then sensed blood and went for the finish, letting his hands go and uncorking more massive punches with both hands.

Garcia was taking heavy punishment backed up against the ropes with nothing coming back. Definitely the right decision to stop it from referee Robert Hoyle.

Yoenis Tellez seals explosive stoppage of Sergio Garcia

01:32 , George Flood

Round 3

More of the same from Garcia early in the third, keeping up that high pressure and work rate up close. His uppercut is a nice weapon on the inside.

BUT HE’S DECKED BY A MASSIVE SHOT FROM TELLEZ!

The Cuban has seriously hurt Garcia and there’s plenty of time left in the round, with Tellez producing a battering onslaught.

Garcia tries his very best to hang in there, but he’s being pulverised with nothing coming back and it’s stopped!

Wow. What a statement from Tellez!

Yoenis Tellez vs Sergio Garcia

01:30 , George Flood

Round 2

Garcia’s clear gameplan is making this a very entertaining battle so far, with both men standing and trading at close range.

It’s quite some tempo, with both fighters letting their hands go after an initial warning for the use of elbows. I think Garcia was also warned for rabbit punching.

The work rate from the Spaniard is so high and he’s looking extremely busy on the front foot, though Tellez is trying to match him and throwing back plenty.

Great watch at the moment.

Yoenis Tellez vs Sergio Garcia

01:25 , George Flood

Round 1

The wily Garcia looks to rough up Tellez early here.

The Cuban looks very nifty indeed from mid and long-range, so Garcia is trying to close the distance and take this fight inside at every opportunity.

He wants a messy, gruelling scrap up close, stopping Tellez from developing any sort of momentum or rhythm.

And he does it pretty successfully too, though the much cleaner work still came from Tellez.

Yoenis Tellez vs Sergio Garcia

01:22 , George Flood

Underway in this 10-rounder at super-welterweight!

Can the young but talented and undefeated Cuban Tellez make a clear step up on such a big stage, or will Garcia’s experience shine through?

Seconds out, round one...

Yoenis Tellez vs Sergio Garcia

01:19 , George Flood

Jimmy Lennon Jr is on the mic as we get this main card started, with the T-Mobile Arena starting to slowly fill up.

Yoenis Tellez vs Sergio Garcia is on the way very shortly.

Caleb Plant slaps Jermall Charlo at weigh-in

01:12 , George Flood

While things took on a very respectful tone between Terence Crawford and Errol Spence at yesterday’s weigh-in, that was far from the case backstage.

Caleb Plant quickly went viral after a video emerged on social media of the former IBF super-middleweight champion appearing to slap WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo in a heated bust-up.

Tweeting about the incident, Spence said: “Caleb & Jermall promoting the #SpenceCrawford fight tomorrow in there [sic] own way...”

Spence or Crawford - who will ring walk first tonight?

01:00 , George Flood

We’ve heard about the potential for those spectacular ring walks for tonight’s main event possibly involving the likes of Eminem, but which of our superstar welterweight champions will come out first?

Despite Spence holding more belts and making a big deal out of tonight’s bout being billed as ‘Spence-Crawford’ rather than ‘Crawford-Spence’, he is not getting any special treatment on that front.

Mike Tyson conducted the coin toss earlier this week with a commemorative coin, which was won by Crawford, who called heads. It came up trumps for him after the coin intially went under a table.

That left Bud with the decision whether to walk first or second. He could even choose to mix things up and walk first but be introduced second, or walk second and be introduced first. The choice is totally his!

Spence vs Crawford main card up next

Sunday 30 July 2023 00:51 , George Flood

That does it for the early Spence-Crawford prelims, with the four-fight main card due to begin shortly.

It’ll be opened by unbeaten 5-0 Cuban super-welterweight prospect Yoenis ‘Bandolero’ Tellez, who is up against Spain’s experienced 34-2 campaigner Sergio ‘El Nino’ Garcia, European champion between 2018 and 2021 after beating the likes of Ted Cheeseman and Sergey Rabchenko.

Garcia is looking to avoid a third loss in four fights after defeats by Sebastian Fundora and former WBC light-middleweight champion Tony Harrison were followed by a comeback win over Sebastian Cabana on home soil back in April.

Tellez has run through Nikita Borisenkov, Andrey Tomashchuk, Dario Guerrero-Meneses, Alberto Delgado and Cameron Krael as a professional so far, but has more than 150 amateur fights behind him.

Garcia was originally supposed to face American prospect Jesus Ramos tonight, only for the American to pull out with a hand injury.

Steven Nelson vs Rowdy Montgomery

Sunday 30 July 2023 00:40 , George Flood

Nelson doesn’t get close to the stoppage in the final round, despite being roared on all the way by trainer Brian ‘BoMac‘ McIntyre.

We go to the judges’ scorecards.... 99-91 x2 and 100-90, all in favour of Nelson.

Never in doubt as he stays unbeaten and moves to 19-0, though he will be disappointed not to have got an overmatched late replacement opponent out of there.

Steven Nelson vs Rowdy Montgomery

Sunday 30 July 2023 00:33 , George Flood

Into the final round we go!

Nelson is absolutely dominating this fight, but he will want that late knockout.

Montgomery is just looking to hang on now for the final bell and something of a moral victory, having only taken this fight on nine days’ notice.

He’s just eaten a massive shot midway through the 10th...

Steven Nelson vs Rowdy Montgomery

Sunday 30 July 2023 00:30 , George Flood

Montgomery is down on the canvas in the eighth, but that was a push rather than a punch.

But he’s under heavy pressure once more, trapped against the ropes as Nelson lets the big punches fly.

Crawford’s long-time sparring partner is edging towards a comfortable points win here, but he will be disappointed if he doesn’t pull out another stoppage.

He’s got two rounds left to achieve it...

Stephen Espinoza on Eminem rumours: ‘I would not miss the ring walks'

Sunday 30 July 2023 00:28 , George Flood

Showtime Sports president Stephen Espinoza did little to quell those rumours about Eminem ring walking with Terence Crawford tonight.

“I’m terrible, I know my responses give me away,” he grinned.

“I’ve heard the same rumours and I’m sworn to secrecy. But I would not miss the ring walks.”

We’re betting that Spence also has something spectacular in his locker to counteract such a potentially big pull from Crawford.

Steven Nelson vs Rowdy Montgomery

Sunday 30 July 2023 00:23 , George Flood

The sixth was the best round of this fight by far, great action and increased tempo.

Nelson was piling on more pressure before Montgomery went for broke with a punishing flurry, having landed little of substance otherwise all night.

However, he rather looked to have punched himself out as Nelson replied in kind, landing a couple of solid rights upstairs.

The pace then drops notably in the seventh.

Montgomery’s face is getting messy, red all over with blood now trickling down over the eye.

Steven Nelson vs Rowdy Montgomery

Sunday 30 July 2023 00:18 , George Flood

Halfway through this scheduled 10-rounder at super-middleweight, with all one-way traffic as Nelson continues to dominate Montgomery.

However, he’s having trouble getting the big shots off and hasn’t come close to a stoppage just yet.

Now Montgomery puts Nelson under pressure early in round six!

Nelson comes roaring back with a lovely right hand. This is bubbling up nicely.

Eminem set to ring walk with Terence Crawford?

Sunday 30 July 2023 00:16 , George Flood

It sounds like the ring walks for tonight’s main event are going to be potentially as spectacular as the fight itself.

There are strong suggestions that Eminem could accompany Crawford to the ring following a positive Instagram exchange between the pair earlier this week.

During a chat with Shakur Stevenson posted to social media, when asked who would be walking him out, Crawford replied: “S***, I don’t know man.

“You know what I was thinking would be crazy s***? I think it would be dope to have Eminem walk me out or something like that.

“He’s never walked nobody out, huh?”

Stevenson replied: “I ain’t gonna lie, Eminem’s a GOAT. I ain’t never seen him walking nobody out in a boxing ring.”

Crawford then said: “Yeah, I ain’t neither, that’d be dope.”

Stevenson finished with: “That’d be fire, that’d be different levels, next level. Two GOATs.”

Eminem saw that video and replied, telling Crawford: “This is too crazy!!! You are one of my favourite boxers right now!”

Crawford later replied: “Pull up Em! Lets do some legendary s***.”

Steven Nelson vs Rowdy Montgomery

Sunday 30 July 2023 00:09 , George Flood

Montgomery isn’t disgracing himself by any means after taking this fight at pretty much a week’s notice, giving the best account of himself in the third.

But Nelson is dominating proceedings, boxing well behind a thudding left jab.

He’s throwing out plenty of them to both body and head and looking to detonate a big overhand right, which when it lands is going to cause some major trouble.

Steven Nelson vs Rowdy Montgomery

Sunday 30 July 2023 00:00 , George Flood

The early undercard action continues at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In the ring now are Steven Nelson and the brilliantly-named Rowdy Legend Montgomery.

This is a 10-rounder in the super-middleweight division, with Nelson a big favourite against late replacement opponent Montgomery.

35-year-old Nelson, a long-time training partner of Terence Crawford in Omaha, is looking to stay unbeaten and move to 19-0.

Spence vs Crawford rematch clause

Saturday 29 July 2023 23:55 , George Flood

Spence-Crawford has a two-way rematch clause to be activated within 30 days, so we are almost guaranteed to see it again regardless of tonight’s result.

But a key stipulation is that the winner of the first fight will determine at what weight the rematch is contested at.

That could be significant as the naturally bigger Spence has been talking a lot about this being his last fight at 147 pounds as he eyes a move up to 154 and light-middleweight.

“I would want it at 154,” Spence said. “I’ve outgrown 147.”

He told Boxing Scene this week of his struggle to continue to make the welterweight limit: “It’s been kinda hard, but I’ve got a nutritionist and a dietician to make sure I’m eating the right foods and make sure I’m good. But it’s definitely hard. It’s definitely a struggle.

“It’s always hard, but yeah, this is the last time, definitely. I’m a lot older. I’m not as young as I used to be, so you know, you can’t be putting your body through that much to fight.”

Would Crawford be content to move up to 154? How would Spence react if Crawford wins and therefore chooses the rematch to happen again at 147? It’s certainly an interesting subplot.

Spence promises ‘nothing but fireworks from start to finish’

Saturday 29 July 2023 23:43 , George Flood

Spence vs Crawford is being spoken about as having the potential to join the very best welterweight fights of all time, joining the likes of Sugar Ray Leonard- Robert Duran, Leonard-Tommy Hearns, Sugar Ray Robinson-Tommy Bell, Robinson-Kid Gavilan, Shane Mosley-Oscar De La Hoya and many more.

Spence himself believes it is going to be one for the ages, harking back to the iconic ‘Four Kings’ era of Leonard, Hagler, Hearns and Duran.

“This is gonna be legendary,” he said. “Make sure you tune in. This is gonna be an old-school fight. It’s gonna be iconic. You’re gonna want to buy this fight. You’re getting your money’s worth.

“People are gonna talk about this fight 30 or 40 years from now when you talk about legendary fights. They’re gonna talk about this fight the same way they talked about the ‘Four Kings’ era. There’s gonna be an amateur 20 years from now watching our fight on YouTube and saying, ‘Man, I want to be in a fight like that’.

“I guarantee you it’s gonna be nothing but fireworks from start to finish.”

Watch: Jose Salas Reyes stops Aston Palicte

Saturday 29 July 2023 23:34 , George Flood

That fourth-round stoppage from Reyes, courtesy of Showtime Boxing...

Spence: I’m gonna break Crawford’s will... I’m the better fighter

Saturday 29 July 2023 23:29 , George Flood

Errol Spence Jr has confidently pledged to “break the will” of Terence Crawford in tonight’s major main event.

He believes ‘Bud’ is vastly underestimating his “superior” all-round skills as he looks to cement a dream by becoming an undisputed world champion for the first time.

“I’m gonna win because I’m the better fighter,” Spence said. “I’m better physically and mentally. I’m more durable. I’m gonna break him down and break his will.

“It would mean a lot to be undisputed. It would mean that I’m one of the greatest welterweights to ever lace up a pair of gloves.

“He’s gonna find out that my skills are superior. He’s talented, but when we talk about what my coach teaches, he’s gonna see that I have great offence, defence, and stamina. It’s more than just talent.”

Jose Salas Reyes stops Aston Palicte in round four

Saturday 29 July 2023 23:24 , George Flood

This is very tough going for Palicte against the sprightly, focused and busy Reyes.

It’s one-way traffic and he’s dropped in the fourth, clearly wanting no more part of it. Actually looked more like he took a bit of a knee amid the heavy punishment.

He gets up, but is not interested in continuing and it’s all over after a shake of the head to both the corner and the referee Robert Hoyle.

That was impressive from Reyes, who trapped his opponent in the corner and unleashed a violent flurry of blows to head and body off both hands.

He sensed the finish and made it happen, moving to 13-0 with a 10th career stoppage.

For Palicte, it’s a second successive loss and he drops to 28-6-1.

Jose Salas Reyes vs Aston Palicte

Saturday 29 July 2023 23:16 , George Flood

You may remember Palicte from his last outing last June, when he was stopped inside three rounds in Melbourne by Jason Moloney, who took the vacant WBO International bantamweight title and later the full WBO crown.

It’s been a quiet opening to this bout, with the younger Reyes the busier fighter, piling on plenty of pressure and moving forward at every opportunity to try and piece together his combinations.

Palicte looks content to sit back, soak up the pressure and try his best to counter, but he’s under the cosh at the moment and not throwing much back.

Jose Salas Reyes vs Aston Palicte opens prelims

Saturday 29 July 2023 23:11 , George Flood

The early Spence-Crawford prelims are now officially underway at the T-Mobile Arena.

Jose Salas Reyes vs Aston Palicte is the very first fight of the night, a 10-rounder in the super-bantamweight division.

Filipino Palicte is a two-time contender for the WBO world flyweight title, drawing with Donnie Nietes and losing to Kazuto Ioka.

The 32-year-old is 28-5-1 with 23 knockouts, while Mexican Reyes is an undefeated 21-year-old prospect who stands at 12-0 with nine knockouts, outpointing Prince Dzanie on his US debut in April.

Crawford: Everything about me is better than Errol

Saturday 29 July 2023 23:02 , George Flood

Things haven’t got out of hand between Spence and Crawford this week, with both men preferring to do their talking inside the ring.

There was an obvious mutual respect between the superstar duo as they weighed in with a massive crowd watching yesterday, with Spence bang on the 147-pound welterweight limit and Crawford slightly lighter at 146.8 pounds.

But things did heat up nicely at the final press conference on Thursday, with plenty of barbs exchanged and Crawford arguing with members of Spence’s entourage, plus a lot of spicy back and forth between respective trainers Derrick James and Brian ‘BoMac‘ McIntyre.

“I don’t go in there looking for the knockout, I go in there looking for the win. If he gets out of line he’s gonna be the next one going down,” Crawford said.

“Everyone knows what time it is. I’m ready and he’s ready. We’re gonna have a fish fry come Saturday.

“He’s gonna find out the same thing that everyone else finds out. He’s gonna say that on TV I look one way. In the ring he’s gonna be seeing three of me.

“They say he’s the big bad wolf, but come fight night we’re gonna find out if he’s all that he says he is. He’s gonna have to show me.

“Everything about me is better than Errol. When you look at what I do in the ring, it’s better than what he does. Come fight night, I’m going to prove every doubter wrong. I’m going to show that I’m the best fighter in the world.

“This is the Terence Crawford era. When you look at my body of work in each weight class, you can’t deny that. This is my era. I’ve never had a close fight. I’ve never had a fight where people thought I lost. I’ve looked spectacular every time.

“This is what we do every time we come out. That talking can turn bad real quick. Support your fighter, and let’s come together and make this event a success.”

Spence vs Crawford fight prediction

Saturday 29 July 2023 22:47 , George Flood

This is an extremely tough battle to call between two fantastic, highly-skilled champions and unbeaten masters of their craft with 52 professional knockouts between them.

There is so much on the line here beyond all the welterweight marbles, reputation, undefeated records and supreme bragging rights over a major rival, but career legacy and likely the title of the world’s pound-for-pound best boxer, though Naoya Inoue may already have that title in the bag for the moment after his ruthless dispatching of unified super-bantamweight champion Stephen Fulton in Tokyo on Tuesday.

Both men combine real power, speed, versatility and sky-high ring IQ with the ability to change stances and adapt on the fly, with Crawford having not gone the distance in any fight since 2016 and stopped everyone put in front of him at this level so far.

Crawford to take the win of his career, potentially via a late stoppage but most likely on points.

Spence vs Crawford undercard

Saturday 29 July 2023 22:44 , George Flood

Isaac Cruz vs Giovanni Cabrera

Nonito Donaire vs Alexandro Santiago

Yoenis Tellez vs Sergio Garcia

Steven Nelson vs Rowdy Montgomery

Jose Salas Reyes vs Aston Palicte

Spence vs Crawford start time

Saturday 29 July 2023 22:43 , George Flood

The early portion of tonight’s undercard is due to commence shortly at approximately 11pm BST, with the main card then set to begin at 1am.

Ring walks for Spence vs Crawford are expected at around 4am.

How to watch Spence vs Crawford

Saturday 29 July 2023 22:41 , George Flood

TV channel: In the UK, tonight’s huge event is being broadcast live via pay-per-view television on TNT Sports Box Office at a cost of £19.95.

Live stream: Those who have purchased the fight can also watch it live online via the TNT Sports Box Office player.

Welcome to Spence vs Crawford live coverage

Saturday 29 July 2023 22:36 , George Flood

Good evening and welcome to the Evening Standard’s live coverage of Errol Spence vs Terence Crawford.

Quite simply put, it just doesn’t get any bigger than this in boxing. Two undefeated world champions and top-five pound-for-pound superstars clash in a blockbuster showdown at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas to determine the undisputed king of the welterweight division and coveted title of the best fighter on the planet, though Naoya Inoue may well have something to say about that after his typically ferocious trademark demolition of Stephen Fulton in Tokyo earlier this week.

Many are billing the so-called ‘Fight of the Decade’ as the most high-profile in the sport since Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao finally collided in a lucrative tussle in 2015, or perhaps when Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin locked horns for the first time two years later.

The sense of anticipation is just off the scale and things have been getting notably spicy between the pair in recent days, with so much on the line - not just all the belts at 147 pounds but undefeated records, the biggest of bragging rights and career legacies.

Spence puts his unified WBA, WBC and IBF titles on the line in tonight’s colossal main event, while three-weight world champion Crawford, once an undisputed champion already at light-welter, offers up the WBO gold which he has held since 2018, stopping everyone put in his path including a slew of former world champions.

It is such a difficult fight to call between two seriously skilled technicians in a fascinating clash of styles and should be an absolutely epic occasion which is not to be missed!

Before that though we’ve got plenty of action to look forward to on an intriguing undercard, with the legendary Nonito Donaire looking to become a world champion again at the age of 40 and the latest outing for exciting lightweight contender Isaac Cruz.

Follow a massive event with Standard Sport, with build-up and live blow-by-blow updates throughout the night!