Brook vs Spence Jr: Sugar Ray Leonard dubs Errol Spence Jr 'real deal'
Monday 22 May 2017 19:52, UK
Sugar Ray Leonard says Errol Spence Jr's first world title fight against Kell Brook will be "intriguing" and believes the American is "the real deal".
Ahead of Saturday's bout on Sky Sports Box Office, Spence Jr's unbeaten record is at stake against established IBF champion Brook, who proved himself at the top level when he took the belt with a points win over Shawn Porter before suffering a stoppage defeat to Gennady Golovkin at middleweight last year.
Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, Leonard said the world is excited about the fight and praised the ability of 27-year-old Spence Jr.
"This fight is so intriguing and I like it because the winner is going to be based upon who carries out their game plan and who doesn't get too cute, who doesn't get too comfortable," the former five-weight world champion said.
"The guy who fights this fight, wins this fight.
"From what I've seen, Errol Spence is the real deal. I watched this young man from day one and I've seen improvements in him.
"I see he has gained experience and that's why I think the world is excited about this particular fight with Kell Brook and Errol Spence."
The fight at Bramall Lane will be the first time Brook has competed since his first professional loss at the hands of Golovkin last September, where Brook moved up two weight categories.
Brook is back to welterweight but Leonard claims the 31-year-old's next opponent brings threats of his own.
"Spence has his asset of speed, poise and balance," he said. "He is a young man who has the whole package and, again, I watched this young man from day one.
"Every time he gets into the ring, he improves."
Leonard created his own legacy by moving up from welterweight to middleweight to beat Marvin Hagler in a thrilling meeting more than 30 years ago, and he believes the difference in weight has a big effect on a boxer's performance.
"That additional five pounds, 10 pounds or 20 pounds makes a huge difference," he added.
"One thing I did against Hagler was I didn't necessarily stand toe to toe with him. I picked my shot, I kept my balance and I used my speed to kind of nullify his power. I think that's the same approach that Spence has to take."
Saturday's clash comes less than a month after 90,000 people filled Wembley to watch Anthony Joshua's epic heavyweight world title victory over Wladimir Klitschko.
Leonard hailed the IBF and WBA champion for his spectacular performance and believes he has the right "style" to build on his success.
"Both guys gave their heart and when I say they gave their heart, that's when I see a fight," he said.
"Joshua was so impressive, so resilient. Klitschko gave the best he could but Joshua was spectacular.
"From what I've heard and what I ask from my friends they like him - they love him.
"Joshua has the right personality; he has the right style, showmanship and power. He fights like a heavyweight."
