Errol Spence Jr. vs. Chris van Heerden
Mike Burnell, Staff Writer
Bright young prospect and Floyd Mayweather protégé Errol Spence Jr. (17-0, 14 KOs) also is in action tomorrow night against Canadian Chris van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 KOs).
As would appear the prevailing theme of this card, both fighters are also southpaws.
While van Heerden has held the IBO Welterweight belt and holds a respectable victory over Matthew Hatton, he is in for a rough night against Spence.
van Heerden is durable, however and is not there to be completely blown out.
Spence should either score a late stoppage or secure a comfortable decision.
Prediction: Spence
Sarah Gruber, Staff Writer
Little is known about Chris van Heerden as he is a South African prospect who moved to the United States to further his boxing career and isn’t a household name yet. He now trains under Freddie Roach at Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood where he has been a sparring partner of Miguel Cotto. van Heerden also served as a sparring partner for Canelo Alverez in his preparation for Erislandy Lara. His involvement with these camps should prepare him for a high level of opposition like Errol Spence.
I am probably the only one that hasn’t bought the Spence hype. In his last fight he dominated Phil Lo Greco with a third round knockout. What many people overlooked is that Lo Greco was a last minute replacement. I think Spence’s desire for title shot is bigger than his current skills; I don’t see him as being ready for the likes of Floyd Mayweather, Keith Thurman or even Shawn Porter.
This fight will be a great test for the true skill level of Spence and if he is indeed able to make easy work of van Heerden then he should put himself in line for a possible title shot and I will gladly join everyone else on the Spence bandwagon. I see this fight being a challenge for Spence and going the distance. I think Spence will put out a victory on the scorecards, but I don’t see it being easy work.
Prediction: Spence
Tony Calcara, Staff Writer
Both Errol Spence and Chris van Heerden are southpaws and have only one loss between the two.
I’m looking for Spence to outbox Heerden and win via decision.
Prediction: Spence
Brandon Glass, Staff Writer
Errol Spence is the acclaimed prospect being talked about like he’s cut from the Leonard or Mayweather ilk. Chris van Heerden is an unheard of contender.
Don’t know when his handlers are going to take Spence’s training wheels off and put him a meaningful fight (because it isn’t this one), but I doubt the IBF No. 8 ranked South African has anything in the arsenal to deflate Spence’s rising momentum.
Prediction: Spence
Kai Piercy, Staff Writer
Boxer-puncher Errol Spence Jr. is a fantastic talent, and against a decent fighter in Chris van Heerden, it’s a good chance to showcase his skills and snatch the headlines away from the main bout.
But I think his opponent is good enough to last the distance, and make it competitive.
Still, a comfortable points victory for a future star of the welterweight division.
Prediction: Spence
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
I’m already sold on Errol Spence Jr. I think he’s got the size, athleticism and talent to be a boxing star. If he’s able to pound Chris van Heerden into submission like he has his last four opponents, he’ll be making a serious statement.
I don’t van Heerden is an elite talent, but he is good. Spence takes this one by working his long jab and putting together combinations to the body.
Prediction: Spence
