Errol Spence stepped up in class for the first time on Saturday against former WBO light-welterweight champion Chris Algieri. From the opening bell Spence asserted his dominance in centre ring and showcased the skills that have him widely regarded as the welterweight divisions hottest prospect.

The 1st round was fairly close, with both men establishing their game plans. Spence laded a few crisp combinations, with Algieri landing a couple of nice counter shots. Both men targeted the body, with limited success. The 2nd round followed a similar pattern, but Spence was busier and landing effective shots.

By the 3rd round, Spence had established his dominance and was landing with real authority to both body and head. Algieri was gone, yet his efforts were easily quashed. Spence was beginning to hurt Algieri in the 4th, this was illustrated when a flush left dropped Algieri to the canvas. The 5th round was no different, Spence unloaded a four punch combo and a left hook shaking Algieri, and dropping him for the second time.

This time Algieri looked demoralised, The speed, strength and ferocity in which, Spence delivered his attacks had completely drained him of his resilience. A reluctant Algieri barely beat the count, and after a further barrage pummeled Chris onto the ropes, a sweet, sweeping left hook dropped Algieri for the 3rd time prompting referee Benjy Esteves to step in and stop the fight.

Algieri had been dropped 6 times by Manny Pacquiao and sensationally dethroned the seemingly invincible Russian Provodnikov. And last year took Amir Khan 12 rounds in a very close fight. Yet, Saturday, Spence pulverized Chris and forced the fight out of him.

Errol Spence has truly established himself by beating Algieri in such emphatic fashion, and in doing so became the #1 ranked welterweight. Kell Brook is in his sights to become champion, yet Brook is unlikely to take that fight with Spence purely for economical reasons. So this is a huge step Spence, but until he becomes a household name and gains global recognition, it’s unlikely Spence will be involved in a huge mega fight. This performance, impressive as it was may harm Spence’s chance for a big fight. Until he brings a bigger fan base due to the politics and financial side of boxing, most elite fighters will avoid this young, explosive, talented American because he will pose a threat to anybody in the division.

NEXT FIGHT

April 30th sees the always entertaining ‘Vicisious’ Victor Ortiz face Floyd Mayweather’s last opponent, Andre Berto in a rematch of thier 2011 ‘Fight Of The Year’. Although both men are probably past thier best, this fight will be entertaining due to the bad blood between the two of them. A victory for either may catapult them into the title picture for a shot at the world title. It may also be a potential swansong for either man. As both have suspect chins, I’m not anticipating a decision. if Berto wins by KO it will be early. The later it goes, it favours Ortiz, due to Berto’s stamina issues.

MY PREDICTION – Ortiz wins by K.O in the 11th round.