Boxing breakdown and fight preview: Errol Spence Jr vs Leonard Bundu

This Sunday afternoon, PBC returns to network television as Errol Spence, Jr. (20-0; 17 KO) takes on Leonard Bundu (33-1-2; 12 KO) in a 12 round Welterweight (147 lb.) fight. Ring Magazine has Spence at #7 in the division with Bundu unranked. Premier Boxing Champions Spence vs. Bundu airs this Sunday, August 22 on NBC with a fight time of 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT.

This is basically a showcase fight for Spence and also a world title eliminator. A win here will make Spence the mandatory challenger for Kell Brook's IBF title in what would be Spence's first shot at a major title (Brook has an upcoming fight with Gennady Golovkin, but that's at Middleweight and Brook's title is not on the line). Let's hope things work out that way, because Spence vs. Brook should be an excellent fight.

How do these two stack up?

Spence: 26 years old | 5'9" | 72" reach | southpaw stance
Bundu: 41 years old | 5'7" | 69" reach | orthodox stance

What have these two done recently?

Spence: W - Chris Algieri (KO) | W - Alejandro Barrera (KO) | W - Chris van Heerden (KO)
Bundu: W - Jussi Koivula (KO) | W - Pablo Munguia (UD) | L - Keith Thurman (UD)

How did these two get here?

Errol Spence has been hailed as the future of boxing for the past few years and so far, he's given no reason to doubt that high praise. A 2012 Olympian, Spence has been rising up the ranks in recent years, and comes in here off his biggest career win by far - a stoppage victory over Chris Algieri (it's worth noting that Algieri was not stopped in his previous losses to either Pacquiao or Khan). The southpaw Spence has shown high level technical skills, but also a great aggressive streak and finishing ability, ending his last 7 fights by stoppage. He's got future world champion written all over him, and this fight is a key stepping stone on that path.

Leonard Bundu is a veteran who came to professional boxing a bit late in his career after a long amateur run. He fought in the 2000 Olympics, but did not turn pro until 2005, spending most of his early pro career fighting in Italy. His first US fight came in 2014, when he lost a lopsided decision to Keith Thurman. He's had two wins since, neither against notable opposition. The 41 year old seems to be slowing down his career, with only two fights in the last 20 months.

What can fans expect?

Like I said, this is a Spence showcase. He holds the advantage in essentially every area - he's bigger, has the reach, he's younger, faster, and hits harder. The question to watch here is if Spence can do what Thurman could not and put Bundu away. With all eyes on him, most importantly those of Kell Brook, you know Spence will want that KO. And I suspect he's good enough to get it. Prediction: Spence, KO

Why should you care?

Boxing is full of heavily hyped "future world champion" type prospects. But there are prospects and there are prospects, and Errol Spence is the real deal. You might be watching something special develop here.