I don't see Taylor having close to enough power to get any sizeable amount of respect from Spence. It may look somewhat like the first Chavez fight...for the first 3ish rounds, then it becomes the Norris fight. Boxrec has Spence's height at 5′ 9½″ which is 2" even taller then what they list for Taylor. Spence has a listed 72" inch reach to Taylor's 66". I don't even know that the fight looks competitive even
50/50 fight. I am still waiting for Spence to look awesome. So far, he is a really good fighter, nothing more. Taylor's lack of size may be a problem, but, I wouldn't count him (or McGirt) out of beating Spence in spite of the size disparity.
Right now I would lean towards Spence. Obviously Taylor is way more talented than Mikey Garcia, but what that fight showed is that a smaller fighter moving up and challenging Spence could be a big problem. Mikey refused to open up as early as like the 2nd round and struggled heavily with the jab and was terrified of getting close and getting nailed by the body shots. Another good reference is the Porter fight. Porter is around the same height as Taylor, but much larger natural often cutting weight to get down to 147 and being stockier and stronger overall. Again, Porter is not as skilled as Taylor, but he's a hell of an inside fighter, a throwback to guys like Armstrong. Spence did have problems against Porter, but he edged it and ultimately I think it was Spence's size and strength that made a big difference. Plus I believe that Spence was fighting down to Porter's level somewhat choosing to have a phone booth fight rather than stick his jab out and box more. I think Taylor had the skill, but ultimately lacks the size, durability, and strategy to get to Spence even if he can match him in skill and talent. My prediction would be Spence TKO round 10-11 in a very exciting action packed war.
Spence is more skilled than Taylor. A better technician, outstanding consistent jab. Meldrick Taylor just blinding hands in a showy, shoeshine way. Many were slaps. Mel wasn't powerful at 140. At 147 its worse, he's shorter than most Welterweights and not dangerous. Taylor was a tough guy, big heart, think about it though Taylor never would have left JrWelter if he hadn't got hit by the pickup truck named Chavez.. that Duva buying time Spence is too big,, stong, consistant.
