Brook vs Spence Jr: Phil Lo Greco remembers unique build-up before Errol Spence Jr fight
Thursday 25 May 2017 10:32, UK
Phil Lo Greco lasted three rounds against Errol Spence Jr in 2015. Ahead of Kell Brook's fight with Spence Jr, live on Sky Sports, Lo Greco explains his short-notice call-up and the fight that followed...
You were a short-notice replacement. What happened?
I got the call 48 hours before and had to lose 16 pounds. I wouldn't wish it upon anybody but I wanted to demonstrate fighters should step up. But I'm glad I did it, because I now use it as a mental edge.
What were your first impressions of boxing Spence Jr?
Wow, this is a southpaw that can box. I rate him as an excellent fighter.
You won the first round of the fight on all three judges' scorecards...
I stuck out my left hand - I have a long reach so I showed him a distance that he'd never seen before. He expected me to be rugged like I always am. I'm the only guy to win a round against Spence Jr, but then I gassed out. I could have gone into survival mode for 10 rounds but I actually tried to fight him.
Spence Jr is known for his body shots. How painful were they?
He sits [opponents] down with great body shots. Not good body shots, great body shots. Most southpaws are not well known to be great body punchers. He was taught in Texas, where there are lots of Latin boxers. It's all about where you are bred.
Maybe it's the stance, maybe it's the distance. Spence Jr fights at distance and is able to dig into the body.
Aside from the body shots, is Spence Jr a powerful puncher?
I didn't feel his power because my adrenaline was so high. He didn't knock me down. When the referee stopped the fight I complained because, although I wasn't throwing punches, I was not seriously hurt.
Any weaknesses?
He does not like to get hit, that I can promise. I remember he hit me with an full-force uppercut to the groin - I could have taken the easy way out. Then he said I headbutted him which showed me a sign of weakness.
How much of a factor was your late-notice call-up?
It wouldn't have been any different if I had a couple of weeks of training. You need to prepare properly for Spence Jr. He is the real deal.
Did you have a decent relationship with Spence Jr before and after the fight?
This is the gentleman's sport because, outside the ring, we are all gentlemen. After the fight, I congratulated him and said: 'I hope you know what I went through to save this fight'. He said I was a true warrior, and he respected me.
Watch Brook vs Spence Jr, from Bramall Lane, Sheffield, May 27, live on Sky Sports Box Office. Book the event online here or via your Sky remote.
