Errol Spence Jr Claps back at Bradley
WBO welterweight Terence “Bud” Crawford (36-0, 27ko) successfully defended the title for the third time against mandatory contender Egidijus Kavaliauskas (21-1-1, 17ko), spectacularly stopping the challenger in the ninth round on December 14 at the famous Madison Square Garden Arena.
Shortly after the fight, during closing commentary, former two-divisional world champion Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley went on a rant calling out PBC welterweights to fight the WBO champion.
“The only real man over at PBC is Wilder. You want to know why? Because he’s fighting Fury. All the other welterweights over there, this man is begging to fight you. You need to put your big boy pants on, come over, make this fight with Crawford. He’s the best welterweight in the world, PERIOD!”
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Now it is worth mentioning that Top Rank head honcho Bob Arum revealed information about a private conversation that took place several months ago with Premier Boxing Champions brass Al Haymon.
The legendary promoter confirmed that a fight between unified champion Errol “The Truth” Spence and the WBO champion would definitely fight in 2020. However, news of the unified champions car accident has put a halt to any movement. Furthermore, former two-time world champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter’s father Kenny Porter hinted about wanting a fight with the WBO champion as well. In all fairness, Arum has shifted attention towards wanting that fight also.
I guess Bradley didn’t get those memos! Either way, it’s understandable why he would want to see someone from “across the street” to step in the ring and fight his fellow ESPN brethren.
A CREDITABLE ARGUMENT
Watching this unfold live, the unified champion via social media immediately addressed the man who he once accused of retiring instead of fighting him when the WBC ordered them to fight.
Shots fired! Now Bradley is right. Yes, yes, don’t adjust your eyes. I said it once, it’s not going to be said again. However, many fans agree with the former two-divisional champion. It’s unfair that PBC has a choke-hold on the division and appears to be waiting until the WBO champion face turns blue before releasing their grip.
HISTORICAL REMINDER
Fans need to a reminder of one thing: the business of boxing is guilty of making money on in-house fights before looking abroad. Look at how some of these entities are playing keep-away with champions Devin Haney, Dmitry Bivol and Jermall Charlo being left out of the loop in their respective divisions.
Boxing has a long history of freezing guys out. Have we forgotten the famous Black Murders Row or how “Bodysnatcher” Mike McCallum was left out in the cold during the height of the Four Kings era of Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearn, Roberto Duran, and Marvin Hagler?
So as frustrating as this is, and it can be exhausting at times, it has been a part of the sport since it’s inception.
By: Garrisson Bland
