Derrick James Enters Court Battle with Errol Spence Jr.
In bit of rather unfortunate news, it’s been confirmed that revered chief second, Derrick James, is suing one time client and former unified welterweight champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr (28-1, 22 KO’s). Apparently, the one-time fighter turned punch mechanic is alleging that Spence fell short of satisfying his proper work fee. Regardless of how this plays out in the court, this whole legal episode has clearly sounded the death knell for this dynamic boxing union.
STILL OPEN FOR BUSINESS
It is well-known throughout the boxing world that Derrick James has captained Spence’s corner since his amateur days. From that raw material, James honed an ornery, efficient seek-and-destroy fighter, who for a time was viewed by many as the true king of the welterweight division. Then in the aftermath of Spence’s most meaningful fight, and first pro loss, their previously hushed issues over money boiled over into public litigation.
In something of a stroke of good luck, as Spence was heading out the door, James had recently ushered the bizarre junior welterweight Ryan Garcia into his tutelage. On his latest tour of duty, Garcia bucked all the odds when he went the distance with and beat WBC 140-pound champion Devin Haney by majority decision. Right now, Ryan Garcia is easily one of the most recognizable faces in the sport.
James also helms the corner of UK boxing titan and two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. Similar to Garcia, Joshua is one of the more readily recognized faces in the sport. So, even with The Truth gone like a hollow marriage, it’s not likely that James will be suffering any missed meal any time soon.
ACID TEST TIME
On the flipside, it will certainly be newsworthy to see who Errol Spence Jr., 34, recruits to be his next trainer. Stranded on the outside looking in, this appears to be a rather perilous time to make such a jolting move. In just his last bout, Spence was branded with his first professional loss by three-division and two-time undisputed champion Terence Crawford.
Worse than losing, Spence was belted, dropped, socked and overall dominated in what was touted to be a 50/50 duel. Essentially the same thing just happened to Devin Haney in a bout with the aforementioned Ryan Garcia. Now, like Haney, Spence will have to prove to himself and show the world he is not a mentally scarred fighter.
This will be done when moving up in weight, and if true to character, against top tier opposition. That certainly is the formula for redemption . . . or disaster. What’s plain to see is The Truth will have a lot of moving parts to piece together in his next prizefight. But against who? And who will be in the corner? Curious boxing heads got to know!
