Errol Spence Jr No Longer Interested In Fighting Keith Thurman
Former unified WBA/WBC world Welterweight champion Keith Thurman (29-1, 22 KOs) kicked up a lot of dust by saying he wants to fight current IBF/WBC 147-pound champ, Errol Spence Jr (26-0, 21 KOs). Accompanied by his trainer, Derrick James, Spence responded to Thurman’s callout during an appearance on The Last Stand Podcast With Brian Custer.
“That shit ain’t happening, fuck Keith Thurman. I don’t like him. That’s just one guy I never liked.
There’s a lot of boxers out there that I really don’t care for, but him I just don’t like him. I just feel like he’s fake. Everything about him, I just don’t like him at all.”
Spence went on to say he is looking to stay around at welterweight for three more fights: his upcoming battle against Danny Garcia (36-2, 21 KOs) on December 5, WBA “Super” World Welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs), and WBO 147-pound titlist Terence Crawford (36-0, 27 KOs) before moving up in weight.
SPENCE/THURMAN BEEF GOES BACK
Here is the thing: there have been opportunities for them to fight previously. Spence has publicly talked about wanting to fight Thurman even before becoming a world champion in 2017.
Over the years, the 30-year-old from Desoto, Texas has accused Thurman of ducking him. And when previously asked about a potential fight against the Texan, Thurman came off as hesitant and non-committal in the minds of many fans and pundits. So it is interesting that the 31-year-old from Tampa, Florida is now eager and willing to wage war.
In theory, Spence v Thurman could do good numbers and has the chance to be a pretty entertaining scrap. However, is it the most desirable fight right now in the division?
The matchup on the minds of many is a showdown between Spence and Crawford. Plus, it is known Spence is a big welterweight who has to work hard to make 147-pounds. Finally, with Thurman no longer a world champion, what major incentive would Spence have to fight him?
As thirsty as Keith Thurman currently claims to be for a fight against Thurman, it may be a case of the time has passed and gone. And if Spence has any say, he is certainly ready to move on.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
