Errol Spence could have no choice but to fight Keith Thurman
The WBA ruled that its ‘super’ welterweight champion Yordenis “54 Milagros” Ugas (27-4, 12ko) has to face number one contender Eimantas Stanionis (13-0, 9ko). This means unified champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr could fight former champion Keith “One Time” Thurman (29-1, 22ko).Spence (27-0, 21ko) pulled out of the mega-fight with legendary Filipino fighter Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao due to an eye injury, which gutted the boxing community. It opened an opportunity for Ugas to fight Pac Man, with the winner looking to fight the Texas unified champion next.
Ugas delivered the performance of his life and upset the Filipino senator. His victory shook things up, as the boxing community was looking ahead of the Cuban champion and was ready to see Spence versus Pacquiao for all three belts in a mega showdown in 2022. The WBA champion was ready to capitalize on his newfound glory and called for a fight with Spence for a major unification.
“The plan is to unify the titles at welterweight. Everybody says that he’s the champion, now they know who the real champion is. Errol Spence, he’s the next one on the list that I want to fight.”
SPENCE VS THURMAN, ANYONE?
Spence’s trainer, Derrick James, posted a picture of “The Truth” back in the gym training. Fans got excited with anticipation of seeing a unification fight with Ugas.
However, the decision by the WBA organization has put a pause on any plans of moving forward with a unification fight. With Ugas now busy and Shawn Porter tied up with WBO champion Terence Crawford, Thurman could find himself back into the conversation of fighting his nemesis. Spence has shown an unwillingness to fight the former unified champion and expressed so when asked about the fight in 2020.
“That shit ain’t happening, fuck Keith Thurman…..I just feel like he’s fake.”
In fairness, he has been chasing a fight with One Time since 2017. Thurman was considered the man of the division as the unified champion at that time. Over the years, the Texas unified champion has accused Thurman of avoiding him. Moreover, Thurman did himself no favors in being hesitant to fight Spence by saying the fight was not on his “To-do list.”
NEW STATE OF PLAY
Keith Thurman seems eager to want a fight now that the roles are reversed. Moreover, he called into question his rival’s motives by beating the same guys he did prior.
“He’s fought a lot of my competition, but he hasn’t fought me yet. So what kind of statement is he really trying to make in the welterweight division?”
Thurman has a valid point. The Truth has beat the same guys that were previously beat by One Time, and from a financial aspect, it makes sense. Fans are still interested in seeing them fight, and given the level of drama and animosity surrounding both fighters, it has all the makings of a big fight build-up needs.
While the boxing community awaits to see what happens next with Spence back in training, fans should not be surprised if we finally get to see a Spence and Thurman showdown in 2022.
By: Garrisson Bland
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