The WBA Steps Aside to Allow Errol Spence v Keith Thurman
Unified welterweight champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr (28-0, 22KO) and former unified champion Keith “One Time” Thurman (30-1, 22KO) may fight in February 2023. At the WBC convention, the two stablemates were ordered to fight. It now seems the WBA is following suit and granting special permission for Spence to fight Thurman.
The boxing community saw the writing on the wall with this. On November 18, the WBA ordered ‘regular’ champion Eimantas Stanionis to face top contender Vergil Ortiz Jr (19-0, 19KO). According to the WBA, TGB promotions requested special permission on November 14.
“On November 14, 2022, TGB promotions applied for special permission on behalf of Spence to fight Thurman in February 2023, but with specific mandatory conditions. Pursuant to WBA rule C.16, which states that mandatory defense periods can be modified for cause either by special permission request or on its own initiative. The WBA decided that Spence can face Thurman.”
THE IBF CAN STILL COME A KNOCKING
Before fans get too excited, there is still the matter of the IBF. The father/trainer of top contender Jaron Ennis, Derek Ennis, has petitioned the organization for the right to fight Spence. It is safe to assume the IBF will hold off on mandating the fight until after Spence and Thurman.
Yet, the IBF is known to be strict about following its guidelines. However, the unified champion could also request special permission that would allow the Thurman fight to take place. Things are quickly shaping up for an inevitable Spence versus Thurman showdown.
By: Garrisson Bland
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