By: Sean Crose
The World Boxing Council announced at their convention in Acapulco on Wednesday that Errol Spence, the Council’s weight champion belt holder, will face off against the welterweight veteran – and former belt holder. world – Keith Thurman, with Spence’s WBC belt at stake. This is an interesting battle to say the least, though Thurman is now essentially a part-time fighter. While fans had hoped that Spence, who also holds the WBA and IBF belts, would face WBO famed Terence Crawford for the undisputed weightlifting title, that fight was lost and Thurman had a names and records that fans know.
The truth is that Spence, at least sometimes, has no desire to fight Thurman as Thurman has indicated he won’t consider him a return opponent when the so-called “One Time” boxer is at the top of the list. division and Spence is still a young warrior on the rise. If Spence decides he doesn’t want to fight Thurman even at this point, he’ll have to give up his WBC title, which seems a bit drastic, especially now that hopes to fight with Crawford is no more. Furthermore, both Thurman and Spence are fighting under the PBC banner, so theoretically there shouldn’t be too many obstacles to a smooth negotiation.
Spence last saw action last spring when he beat Yordenis Ugas in the 10th minute. Spence had hoped to rematch Manny Pacquiao in 2021, but an injury prevented him from turning. that war becomes a reality. Ugas stepped in to replace and upset Pacquiao, causing the Filipino legend to retire. Spence then faced Ugas instead of having a more notable duel with Pacquiao. While Spence certainly still faces his big names, Thurman will be another impressive win on record if he fights and beats the Florida native.
Thurman himself has had a rather odd career. After his brilliant rise to the top of the welterweight rankings, the man began to spend a lot of time away from the ring, some but certainly not all due to injury. Thurman’s last big fight was a loss to Pacquiao in 2019 in a fight that many, if not most, believed he would win. Thurman has fought less than once a year since 2015. Once one of the sport’s hottest names, the now 33-year-old Thurman remains a major rival to Spence. It might be worth questioning, however, whether Thurman himself wants to fight Spence at the moment. Thurman’s last game was UD’s win over Mario Barrios last February.
