By Brian Webber: Welterweight champions Errol Spence Jr and Terence Crawford have agreed to a lucrative, eight-figure two-fight deal to meet for the first fight TONIGHT on Showtime PPV at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vega, Nevada. The second fight will take place before the end of 2023, at which point the two fighters will move up to 154.
ESPN is reporting the news of the fight between IBF, WBA & WBC welterweight champion Spence (28-0, 22 KOs) and WBO belt holder (39-0, 30 KOs) agreeing to the deal. It’s taken two years and years to finally agree to fight, but better late than never.
There’s a strong possibility that if the two fights are split with each fighter winning one fight a piece, we could see an immediate trilogy match, provided the sanctioning bodies allow them to battle for a third consecutive time without getting a contender a chance.
WHEN IS CRAWFORD VS SPENCE? START TIME
- Date: Saturday, July 29
- Start time: 8 pm ET
- In the U.S. Showtime and PPV.com will carry the fight for $84,99
- TNT Sports will broadcast in the UK & FiTE TV in Germany
- The fight takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Main event ringwalks (approx): 11 pm ET
Spence hasn’t fought in 13 months, which means that the contenders for his IBF, WBA & WBC belts will be prevented from getting a crack at his three belts for two solid years. If there’s a trilogy match between Spence and Crawford, it would be an even longer wait.
The winner of the July 29th Spence-Crawford fight will be the undisputed welterweight champion and will be viewed as the #1 fighter in the division.
“Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. have agreed to a deal to fight for the undisputed welterweight championship on July 29 at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena,” said Mike Coppinger of ESPN.
“Crawford and Spence will each earn eight figures guaranteed for the Showtime PPV fight, and there’s a bidirectional rematch clause that the loser can trigger within 30 days after the fight.
“It’s a two-fight deal for Crawford with PBC, sources said. After the probable return bout between Crawford and Spence, which must take place before the end of 2023, both boxers are expected to move up to 154 pounds.”
Of course, with both guys getting long in the tooth and rarely fighting any longer, you can argue that the winner of their two fights might not be the best in the division. They would only be proving who the best is between them.
To prove who the true #1 fighter at 147, the Spence vs. Crawford winner of their two fights would need to face the young lion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis because many fans see him as the best right now.
The contenders at 147 will be pleased about the Spence-Crawford fight getting made because these two have gotten wealthy and only fight once a year. They’ve sat on their titles, fighting annually, which has effectively locked out the contenders from getting title shots.
Terence Crawford
“I’m not chasing knockouts; I’m after a win. If he gets cocky, he’s going down.
We’re both prepared, that’s undisputed. But it’s going to be a fish fry on fight night.
He’s gonna learn what everyone else did. That it’s a different ball game inside the ring.
They call him the big bad wolf, but he’s got to prove his mettle in the ring.
I’m not just better than Errol, I’m the best in the business. My record speaks for itself. I’ve never even had a close call. I’ve been impeccable every time. This is my era.
Let’s focus on making this event successful. All this chatter could take a nasty turn.”
Errol Spence Jr.
“Sure, I’m the superior boxer, in terms of physical strength, mental fortitude, and resilience. I plan on dismantling my opponent, bit by bit, crushing his resolve.
Being undisputed is more than a trophy; it’s a testament to my legacy. It’s about being remembered as one of the greatest welterweights to ever don the gloves.
I’m not just bragging about my skills here. Wait till you see my offensive and defensive game, my unparalleled stamina. Talent alone isn’t enough; it’s what you do with it.
You better catch this fight, it’s destined for the history books. It’s going to be remembered alongside legendary brawls, influencing aspiring boxers for decades.
They call it ‘Strap Season’ for a reason. A big shout out to my parents for their endless support. Don’t forget to catch the fight on SHOWTIME PPV. Expect some fireworks.”
Derrick James, Spence’s Trainer
“Enough with the talk. It’s time to eat. To make things happen. We’re done with words, it’s go time.
Victories like these demand incredible discipline and focus. And that’s exactly what Errol brings to the table. He’s primed and ready. We’ve worked hard for each belt and champion we’ve faced.”
Brian “Bo Mac” McIntyre, Crawford’s Trainer
“We’re finally here. No more words. We’re here to claim victory. It’s work time.
Let’s see who the better man is. We respect them, but we’ve been in their shoes. We know what it’s like to be undisputed. All you can do is sit back and watch.”
Isaac Cruz
“I’m here to show my worth, to secure a rematch with Gervonta Davis.
I’m here to do my job, to send a message. I’m not overrated, I’m worth every penny. You’ll see what I’m capable of inside the ring.
Who can take a punch? Who can take a beating? You’ll see on Saturday night.
I’m a true Mexican fighter, ready to show my mettle once again.”
Giovanni Cabrera
“I’ve taken down more undefeated fighters than most. If you look at Cruz’s record, it’s not all that impressive. I’ve earned my spot here, and I plan on walking away with a win.
I’m undefeated for a reason. I’ve faced down every opponent and came out on top.
I’m here to represent my city, my heritage. I’m giving it everything, holding nothing back.
I hope Cruz is hungry; he’s going to be eating my punches.”
Nonito Donaire
“I’ve had wins and losses, but I’m here to prove that I’ve still got what it takes. This fight is for me.
I’m packing more power now, drawing from my experience and emotional drive.
All respect to my opponent, but if I see a chance, I’m taking it.
Becoming undisputed is my goal. It’s the one title that eludes me. I’ve achieved much in boxing, but never been undisputed.”
Alexandro Santiago
“I was young when I fought for the title in 2018. That’s history now. I’ve grown since, matured.
I respect Nonito, but Saturday night is about showing the world what I’m capable of. I’m here to put on a show.
This is for my family, for my newborn son. This is about making dreams come true.”
Yoenis Tellez
“This is an opportunity for me to shine. My focus is on winning.
I promise to show you a rising Cuban fighter with championship potential.”
Sergio Garcia
“I would’ve done the same thing in his shoes. But right now, I need to focus on winning this fight.
I don’t make promises, I show results. I’ve worked hard and always left it all in the ring. The fans are going to get a show they deserve.”
SPENCE CRAWFORD UNDERCARD
- Errol Spence vs. Terence Crawford for undisputed welterweight title
- Isaac Cruz vs. Giovanni Cabrera; WBC and WBA lightweight title eliminator
- Nonito Donaire vs. Alexandro Santiago; For the vacant WBC bantamweight title
- Yoenis Tellez vs. Sergio Garcia; Super welterweight
- Steven Nelson vs. Rowdy Montgomery, 10 rounds, super middleweights
- Jose Salas Reyes vs. Aston Palicte, 10 rounds, junior featherweights
- Jabin Chollet vs. Michael Portales, 6 rounds, lightweights
- Justin Viloria vs. Pedro Borgaro, 6 rounds, junior lightweights
- Demler Zamora vs. Nikolai Buzolin, 8 rounds, lightweights
- Kevin Ventura vs. DeShawn Prather, 6 rounds, welterweights