Spence vs Ugas - April 16th

[Master]

Spence to fight Ugas - so what now for Crawford?

Errol Spence Jr, the dream opponent for Terence Crawford, is instead set to fight Yordenis Ugas keeping the world's two premier welterweights apart again.

IBF and WBC champion Spence Jr is expected to face WBA titleholder Ugas to unify their belts in their first fight of 2022.

The WBA approved the fight after Eimantas Stanionis, Ugas' mandatory challenger, agreed to step aside.

The agreement leaves WBO champion Crawford in the dark in his long pursuit of Spence Jr.

Crawford said to Spence Jr: "You are lying saying you called me? Don't do that. That's a bad look when you lie to the people."

Spence Jr said about facing Ugas: "I'm doing all the heavy lifting."

Ugas said: "Thanks to the WBA for doing the right thing. It is an award for my dedication, and for being a brave man in and out of the ring.

"I will be fighting one of the best [pound-for-pound]. I'm a warrior. First Cuban fighting for three belts one night."

Ugas opened the door to later facing Crawford: "This fight is the first step to having an undisputed champ at 147lbs in 2022."

Spence Jr was due to unify the IBF, WBA and WBC belts against Manny Pacquiao in the summer, but was forced to withdraw with an eye injury.

Ugas replaced Spence Jr and defeated Pacquiao, sending the legend into retirement, and claiming the WBA title.

Crawford then impressively became the first man to stop former welterweight champion Shawn Porter - a feat that Spence Jr could not achieve when they shared the ring.

Porter said afterwards: "The fight with Errol Spence Jr which went 12 rounds was not as tough as the fight with Terence Crawford."

Spence Jr had been ringside to watch Crawford beat Porter.

"He was at my fight? That boy said he would never come to my fight but now he's at my fight," Crawford said.

"You saw what I did compared to what he did [against Porter].

"Who's No 1 in the welterweight division now?

"You all know who I want. I've been calling him out. Maybe I'll go up to 154lbs.

"Maybe Spence Jr will fight me."

What options does Crawford have?
Josh Taylor will defend his undisputed super-lightweight championship against Jack Catterall in Glasgow on February 26, live on Sky Sports.

Taylor holds all the belts that Crawford once owned and has plotted to move up a division to fight the unbeaten American.

"There was some sizing up going up," Taylor said about coming face to face with Crawford.

Taylor called himself a "potential future opponent" for Crawford.

Vergil Ortiz Jr, the prodigious American talent who is unbeaten in 18 fights, is also a fascinating option for Crawford.

Ortiz Jr is ranked at No 1 by the WBO.

Jaron 'Boots' Ennis, one of American boxing's most exciting emerging fighters, is ranked at No 2.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/boxi...cid=entnewsntp

[Spicoli]

Saw a lot of people giving Spence hell for making this one (if he doesn't disregard the following ) and labeled a duck but actually like the fight. Crawford has been popping off after Porter win and to a degree rightfully so but bit empty as it took years to finally beat a relatable talent and Spence beat the very same two years ago. Arguably as had Ugas v Porter and now Spence has him next in unification. Yes Crawford v Spence is an overdue super fight we need but had Crawford taken Ugas next while his post Arum (?) dust settles I'd say the same. If anything there's more of both going in the same direction leading to potential fight now more than ever with Crawford crawling out of Arums pouch and dipping his toe into pbc and all the trinkets being lined up between both. Plenty of talent for both to face early 2022 and Ugas is not a certain easy victory for either IMHO. Maybe I'm stubborn but still have hope for their mega fight soon but when the top guys fight as well I'm good with it.

[Master]

Errol Spence finalising three-belt unification against clever Cuban Yordenis Ugas who beat Manny Pacquiao, but Terence Crawford’s next fight is unclear

Errol Spence is reportedly now in advanced talks for a three-belt unification fight against Yordenis Ugas to take place in spring 2022.

America’s WBC and IBF champion looks very likely to meet the Cuban WBA champion who defeated Manny Pacquiao back in August.

Spence has endured a rough couple of years, fighting just once in that period.

He won his first world title back in 2017 as he flew to the UK and dethroned IBF champion Kell Brook.

In September 2019, he unified by taking the WBC belt from Shawn Porter.


Just two weeks later, Spence was in a high-speed car crash and fortunate to survive as he was ejected from his Ferrari due to the fact he was not wearing a seatbelt.

In December 2020 he returned to the ring and opted against a potential tune-up fight by instead jumping straight back in with Danny Garcia, who he beat on points.

With things seemingly back on track, Spence finally secured a dream fight with Manny Pacquiao for August 2021.

However, he suffered a retinal tear to his left eye and was ruled out of the contest with under two weeks to go.

Ugas jumped in at late notice and staked his WBA title against Pacquiao instead.

Despite being the underdog, the crafty Cuban put on an intelligent boxing display to outpoint the Filipino legend, who retired after the defeat.

Now, Spence (WBC and IBF) and Ugas (WBA) stand as two of the three world title-holders and welterweight.

Terence Crawford owns the WBO belt and so holds the final piece of the puzzle.

A super fight between Spence and Crawford now appears a far more realistic possibility as the latter became a free agent following his win over Porter in November.

For the time being though, Spence vs Ugas will have to do.

The WBA have now confirmed that they’ve approved the bout and, according to Mike Coppinger, a deal is being finalised for March or April.

https://talksport.com/sport/boxing/1...ence-crawford/

[TIC]

errol all day

[Ron Swanson]

Crawford needs another significant fight, like Thurman while this happens to set up the meeting that absolutely must happen.

[Master]

Keith Thurman is scheduled to face Mario Barrios on 5th February 2022.

Thurman last fight was against Manny Pac and it will be 2 1/2 years before he eventually fights Barrios.

Barrios was knocked out in his last fight against Gervonta Davis.

[SlimTrae]

Crawford is the Rodney DangerField of Champions, nevertheless, I like this Fight as well. Especially considering Ugas doesn't have to worry about rust.