It’s been said more than once in the build up to Errol Spence’s first title defense–why is Spence fighting Lamont Peterson?
Of course, this grumpy sentiment comes from the extremists who think every fight has to be for all the belts.
While Peterson is a former world champion and a high-level opponent to be facing in just your first world title defense, bloodthirsty fight fans have been calling for Spence to take on other notable fighters including Danny Garcia, Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter.
But, according to the IBF Welterweight champion Spence, each one of those fighters declined to take the fight with him.
Speaking at the final press conference before his fight with Peterson, Saturday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, Spence addressed his inactivity and how difficult it’s been to get a high-level opponent to agree on a fight.
“I had a lot of guys not answering the call,” said Spence. “I have a belt and I’m still calling these dudes out. Danny Garcia, Keith Thurman and all these guys. We wouldn’t be sitting here if Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia or Shawn Porter said they’d take the fight. Lamont Peterson answered the call like a real fighter and a real soldier should do.”
Watch the full video below and let us know your thoughts on Spence and how a fight against Garcia, Thurman or Porter would play out.
Header photo by Amanda Westcott/Showtime
