Edit by Cinimodfx
[otw_shortcode_quote border=”bordered” border_style=”bordered”]Only those who have patience to do simple things perfectly ever acquire the skill to do difficult things easily. -James J. Corbett[/otw_shortcode_quote]
The welterweight division is as robust with polarizing personalities and potentially explosive matchups as it has been in the last 20 years.
Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (17-0, 14 KOs) is the new kid on the block and is closely associated with none other than Floyd Mayweather Jr. and other influential boxing entities.
Spence’s most notable win came in June against Phil Lo Greco a last minute substitute, at the famed MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada who he easily stopped in three rounds.
That the gifted southpaw was able to blow away his rival under these circumstances is not surprising. What is more disappointing than surprising is that Spence, despite not having defeated any ranked rival, is rated No. 8 in the world by the WBA.
Keith “One Time” Thurman (26-0, 22 KOs) happens to be the WBA Welterweight champion.
Thurman’s most recent outing was against veteran Luis Collazo. Thurman was in charge for the majority of the fight before a perfectly timed hook to the liver almost put him to a knee. Thurman bent, but impressively didn’t fold and stopped Collazo on cuts.
Thurman also vanquished former Mayweather foe Robert Guerreo, dropping him in the ninth round and emerging victorious via wide unanimous decision.
A victory over the tough and at point undefeated Diego Chaves was a trial by fire and was validated by Chaves’ subsequent efforts against world class fighter Timothy Bradly (a fight which ended in a draw) and an embarrassing DQ versus Brandon Rios in a mutually dirty affair.
A Thurman and Spence battle is being discussed primarily because of the carefully coached comments made immediately after Spence’s televised victory over Lo Greco with Floyd Mayweather Jr. as the coach. Mayweather’s dismissal of Thurman is an obvious ploy to build Spence up as a young colt in his stable.
Thurman has been calling for a clash not with Spence, but with pound-for-pound king Mayweather and like most boxing fans around the world is surely disappointed that “TBE” has chosen to face Andre Berto who is 3-3 in his last six fights.
Spence is an excellent prospect and is in an enviable position, having excellent backing with regard to finance, promotion and network exposure–with emphasis on the word exposure.
The difference in professional experience against world class opposition would expose the young Spence’s relative immaturity and a bout with Thurman at this point would put him at risk of a crushing, career-altering defeat.
Team Spence would be well served to be patient and bring their fighter along slowly and against the proper opposition to increase his boxing acumen and provide him with the solid foundation on which to build the skilled young fighter’s career.
Should the fight happen in the foreseeable future you can look for Spence to have a moment or two in the first few rounds. Thurman’s pressure would become too much for the talented prospect however and after a couple of knockdowns the referee would mercifully come to Spence’s rescue around Round 7.
