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Errol Spence Jr suggests Thurman losing his hunger for the hurt game

Written by Keeran Rajan on 9th April 2018.

It has been a goal of ‘The Truth’ Errol Spence Jr’s for quite some time now, to secure a unification matchup with Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman for the IBF, WBA and WBC world welterweight titles.

Thurman has been out of action for over a year now, with an injury to his elbow keeping him out of action with his focus solely on rehabilitation from the injury while focusing on his personal life after getting married.

It was pencilled in that he would return to the ring on May 19th. However, an injury to ‘One Time’s hand delayed his return to the ring.

“Dude gets injured more than anybody I know,” Spence said on the topic of Thurman’s frequent injury problems.

Thurman has made his plans to fight a lower calibre level opponent in his return to the ring, plain to hear. He also has mandatory obligations to his WBC title in the form of rematches with both Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia.

He has already suggested the unification clash with Spence Jr may not take place until next year or maybe later. Much to the dismay of boxing fans around the world.

Spence shared he has respect for Thurman’s skills but questioned the WBA and WBC 147 lbs titleholder’s desire to remain in this gruelling sport.

“Thurman can fight. He’s a good fighter, but it seems that he’s losing the hunger a little bit.”

Spence says that Thurman’s mannerisms have changed over the period of time culminating in Spence’s arrival on the world championship scene at 147 lbs.

“If you look at Thurman three years ago, the way he was talking – but now the way he’s talking is way different.”

“He’s talking like an old fighter on the edge of retiring.”

“Maybe he wants to go to wherever his girlfriend or wife’s from and live out the rest of his years. I don’t know,” Spence said.

Additionally, Spence declared that his welterweight rival stop ‘holding the belts up.’

“But he needs to stop holding the belts up. He needs to fight or vacate – one of the two.”

Pressed on what could be behind Thurman’s desire in the sport somewhat dwindle, Spence believes he has got used to a ‘real comfortable’ lifestyle. Which Spence says has perhaps taken the edge away from what a young, hungry, ambitious contender has.

“A lot of things changed for Thurman… more money. He just got comfortable… It just happens over time.”

“He accomplished a lot of things. He beat Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia.”

“He’s the champion now. A lot of things changed, he’s real comfortable now.”

“He’s getting a lot of money now, he’s not as hungry as he used to be,” Spence said.

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