After hopes were raised for a huge all-American welterweight superfight, boxing fans are set to crash back down to reality.
Reports suggest that contractual issues have brought talks of Spence-Crawford to a standstill, despite agreeing initial terms. Enthusiasts of the sport are once again left questioning whether the fight will ever come to fruition.
Like many nearly-fights in recent boxing history, it seems to be so close yet so far for Errol Spence Jr. to fight Terence Crawford for the undisputed welterweight title. Although terms were reportedly agreed last month with Crawford backing down and giving Spence the lion’s share of the financial split, it appears another issue has sprung.
According to ESPN’s Mike Coppinger, Crawford wants total transparency related to the expenses of the event, as the contract contains no guaranteed purse and he wants to make sure he receives the correct amount from his split.
“The Errol Spence Jr.-Terence Crawford undisputed welterweight championship fight is in jeopardy because of a lingering dispute regarding the contract, sources told ESPN.
Since Crawford (38-0, 29 KOs) will earn a percentage of the net revenue, he wants the ability to approve expenses.”
The fight is undoubtedly one of – if not the – most in-demand fights in boxing, certainly outside of the heavyweight division. Crawford holds the WBO belt and is regarded as a top five pound-for-pound boxer, having held the same belt in the lightweight division and then being undisputed at light-welterweight.
Meanwhile, Errol Spence holds the WBC, WBA and IBF belts and has overcome a serious car crash and a detached retina to continue to dominate the division. With three belts to his name, it is now being accepted that Spence is the A-side in this fight after months of deliberation and negotiations with Crawford, but he is still regarded as the underdog by bookmakers.
After seeming to be so close, you’d be a fool to write this fight off from happening and this could just be a negotiation tactic from Crawford to possibly implement a guaranteed purse. However, doubts are clearly being cast over the fight being Crawford’s next and he may take a fight in the meantime, whilst long-winded negotiations continue.